A 2-night meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW

About this event

Dates: Friday 15 March to Sunday 17 2024, arrive from 4pm Friday for a 6pm start, depart 2pm Sunday

Cost: $250 – $300 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Registrations close 13 March.

Giving Up

Weekend meditation retreat with Bhante Tejadhammo

Why is so much of our suffering brought about by our wanting something or someone or wanting to be someone? Wanting to be somewhere else or to be a yet unattained self?
Welcome to a weekend retreat in which we will try to give up that which only exists in our wanting it or desiring it.

“Suffering exists but no sufferer is found
Deeds are but no doer
Nibbana is but no one enters
The Way is but no walker is found.”
                                                           ~ Buddhaghosa

Join Bhante Tejadhammo for this weekend retreat where we will try to give up these things.

Bhante Tejadhammo

Venerable Tejadhammo Bhikku – Bhante – is the Spiritual Director of the Association of Engaged Buddhists.

Venerable Tejadhammo Bhikku was ordained by Venerable Tanchaokhun Phra Visalsalmanagun, Chaokhana Changwat, Phuket, in Thailand. Bhante has a background in Western Philosophy and Theology, and has studied and taught at Silpakorn University, Thailand. Before returning to Australia he taught in Thai universities and jails. Although ordained in the Theravada tradition, he has also studied with Tibetan and Mahayana teachers and has a commitment to the Dharma that he believes encompasses all traditional expressions of it. He is a founding member of Australian Monastic Encounter, which seeks to promote inter-religious and inter-monastic dialogue.

Venue and Cost

Vejjasala, located just outside the village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is the retreat centre of the Association of Engaged Buddhists (AEB). The name, Vejjasala, means a place for healing. This beautiful retreat centre features recently renovated, comfortable accommodation, expanses of bushland, and lots of amazing wildlife.

The event cost includes accommodation and food, with three vegetarian meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Costs range from $250 – $300 per person depending on the type of accommodation.

Please note:  Most accommodation at Vejjasala consists of well-appointed and spacious twin-share rooms. These are generally assigned to same-sex attendees (please indicate on the form if you are booking a shared room and this is not suitable for you).

Couples (same-sex or otherwise) are not encouraged to share rooms during retreats. You can read more about the accommodation options.

Registration is via the Ticket Tailor links above and below. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place.

Scholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation.

Payment to the teacher is made by donation (dāna or generosity) after the retreat. This continues the ancient Buddhist tradition where the teachings are offered freely. Participants are invited to make a donation that feels sustainable and generous according to their situation. These retreats and teachings are possible because of the generosity of others in the past and any dāna given will help make the teachings available in the future.

Full details about Vejjasala, accommodation options, directions, and information about what to bring can be found on the website.

There is a train station in Wingello, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling with the organisers and other participants, or you can take the train to a nearby station and then we will pick you up. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others.

Vejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people.

Fire Danger

Due to its rural location in the bush, Vejjasala Retreat Centre is ‘not to be occupied’ on days with an ‘extreme’ or ‘catastrophic’ fire danger rating (per Wingecarribee Shire Council DA for the property). During the bushfire season, if the forecast before the retreat is for an ‘extreme’ or ‘catastrophic’ fire danger rating, the retreat will not be able to proceed. We will monitor the fire danger, and in the case of ‘extreme’ or ‘catastrophic’ fire danger rating, we will advise all participants as soon as possible and provide a full refund. The on-site retreat manager, caretaker or other AEB committee member will monitor the fire danger rating for the duration of the retreat.

Risks and Responsibility

This retreat will be conducted in silence (you can talk to the teacher as required). This may not be a good environment for you if you are experiencing mental health issues, or if you have experienced recent or severe trauma. While meditation retreats are generally beneficial, intensive meditation practice can lead to distress or adverse effects. The teacher and volunteers will do their best to support you but they are not qualified to provide mental health support. Please consider your own situation and discuss with the organisers and teacher if you have any concerns. The teacher may ask to arrange a phone call prior to the retreat to make sure they understand your situation and how they can best support your meditation practice.

It should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to their own health needs and COVID. While reasonable efforts will be taken in regard to providing a safe environment, the Association takes no responsibility for individuals’ behaviour or health consequences arising from attending a retreat. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID please take a RAT or PCR test and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. If you test positive for COVID you will not be able to attend the retreat and we will arrange a refund. If you have a negative result you may still be able to attend, depending on the severity of your symptoms and in discussion with the organisers.

Refund Policy

PLEASE NOTE: Bookings may be cancelled at no charge 14 days prior to the event with a full refund (minus booking fees). As catering materials need to be purchased in advance by the Association, bookings cancelled less than 14 days prior to the event will incur a 50% fee, unless the space is able to be filled by another retreatant, in which case a full refund (minus booking fees) will be issued.

Enquiries

If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact office@engagedbuddhists.org.au