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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20251003T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20251006T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20250811T103109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T235635Z
UID:3241-1759507200-1759759200@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Walking the Path: A Weekend Retreat with Grahame White
DESCRIPTION:“The happiness of meditation is the highest happiness” – The Buddha \n\n\n\nJoin meditation teacher Grahame White for a weekend retreat exploring the fundamentals of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation. This weekend retreat will be offered in the green heart of NSW’s Southern Highlands at the Vejjasala Retreat Centre\, Wingello. \n\n\n\nPractising Vipassana meditation is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others. Vipassana is concerned primarily with the cultivation of awareness and understanding. Awareness so that we can see our minds more clearly and understanding so that we can know what is useful and what is not useful for experiencing a deep harmonious relationship with ourselves and the world. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is suitable for beginners and practitioners of all levels. \n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nGrahame White has been involved in Buddhist meditation practice for over 40 years. He took a primary role in the establishment of Vipassana (insight) meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw in Australia and co-founded the Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre. He currently leads introductory and day-long courses in Australia and also regularly teaches retreats in the United States and various countries in Asia. Grahame has also helped pioneer the workshop format of teaching meditation that enhances the transfer of mindfulness from the formal sitting practice into daily life. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is catered with three vegetarian meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. Please note: we may not be able to accommodate all dietary requests. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $250. Members and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEM to receive the member price of $200 (a discount of $50). This cost covers food and accommodation.  \n\n\n\nThe annual membership fee for AEB is $60.00. To join AEB\, visit our membership page.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/walking-the-path-a-weekend-retreat-with-grahame-white/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Dhamma Talks and Meditation,Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Oct-Retreat-2025-FBNewsletter-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20250606T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20250609T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20250502T035808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T055809Z
UID:3222-1749232800-1749477600@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:June Long Weekend - Informal Retreat
DESCRIPTION:GENERAL \n\n\n\nVejjasala\, located just outside the village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW\, is the retreat centre of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. The name\, Vejjasala\, means a place for healing. \n\n\n\nThis informal retreat will be held at Vejjasala for Association Members only. Please note that only current financial members of the Association are able to attend these retreats. Membership costs $60/year – details available here. \n\n\n\nThe informal retreat will be held from Friday afternoon/evening through to Monday lunchtime over the June long weekend. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONS \n\n\n\nAs this retreat will not be formally catered or coordinated beyond a few basics\, a set charge will not be required\, with participants encouraged to donate to the Association according to their means. Details for how to donate will be provided upon registration. Attendees will be asked to choose a group meal to contribute to\, either by bringing ingredients and cooking on-site or pre-prepared meals. Meals will be coordinated in cooperation with attendees by the Retreat Coordinator. \n\n\n\nOther than shared meals\, these retreats are designed for self-reflection and meditation\, with only few formal timings for practice or other activities aside from meals and perhaps a dhamma-talk on the Saturday evening after dinner. As such they are not really designed for those seeking instruction on beginning meditation. \n\n\n\nAttendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. A list of current/ongoing jobs will be distributed with registration and participants are welcome to contribute to these activities either during the retreat or upon its completion (i.e. after lunch on Monday). The Retreat Coordinator will be able to provide guidance on these tasks at the retreat. \n\n\n\nPlease note: While we won’t be conducting these retreats strictly in noble silence\, we’d encourage a sense of mindfulness in speech and\, outside of shared meals and not to disturb/speak to other participants or hold conversations unless necessary. In this way retreatants can better stay with their own experience\, moment by moment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nENQUIRIES \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions regarding the retreat program\, please email the Retreat Coordinator\, Chris Burgess
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/june-long-weekend-informal-retreat/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_5715-Medium.jpeg
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20250417T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20250421T150000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20241108T104321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T042535Z
UID:3082-1744905600-1745247600@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Easter 2025 Meditation Retreat with Bhante Tejadhammo
DESCRIPTION:A New Start: Leaping Between Life and Death \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA New Start: leaping between Life and Death\, cultivating appamāda or care and letting go of pamāda\, carelessness. \n\n\n\n‘Don’t run back to the past\, don’t anticipate the future. What’s past is left behind\, the future has not arrived; and any present phenomenon you clearly discern in every case. The unfaltering\, the unshakable: having known that\, foster it. Today’s the day to keenly work! \n\n\n\n~ Bhaddekarattasutta MN. 131 \n\n\n\nThis retreat will focus on developing some practical strategies for change in a changing world. The retreat is open to all. We shall observe Noble Silence for the most part. \n\n\n\nThe retreat will start on Thursday night (17th)\, with guests free to arrive anytime from 4pm\, and conclude at 3pm on Monday (21st) \n\n\n\nBhante Tejadhammo will be your guide along the path. \n\n\n\n\nFull Event Details and Booking Form
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/2025-easter-meditation-retreat/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Easter-Retreat-2025-FBNewsletter-e1731062801889.png
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240425T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240428T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20240216T211753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T212616Z
UID:2936-1714060800-1714312800@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Here for Life: ANZAC weekend retreat with Venerable Pandit Bhikkhu
DESCRIPTION:A 4-day\,  3-night meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW with Venerable Pandit Bhikkhu \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Thursday 25th April to Sunday 28th April 2024\, arrive 4pm Thursday\, depart 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nCost:  $335 – $450 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 4 April. Registrations close 24 April. \n\n\n\nHere for Life\n\n\n\nAbout the retreat: \n\n\n\n“During Covid I was locked down alone in my room for a couple of years – lots of time to reflect. I intensified my cushion time and made a lot of gains\, specifically in meditation. Parts of Dhamma I had not fully understood before became integrated. I was always confident in what was taught in the original by Shakyamuni Buddha\, but now in my mid 50s\, I really understand it. And I look forward to sharing all this with you in the Southern Highlands retreat\, to the best of my ability. When life and death and the drama in between torments our human condition\, the dharma of the present moment\, leads us to be Here for Life! \n\n\n\nDuring this Here For Life retreat\, we will take a look at the Story of the Jumping Mouse – you are welcome to look this up in advance\, or not\, as you like. The meaning and relevance of the story to our path of meditation development will be made clear; hope you enjoy!! \n\n\n\nIn addition to the regular sitting and walking meditation\, this retreat will incorporate some Qi Gong moving meditation\, as taught by Ven. Pandit’s long time associate Marisa Cranfill. Using this kind of gentle movement is sometimes a good alternative to walking meditation\, especially in a retreat where the body can become stiff and uncomfortable. We will do this by recorded video. You can take a look at Marisa at www.youtube.com/@yoqi \n\n\n\nMeditation Method: \n\n\n\nVen. Pandit has experience with all the common Vipassana (Insight) meditation methods and is happy to work with everyone based on their own preferred method. The emphasis of his own approach is to work exclusively with present moment perception as it arises and ceases. As the mind launches one thing into perception at a time only\, insight is used to disentangle consciousness from this process\, and enter into some of the higher\, more mystic states of unified awareness; the direct experience of the life force itself! This is based entirely on Sakyamuni Buddha’s teaching around the Six Senses\, from early Buddhism. There will be continual reference to these original teachings\, as well as some colourful metaphoric teaching aids from relevant story telling. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nVenerable Pandit Bhikkhu\n\n\n\nVen. Pandit entered the monastic system in the UK in 1994\, and later ordained as a Bhikkhu (monk) in Thailand in 1996\, in a large country temple\, where his preceptor and teacher Ajahn Sermchai Jayamangalo resided. In 2000 he moved to Bangkok to stay in Wat Paknam\, Bhasicharoen\, so as to attend Thailand’s Buddhist university and study ‘Buddhist Psychology’ (in Thai medium no less!)\, followed by an MA in Buddhist Studies. He studied and taught classes there for 12 years. Aside from the Early Buddhism of the Pali suttas\, he also is well versed in Faerie Tales and how they relate directly to meditation practice. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $335 – $450 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 18 February. Bookings close 25 March. \n\n\n\nRegistrations close 24 April. \n\n\n\nPlease note:  Most accommodation at Vejjasala consists of well-appointed and spacious twin-share rooms. All shared rooms will be allocated to people of the same gender (please indicate on the form if you are booking a shared room and this is not suitable for you). Couples are not encouraged to share rooms during retreats. You can read more about the accommodation options. \n\n\n\nRegistration is at the bottom of the page via Ticket Tailor. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment 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. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nThere 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. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\n\n\nFire Danger\n\n\n\nDue 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. \n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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.  \n\n\n\nIf 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/here-for-life-anzac-weekend-retreat-with-venerable-pandit-bhikkhu/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Here-For-Life-Facebook-Post.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240329T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240401T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20240119T065043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240219T221851Z
UID:2920-1711728000-1711980000@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Wisdom from Stillness: Easter weekend retreat with Venerable Akaliko Bhikkhu
DESCRIPTION:A 3-night meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2024 \n\n\n\nCost: $335 – $450 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 18 February. Registrations close 27 March. \n\n\n\nWisdom from Stillness\n\n\n\nEaster weekend retreat with Venerable Akaliko Bhikkhu \n\n\n\nMeditation is not just for de-stressing from life’s busy-ness; it has a far deeper potential to deliver powerful insights about the meaning of life. Learn about the causes and conditions we need to cultivate to transform our practice into a profound tool that cuts through ignorance and illuminates our mind with wisdom. \n\n\n\n\n\nJOIN BHANTE AKĀLIKO FOR A WEEKEND RETREAT ON HOW TO DEVELOP A DEEP AND MEANINGFUL MEDITATION PRACTICE.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBhante Akāliko\n\n\n\nAkāliko Bhikkhu is an Australian monk in the Theravada forest tradition. He is the spiritual director of Little Dust and founder of Rainbodhi LGBTQIA+ Buddhist Community. Bhante Akāliko is also the spiritual advisor of Central West Buddhists and a chaplain at Western Sydney University. He sits on the boards of the Buddhist Council of NSW and the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils. \n\n\n\nBhante Akāliko went forth as a monastic in 2016 and received full ordination with Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana monastery in 2017. He lived for several years with Bhante Sujato at the Monastery at the End of the World in Sydney and now lives as a wandering monk\, looking for a place to settle and shake off the dust. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $335 – $450 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 18 February. Registrations close 27 March. \n\n\n\nThere are different prices for different rooms. All shared rooms will be allocated to people of the same gender (please indicate on the form if you are booking a shared room and this is not suitable for you). You can read more about the accommodation options. \n\n\n\nRegistration is at the bottom of the page via Ticket Tailor. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment 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. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nThere 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. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\n\n\nFire Danger\n\n\n\nDue 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. \n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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.  \n\n\n\nIf 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/wisdom-from-stillness-easter-weekend-retreat-with-venerable-akaliko-bhikkhu/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/event_description_image_131368_1703063134_5854a.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240315T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240317T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20240201T083711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240201T083712Z
UID:2926-1710525600-1710684000@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Giving Up – Weekend meditation retreat with Bhante Tejadhammo
DESCRIPTION:A 2-night meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Friday 15 March to Sunday 17 2024\, arrive from 4pm Friday for a 6pm start\, depart 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nCost: $250 – $300 per person depending on the type of accommodation. Registrations close 13 March. \n\n\n\nGiving Up\n\n\n\nWeekend meditation retreat with Bhante Tejadhammo \n\n\n\nWhy 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. \n\n\n\n“Suffering exists but no sufferer is foundDeeds are but no doerNibbana is but no one entersThe Way is but no walker is found.”                                                           ~ Buddhaghosa \n\n\n\nJoin Bhante Tejadhammo for this weekend retreat where we will try to give up these things.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBhante Tejadhammo\n\n\n\nVenerable Tejadhammo Bhikku – Bhante – is the Spiritual Director of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nVenerable 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. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $250 – $300 per person depending on the type of accommodation.  \n\n\n\nPlease 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).  \n\n\n\nCouples (same-sex or otherwise) are not encouraged to share rooms during retreats. You can read more about the accommodation options. \n\n\n\nRegistration is via the Ticket Tailor links above and below. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment 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. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nThere 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. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\n\n\nFire Danger\n\n\n\nDue 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. \n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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.  \n\n\n\nIf 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/giving-up-weekend-meditation-retreat-with-bhante-tejadhammo/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/event_description_image_131368_1706420640_b07c3-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240303T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20240228T025622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240228T025645Z
UID:2966-1709456400-1709485200@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Kynan Tan: Day of Practice at the Buddhist Library (hybrid)
DESCRIPTION:Enquiries: info@buddhistlibrary.org.au or (02) 9519 6054\n\n\n\nLocation: Buddhist Library (Camperdown\, Sydney)\n\n\n\nAttendance Mode: In Person or Zoom Event\n\n\n\nContribution: By donation\n\n\n\n\nThe Day of Practice will provide an opportunity to take a pause from the busyness and complexities of daily life to focus on meditation\, awareness\, and tranquility. We will minimise interactions with others\, put our phones on aeroplane mode\, and take a break from our usual concerns. This will create a container that allows us to deepen our meditation and awareness in ways that may not always be possible during daily life. \n\n\n\nUposatha days are a common practice in Buddhism where practitioners reaffirm and renew their commitment to dharma practice. By consciously and intentionally dedicating a period of time to the practice of meditation\, keeping precepts\, and studying the dharma with others\, the practice is developed and strengthened. \n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity to receive instruction from a teacher and practice with others in conditions similar to a retreat setting. Throughout the day there will be seated and walking meditation\, guided group practice\, a dharma talk\, and a 1:1 meeting with Kynan. \n\n\n\nArrive from 8:45am. Please come on time as we will close the doors before beginning the first session. All attendees will be expected to stay for the whole day. \n\n\n\nThere are plenty of chairs\, zafus\, cushions\, and benches. There is a dedicated lunch break with time to get food from a local establishment. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area\, including Newtown which is a 10-minute walk. \n\n\n\nThis event will also be streamed live and participants can join over Zoom if they wish so. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Kynan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of samatha-vipassana (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihara practices (metta\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck\, who teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nCost\n\n\n\nAttendance is by dana (generosity). After the event you will be invited to make a donation to support the teacher\, the Buddhist Library and the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nAll donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible. \n\n\n\nDana is the traditional practice of generosity\, the extending of one’s goodwill\, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give helps to maintain the Library and allows it to offer more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many\, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation\, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/kynan-tan-day-of-practice-at-the-buddhist-library-hybrid-4/
LOCATION:Buddhist Library\, 90-92 Church St\, Camperdown\, New South Wales\, 2050\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AEB-and-BL-joint-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240125T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240128T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20231006T053712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T034127Z
UID:2835-1706198400-1706450400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Silent 3-night Meditation Retreat with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:A 3-night silent meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 January 2024\, arrive 4pm Thursday\, depart 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nCost: $335 – $450 depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 20 December. \n\n\n\nThis 3-night meditation retreat allows practitioners to settle into stillness and quiet. The retreat becomes a supportive environment to go deeper into meditation than is typically possible with the busyness and complexities of daily life. The beautiful\, serene environment allows space for cultivating awareness and equanimity and for exploring the mind. \n\n\n\nThe goal of the retreat is to provide an environment where all students can receive the required support and instructions to help them move forward in their practice. \n\n\n\nThis is a student-centred retreat\, which means that there is no set curriculum to follow but rather each student will continue their own meditation practice and all talks and interviews will be responsive to students’ needs and interests. Instructions on meditation techniques will be provided as required and all levels of experience are welcome. If you are unsure about suitability you can speak with the teacher prior to the retreat. \n\n\n\nRETREAT SCHEDULE\n\n\n\nThe schedule will mostly alternate between seated and walking meditation. Each day there will be a dharma talk\, a one-on-one interview with the teacher\, three meals\, and time for exercise or walking outside. We will observe noble silence from Thursday night until Sunday noon. All meals will be provided. \n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nHere’s a short FAQ about going on retreat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of śamatha-vipassanā (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihārā practices (mettā\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, offers one-on-one instruction\, and teaches online meditation courses. He is the co-founder of Sit Down and Practice. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe event cost includes accommodation and food\, with three vegan meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $335 – $450 depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 20 December. \n\n\n\nThere are different prices for different rooms. All shared rooms will be allocated to people of the same gender (please indicate on the form if you are booking a shared room and this is not suitable for you). You can read more about the accommodation options. \n\n\n\nRegistration is at the bottom of the page via Ticket Tailor. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment 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. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nThere 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. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nFire Danger\n\n\n\nDue 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. \n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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.  \n\n\n\nIf 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Kynan – kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\nLOCATION\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 219 Forest Road Wingello\, NSW 2579
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/silent-3-night-meditation-retreat-with-kynan-tan-2/
LOCATION:New South Wales
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kynan-Retreat-Jan-2023.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20231112T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20231112T170000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230831T012426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231102T074516Z
UID:2803-1699779600-1699808400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Kynan Tan: Day of Practice at the Buddhist Library (hybrid)
DESCRIPTION:Enquiries: info@buddhistlibrary.org.au or (02) 9519 6054\n\n\n\nLocation: Buddhist Library (Camperdown\, Sydney)\n\n\n\nAttendance Mode: In Person or Zoom Event\n\n\n\nContribution: By donation\n\n\n\n\nThe Day of Practice will provide an opportunity to take a pause from the busyness and complexities of daily life to focus on meditation\, awareness\, and tranquility. We will minimise interactions with others\, put our phones on aeroplane mode\, and take a break from our usual concerns. This will create a container that allows us to deepen our meditation and awareness in ways that may not always be possible during daily life. \n\n\n\nUposatha days are a common practice in Buddhism where practitioners reaffirm and renew their commitment to dharma practice. By consciously and intentionally dedicating a period of time to the practice of meditation\, keeping precepts\, and studying the dharma with others\, the practice is developed and strengthened. \n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity to receive instruction from a teacher and practice with others in conditions similar to a retreat setting. Throughout the day there will be seated and walking meditation\, guided group practice\, a dharma talk\, and a 1:1 meeting with Kynan. \n\n\n\nArrive from 8:45am. Please come on time as we will close the doors before beginning the first session. All attendees will be expected to stay for the whole day. \n\n\n\nThere are plenty of chairs\, zafus\, cushions\, and benches. There is a dedicated lunch break with time to get food from a local establishment. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area\, including Newtown which is a 10-minute walk. \n\n\n\nThis event will also be streamed live and participants can join over Zoom if they wish so. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Kynan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of samatha-vipassana (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihara practices (metta\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck\, who teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nCost\n\n\n\nAttendance is by dana (generosity). After the event you will be invited to make a donation to support the teacher\, the Buddhist Library and the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nAll donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible. \n\n\n\nDana is the traditional practice of generosity\, the extending of one’s goodwill\, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give helps to maintain the Library and allows it to offer more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many\, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation\, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma. \n\n\n\nCOVID Safety\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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 and may have COVID\, please do not attend the event.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/kynan-tan-day-of-practice-at-the-buddhist-library-hybrid-3/
LOCATION:Buddhist Library\, 90-92 Church St\, Camperdown\, New South Wales\, 2050\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AEB-and-BL-joint-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230930T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20231002T120000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230811T023825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230825T025540Z
UID:2776-1696068000-1696248000@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Long Weekend Meditation Retreat with Megan Thorpe
DESCRIPTION:A 3-day meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Saturday 30th September\, 10 am – Monday 2nd October\, 12 pm \n\n\n\nCost: Cost is $250-$300 including vegetarian meals and accommodation. \n\n\n\nAre you a “Would-Be” Meditator? \n\n\n\n\nWould meditate if you had more time?\n\n\n\nWould meditate if you didn’t have such a busy mind?\n\n\n\nWould meditate if you only knew how?\n\n\n\n\nCome along to this three-day retreat over the October long weekend at Vejjasala Retreat Centre in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW\, only 2 hours drive from Sydney. \n\n\n\nThe retreat will commence at 10am on Saturday and finish at 12pm noon on Monday. Please arrive by 9:30am on Saturday\, to settle in to your accommodation before the retreat starts promptly at 10 am. \n\n\n\nThis retreat will be led by Megan Thorpe\, who will provide meditation instruction for those who are new or inexperienced\, and guidance to take your meditation practice deeper for those who already have some experience. Sometimes\, going back to basics can help reinvigorate an existing practice. \n\n\n\nA variety of sitting and walking meditation will be explored\, along with some personal reflective exercises\, and an exploration of what might be preventing you moving from a Would-Be Meditator to an I Am a Meditator. \n\n\n\nThere will be time for being in nature\, perhaps a walk to the nearby waterfall\, an opportunity to develop more mindfulness of yourself and your surroundings\, and an opportunity to reap the benefits of being with a group of others who are on a similar journey\, and having a shared intention. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nMegan Thorpe has been meditating for over 30 years. She has experience in most Buddhist traditions and since 2003 has practised in the Thai Forest tradition. Her primary teachers are Bhante Tejadhammo and Bhante Sujato. She has led many retreats and workshops in Australia and in the UK. \n\n\n\nCurrently Megan is the President of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nShe was previously the President and Director of Training of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP) and helped to develop and teach the professional training course which is still running many years later. She continues to be involved in the course as a student supervisor. \n\n\n\nShe is also the Manager of the Bereavement Counselling Service at Calvary Hospital Kogarah and has worked in palliative and end of life care and bereavement counselling for over 20 years. She is a psychospiritual psychotherapist\, having trained in Core Process Psychotherapy\, a Buddhist based psychotherapy\, at the Karuna Institute in Devon\, England. \n\n\n\nMegan is warm and approachable with a deep understanding of dhamma and a quirky sense of humour. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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 address is 219 Forest Road Wingello\, NSW 2579. \n\n\n\nThe event cost includes accommodation and vegetarian meals plus refreshments throughout the day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $250.00 – $300.00 depending on the type of accommodation. \n\n\n\nThere are different prices for different rooms. You can read more about the accommodation options. Full details about Vejjasala\, \, accommodation options\, directions\, map and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nRegistration is at the bottom of the page via Ticket Tailor. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nThese retreats and teachings are possible because of the generosity of teachers and volunteers donating their time and expertise. The fee for the retreat covers food\, accommodation and running costs of the centre. Participants are invited to make a donation to the teacher after the retreat\, if they wish. This is not compulsory. In the Buddhist tradition this donation is called dāna\, meaning generosity. This continues the ancient Buddhist tradition whereby the teachings are offered freely. \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling with other participants if possible. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nWhile 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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. \n\n\n\nIf 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE NOTE: Bookings may be cancelled at no charge 14 days prior to the event with a full refund (minus booking fees). As catering ingredients 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. \n\n\n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Megan on megan.thorpe@rocketmail.com
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/long-weekend-meditation-retreat-with-megan-thorpe/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Megan-Thorpe-retreat-Oct-2023-FB.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230907T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230910T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230616T082846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T082940Z
UID:2698-1694102400-1694354400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Silent 3-night Meditation Retreat with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:A 3-night silent meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September 2023\, arrive 4pm Thursday\, depart 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nCost: $335 – $450 depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 31st July. \n\n\n\nThis 3-night meditation retreat allows practitioners to settle into stillness and quiet. The retreat becomes a supportive environment to go deeper into meditation than is typically possible with the busyness and complexities of daily life. The beautiful\, serene environment allows space for cultivating awareness and equanimity and for exploring the mind. \n\n\n\nThe goal of the retreat is to provide an environment where all students can receive the required support and instructions to help them move forward in their practice. \n\n\n\nThis is a student-centred retreat\, which means that there is no set curriculum to follow but rather each student will continue their own meditation practice and all talks and interviews will be responsive to students’ needs and interests. Instructions on meditation techniques will be provided as required and all levels of experience are welcome. If you are unsure about suitability you can speak with the teacher prior to the retreat. \n\n\n\nRetreat Schedule\n\n\n\nThe schedule will mostly alternate between seated and walking meditation. Each day there will be a dharma talk\, a one-on-one interview with the teacher\, three meals\, and time for exercise or walking outside. We will observe noble silence from Thursday night until Sunday noon. All meals will be provided. \n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nHere’s a short FAQ about going on retreat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of śamatha-vipassanā (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihārā practices (mettā\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, offers one-on-one instruction\, and teaches online meditation courses. He is the co-founder of Sit Down and Practice. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe event cost includes accommodation and food\, with three vegan meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nCosts range from $335 – $450 depending on the type of accommodation. Early bird prices are available until 31st July. \n\n\n\nThere are different prices for different rooms. All shared rooms will be allocated to people of the same gender (please indicate on the form if you are booking a shared room and this is not suitable for you). You can read more about the accommodation options. \n\n\n\nRegistration is at the bottom of the page via Ticket Tailor. Please complete the form and pay the full cost to reserve your place. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is traditionally 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. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website. \n\n\n\nThere 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. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\n\n\nRisks and Responsibility\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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.  \n\n\n\nIf you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID please take a PCR or RAT 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. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Kynan – kynantctan@gmail.com
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/silent-3-night-meditation-retreat-with-kynan-tan/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kynan-Retreat-Sep-2023.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230730T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230605T042353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230605T042426Z
UID:2692-1690707600-1690736400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Kynan Tan: Day of Practice at the Buddhist Library (hybrid)
DESCRIPTION:Enquiries: info@buddhistlibrary.org.au or (02) 9519 6054\n\n\n\nLocation: Buddhist Library (Camperdown\, Sydney)\n\n\n\nAttendance Mode: In Person or Zoom Event\n\n\n\nContribution: By donation\n\n\n\n\nThe Day of Practice will provide an opportunity to take a pause from the busyness and complexities of daily life to focus on meditation\, awareness\, and tranquility. We will minimise interactions with others\, put our phones on aeroplane mode\, and take a break from our usual concerns. This will create a container that allows us to deepen our meditation and awareness in ways that may not always be possible during daily life. \n\n\n\nUposatha days are a common practice in Buddhism where practitioners reaffirm and renew their commitment to dharma practice. By consciously and intentionally dedicating a period of time to the practice of meditation\, keeping precepts\, and studying the dharma with others\, the practice is developed and strengthened. \n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity to receive instruction from a teacher and practice with others in conditions similar to a retreat setting. Throughout the day there will be seated and walking meditation\, guided group practice\, a dharma talk\, and a 1:1 meeting with Kynan. \n\n\n\nArrive from 8:45am. Please come on time as we will close the doors before beginning the first session. All attendees will be expected to stay for the whole day. \n\n\n\nThere are plenty of chairs\, zafus\, cushions\, and benches. There is a dedicated lunch break with time to get food from a local establishment. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area\, including Newtown which is a 10-minute walk. \n\n\n\nThis event will also be streamed live and participants can join over Zoom if they wish so. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Kynan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of samatha-vipassana (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihara practices (metta\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck\, who teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nCost\n\n\n\nAttendance is by dana (generosity). After the event you will be invited to make a donation to support the teacher\, the Buddhist Library and the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nAll donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible. \n\n\n\nDana is the traditional practice of generosity\, the extending of one’s goodwill\, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give helps to maintain the Library and allows it to offer more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many\, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation\, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma. \n\n\n\nCOVID Safety\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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 and may have COVID\, please do not attend the event.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/kynan-tan-day-of-practice-at-the-buddhist-library-hybrid-2/
LOCATION:Buddhist Library\, 90-92 Church St\, Camperdown\, New South Wales\, 2050\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AEB-and-BL-joint-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230528T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230528T170000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230515T021629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230605T042303Z
UID:2662-1685264400-1685293200@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Kynan Tan: Day of Practice at the Buddhist Library (hybrid)
DESCRIPTION:Enquiries: info@buddhistlibrary.org.au or (02) 9519 6054\n\n\n\nLocation: Buddhist Library (Camperdown\, Sydney)\n\n\n\nAttendance Mode: In Person or Zoom Event\n\n\n\nContribution: By donation\n\n\n\n\nThe Day of Practice will provide an opportunity to take a pause from the busyness and complexities of daily life to focus on meditation\, awareness\, and tranquility. We will minimise interactions with others\, put our phones on aeroplane mode\, and take a break from our usual concerns. This will create a container that allows us to deepen our meditation and awareness in ways that may not always be possible during daily life. \n\n\n\nUposatha days are a common practice in Buddhism where practitioners reaffirm and renew their commitment to dharma practice. By consciously and intentionally dedicating a period of time to the practice of meditation\, keeping precepts\, and studying the dharma with others\, the practice is developed and strengthened. \n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity to receive instruction from a teacher and practice with others in conditions similar to a retreat setting. Throughout the day there will be seated and walking meditation\, guided group practice\, a dharma talk\, and a 1:1 meeting with Kynan. \n\n\n\nArrive from 8:45am. Please come on time as we will close the doors before beginning the first session. All attendees will be expected to stay for the whole day. \n\n\n\nThere are plenty of chairs\, zafus\, cushions\, and benches. There is a dedicated lunch break with time to get food from a local establishment. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area\, including Newtown which is a 10-minute walk. \n\n\n\nThis event will also be streamed live and participants can join over Zoom if they wish so. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Kynan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of samatha-vipassana (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihara practices (metta\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck\, who teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nCost\n\n\n\nAttendance is by dana (generosity). After the event you will be invited to make a donation to support the teacher\, the Buddhist Library and the Association of Engaged Buddhists. \n\n\n\nAll donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible. \n\n\n\nDana is the traditional practice of generosity\, the extending of one’s goodwill\, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give helps to maintain the Library and allows it to offer more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many\, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation\, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma. \n\n\n\nCOVID Safety\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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 and may have COVID\, please do not attend the event.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/kynan-tan-day-of-practice-at-the-buddhist-library-hybrid/
LOCATION:Buddhist Library\, 90-92 Church St\, Camperdown\, New South Wales\, 2050\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AEB-and-BL-joint-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230526T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230528T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230515T015408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T030843Z
UID:2644-1685124000-1685282400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Weekends of Practice for AEB Members
DESCRIPTION:Vejjasala\, located just outside the village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW\, is the retreat centre of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. The name\, Vejjasala\, means a place for healing. \n\n\n\nThe AEB committee is offering weekends of practice for members throughout 2023. These will be held at Vejjasala for Association Members only. They will commence on Friday evenings and will run until Sunday lunchtime.  \n\n\n\nUpcoming dates are:26–28 May23–25 June \n\n\n\nPlease note that only current financial members of the Association will be able to attend these weekends. You can become a member of AEB on our website. There is a limit of 12 people on these weekends and places will be allocated on a first in first served basis. Please be aware that it is necessary for you to commence on Friday evening and stay for the duration. \n\n\n\nPlease email Megan at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com if you would like to attend. \n\n\n\nSchedule and Expectations\n\n\n\nPurpose: Other than sharing mealtimes\, these weekends are designed for self-reflection and meditation. There will be some scheduled times for meditations\, but these are optional. As such the weekends are not really designed for those seeking instruction on beginning meditation. \n\n\n\nWhile we won’t be conducting these weekends strictly in noble silence\, we would encourage a sense of mindfulness in speech and ask participants not to disturb/speak to others or hold conversations unless necessary. In this way people can better stay with their own experience\, moment by moment. \n\n\n\nMindfulness and tasks: Attendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. More information will be available over the weekend.  \n\n\n\nFood: The weekends will not be catered for beyond a few basic provisions – tea\, coffee\, milk. Participants are asked to provide meals for their own consumption. \n\n\n\nCost: A fee for attending is not required. Participants are encouraged to offer dana (make a donation) to cover the costs of running the retreat centre for the weekend. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\nDue to COVID restrictions\, total numbers will be limited to 1 occupant per room/kuti\, unless the participants are already close contacts and wish to share. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these weekends entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities regarding COVID. While reasonable efforts will be taken to provide a safe environment\, the Association takes no responsibility for individuals’ behaviour or health consequences arising from their attendance. Please do not attend if you are unwell. \n\n\n\nMore details and information about what to bring and how to get to Vejjasala will be provided after you have registered your interest at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/weekends-of-practice-for-aeb-members-2/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vejjasala_statue_2023.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230421T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230430T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20221213T091257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230309T065556Z
UID:2512-1682092800-1682863200@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:10-day Silent Retreat with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:10-day silent meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\nDescription\n\n\n\nDates: Friday 21 to Sunday 30 April 2023\, arrive 4-6pm Friday\, depart after 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nThis 10-day meditation retreat allows practitioners to experience a greater depth of practice through seclusion. The retreat becomes a supportive environment to go deeper into meditation than is typically possible with the busyness and complexities of daily life. The beautiful\, serene environment allows space for cultivating awareness and equanimity and for exploring the mind. The 10-day retreat format has become popular as a way to maximise practice time while minimising taking time off from other commitments. \n\n\n\nThis is a student-centred retreat\, which means that there is no set curriculum to follow but rather each student will continue their own meditation practice and all talks and interviews will be responsive to students’ needs and interests. Instructions on meditation techniques will be provided as required. If you haven’t had much experience meditating on retreat before\, we will organise a call with the teacher prior to the retreat to provide you with support and answer any questions. \n\n\n\nRetreat Schedule\n\n\n\nThe schedule will mostly alternate between seated and walking meditation. Each day there will be a dharma talk\, a one-on-one interview with the teacher\, three meals\, and time for exercise or walking outside. We will observe noble silence from Friday night until Sunday lunchtime. \n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nHere’s a short FAQ about going on retreat: https://kynanmeditation.net/vejjasala-retreat-faq/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of śamatha-vipassanā (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihārā practices (mettā\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat includes food\, with three vegan/vegetarian meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We will do our best to facilitate any medical requirements (e.g. celiac) but may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nFor this retreat\, we are limiting the number of places and keeping costs as low as possible. We will have an on-site cook for part of the retreat. Participants will be required to help prepare food as a mindful task. \n\n\n\nThere are a limited number of places and all accommodation will be private rooms – either a single room in the main house or a kuti. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $850. This covers food and accommodation. There is an early bird special of $780 available until 31 Jan. \n\n\n\nScholarships are available via Open Dharma Foundation. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is made by donation (dāna) after the retreat. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.\n\n\n\nAll attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE NOTE: Bookings may be cancelled at no charge 14 days prior to the event however 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\nRegistration
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/10-day-silent-retreat-with-kynan-tan/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/poster_kynan_retreat_vj_apr_2023.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230407T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230410T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230120T231006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230224T032326Z
UID:2527-1680883200-1681135200@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Journey to Enlightenment: Easter Long Weekend Sutta Retreat with Bhante Akāliko
DESCRIPTION:Journey to Enlightenment\n\n\n\nEaster Long Weekend Sutta Retreat with Bhante Akāliko \n\n\n\nThe Buddha believed in our ability to realise liberating truths here and now. He also described the path to Nibbana as a gradual process that can take lifetimes. Sometimes the goal of enlightenment can feel out of reach一our enthusiasm fades\, and we lose confidence in our spiritual path. So how can we reinvigorate our meditation practice to prioritise the journey without losing sight of the destination? \n\n\n\nJoin Bhante Akāliko for this Easter long weekend sutta retreat and learn how to develop a daily practice that keeps our momentum moving towards enlightenment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBhante Akāliko\n\n\n\nAkāliko Bhikkhu is an Australian monk in the Theravada forest tradition. He is the spiritual director of Little Dust and founder of Rainbodhi LGBTQIA+ Buddhist Community. Bhante Akāliko is also the spiritual advisor of Central West Buddhists and a chaplain at Western Sydney University. He sits on the boards of the Buddhist Council of NSW and the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils. \n\n\n\nBhante Akāliko went forth as a monastic in 2016 and received full ordination with Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana monastery in 2017. He lived for several years with Bhante Sujato at the Monastery at the End of the World in Sydney and now lives as a wandering monk\, looking for a place to settle and shake off the dust. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat includes food\, with three vegetarian meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We will do our best to facilitate any medical requirements (e.g. celiac) but may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $375. This covers food and accommodation. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is made by donation (dāna) after the retreat. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\n\nWe require that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.\n\n\n\nAll attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nRefund Policy\n\n\n\nPLEASE NOTE: Bookings may be cancelled at no charge 14 days prior to the event however 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. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Kynan Tan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\n      \n        \n      \n    \n\n\n\nIf there are any issues with registration\, head to the Ticket Tailor Event.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/journey-to-enlightenment-easter-long-weekend-sutta-retreat-with-bhante-akaliko/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Copy-of-Easter-Retreat-2023B.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230326T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230301T062000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230306T070247Z
UID:2589-1679821200-1679850000@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Day of Practice at the Buddhist Library with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:About this event\n\n\n\nThe Day of Practice will provide an opportunity to take a pause from the busyness and complexities of daily life to focus on meditation\, awareness\, and tranquility. We will minimise interactions with others\, put our phones on aeroplane mode\, and take a break from our usual concerns. This will create a container that allows us to deepen our meditation and awareness in ways that may not always be possible during daily life. \n\n\n\nUposatha days are a common practice in Buddhism where practitioners reaffirm and renew their commitment to dharma practice. By consciously and intentionally dedicating a period of time to the practice of meditation\, keeping precepts\, and studying the dharma with others\, the practice is developed and strengthened. \n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity to receive instruction from a teacher and practice with others in conditions similar to a retreat setting. Throughout the day there will be seated and walking meditation\, guided group practice\, a dharma talk\, and a 1:1 meeting with Kynan. \n\n\n\nArrive from 8:45am. Please come on time as we will close the doors before beginning the first session. All attendees will be expected to stay for the whole day. \n\n\n\nThere are plenty of chairs\, zafus\, cushions\, and benches. There is a dedicated lunch break with time to get food from a local establishment. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area\, including Newtown which is a 10-minute walk. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Kynan on kynantctan@gmail.com \n\n\n\nFrom a past participant:“I attended the one day with Kynan. It was great for inspiring me to meditate more consistently and refreshed my thinking around the Buddhist texts. Kynan is a thoughtful and very grounded teacher. I trust him and would recommend him to anyone thinking of attending one of his meditation day\, whatever level you’re at.” \n\n\n\nYou must register in advance via the Buddhist Library website. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Kynan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of samatha-vipassana (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihara practices (metta\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nDana\n\n\n\nCost: Attendance is by dana (generosity). This event is possible through past acts of generosity and anything you are able to offer will help to make more teachings possible. When registering you will be invited to make a donation to support the teacher\, the Association of Engaged Buddhists\, and the Buddhist Library. You may also offer dana after the event. \n\n\n\nAll donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible. \n\n\n\nDana is the traditional practice of generosity\, the extending of one’s goodwill\, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give helps to maintain the Library and allows it to offer more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many\, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation\, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/day-of-practice-at-the-buddhist-library-with-kynan-tan/
LOCATION:Buddhist Library\, 90-92 Church St\, Camperdown\, New South Wales\, 2050\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Dhamma Talks and Meditation,Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AEB-and-BL-joint-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230224T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230226T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20230218T051936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230220T051440Z
UID:2557-1677261600-1677420000@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Weekends of Practice for AEB Members
DESCRIPTION:Vejjasala\, located just outside the village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW\, is the retreat centre of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. The name\, Vejjasala\, means a place for healing.  \n\n\n\nThe AEB committee is offering weekends of practice for members throughout 2023. These will be held at Vejjasala for Association members only. Each weekend of practice will commence on Friday evening and run until Sunday lunchtime. \n\n\n\nUpcoming dates: \n\n\n\n\n24–26 February \n\n\n\n26–28 May \n\n\n\n23–25 June\n\n\n\n\nPlease note that only current financial members of the Association can attend these weekends. There is a limit of 10 people per weekend and places will be allocated on a first in first served basis. Please email Megan Thorpe at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com if you would like to attend or have any questions. \n\n\n\nCOVID \n\n\n\nDue to COVID restrictions\, total numbers will be limited to 1 occupant per room/kuti\, unless the participants are already close contacts and wish to share. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these weekends entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to COVID.  \n\n\n\nWhile 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 their attendance. \n\n\n\nIf you have any cold or flu symptoms in the days before the weekend\, please contact Megan and also take a COVID test. Do not attend without a negative test result. \n\n\n\nSchedule and Expectations \n\n\n\nFood: The weekends will not be catered for beyond a few basic provisions (tea\, coffee). Participants are asked to provide their own meals for their consumption.  \n\n\n\nCost: Participants are encouraged to offer dana (make a donation) to cover the costs of running the retreat centre for the weekend.  \n\n\n\nPurpose: Other than sharing mealtimes\, these weekends are designed for self-reflection and meditation. There will be some scheduled times for meditations\, but these are optional. As such\, the weekends are not really designed for those seeking instruction on beginning meditation. \n\n\n\nMindfulness and tasks: Attendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. More information will be available over the weekend. \n\n\n\nWhile we won’t be conducting these weekends strictly in noble silence\, we would encourage a sense of mindfulness in speech and\, outside of shared meals\, ask participants not to disturb or speak to others or hold conversations unless necessary. In this way people can better stay with their own experience\, moment by moment. \n\n\n\nMore details and information about what to bring and how to get to Vejjasala can be found in the guest guide. Further details will be provided after you have registered your interest. Please email Megan Thorpe at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/weekends-of-practice-for-aeb-members/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20220417_133206.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230126T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20230129T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220907T020341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230111T054612Z
UID:2343-1674748800-1675000800@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:3-night Silent Retreat with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:A 3-night Silent meditation retreat in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nDates: Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 January 2023\, arrive 4pm Thursday\, depart 2pm Sunday \n\n\n\nThis 3-day meditation retreat allows practitioners to settle into stillness and quiet. The retreat becomes a supportive environment to go deeper into meditation than is typically possible with the busyness and complexities of daily life. The beautiful\, serene environment allows space for cultivating awareness and equanimity and for exploring the mind. \n\n\n\nThis is a student-centred retreat\, which means that there is no set curriculum to follow but rather each student will continue their own meditation practice and all talks and interviews will be responsive to students’ needs and interests. Instructions on meditation techniques will be provided as required and all levels of experience are welcome. \n\n\n\nRetreat Schedule\n\n\n\nThe schedule will mostly alternate between seated and walking meditation. Each day there will be a dharma talk\, a one-on-one interview with the teacher\, three meals\, and time for exercise or walking outside. We will observe noble silence from Thursday night until Sunday noon. All meals will be provided. \n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nHere’s a short FAQ about going on retreat: https://kynanmeditation.net/vejjasala-retreat-faq/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of the stages of śamatha-vipassanā (as presented in the book The Mind Illuminated)\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihārā practices (mettā\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, leads retreats\, and teaches one-on-one instruction and online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is catered with three vegan/vegetarian meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $375. Members and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEMFRI to receive the member price of $330. This cost covers food and accommodation. If the cost is prohibitive\, please talk to the organisers\, as there may be scholarship positions available. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is traditionally made by donation (dāna) after the retreat. \n\n\n\nThe annual membership fee for AEB is $60.00. To join AEB\, visit our membership page. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.\n\n\n\nAll attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact us on office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/3-night-silent-retreat-with-kynan-tan/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kynan-Retreat-Jan-2022-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20221104T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20221106T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220818T045017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220818T045159Z
UID:2296-1667577600-1667739600@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Tasting the Dharma: Weekend Retreat with Grahame White
DESCRIPTION:Tasting the Dharma: Exploring the fundamentals of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\n“The happiness of meditation is the highest happiness” – The Buddha \n\n\n\nJoin meditation teacher Grahame White for a weekend retreat exploring the fundamentals of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation. This weekend retreat will be offered in the green heart of NSW’s Southern Highlands at the Vejjasala Retreat Centre\, Wingello. \n\n\n\nPractising Vipassana meditation is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others. Vipassana is concerned primarily with the cultivation of awareness and understanding. Awareness so that we can see our minds more clearly and understanding so that we can know what is useful and what is not useful for experiencing a deep harmonious relationship with ourselves and the world. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is suitable for beginners and practitioners of all levels. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\n\n\n\nGrahame White has been involved in Buddhist meditation practice for over 40 years. He took a primary role in the establishment of Vipassana (insight) meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw in Australia and co-founded the Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre. He currently leads introductory and day-long courses in Australia and also regularly teaches retreats in the United States and various countries in Asia. Grahame has also helped pioneer the workshop format of teaching meditation that enhances the transfer of mindfulness from the formal sitting practice into daily life. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is catered 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. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $250. Members and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEMFRI to receive the member price of $220. This cost covers food and accommodation. If the cost is prohibitive\, please talk to the organisers\, as there are scholarship positions available. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is traditionally made by donation (dāna) after the retreat. \n\n\n\nThe annual membership fee for AEB is $60.00. To join AEB\, visit our membership page. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.All attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact us on office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/tasting-the-dharma-grahame-white-retreat/
LOCATION:New South Wales
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Grahame-White-Retreat-Nov-2022.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220923T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220925T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220811T024833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220811T025156Z
UID:2288-1663948800-1664110800@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Weekend Silent Retreat: Mindfulness Meditation in Daily Life with Jim Teoh
DESCRIPTION:Association of Engaged Buddhists – Weekend Silent Meditation Retreat with Jim Teoh at Vejjasala \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nThis retreat is for lay persons to develop Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration as well as Loving Kindness and to incorporate these practices into their daily life. The teachings are based on the Satipathana Sutta and the Culagosinga Sutta. \n\n\n\nThe retreat integrates both theoretical and experiential aspects of the practices (sitting meditation and walking meditation). There will also be time for questions and feedback about individual participants’ meditation experience. \n\n\n\nThe retreat is suitable for beginners and practitioners of all levels. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Jim Teoh\n\n\n\nJim Teoh has been a Buddhist teacher for more than twenty years and was one of the initiators of the earliest structured Buddhist programs presented at the Buddhist Library. He has taught numerous Buddhist courses in various organisations\, such as the Buddhist Council of NSW\, Buddhist Library\, Indonesian Buddhist Society of NSW and Bodhikusuma Buddhist and Meditation Centre. Jim is a regular speaker and meditation workshop facilitator at University Buddhist organisations. He is also trained as a Hospital Buddhist Chaplain. \n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is catered 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. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $250. Members and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEMFRI to receive the member price of $220. This cost covers food and accommodation. If the cost is prohibitive\, please talk to the organisers\, as there are scholarship positions available. \n\n\n\nPayment to the teacher is traditionally made by donation (dāna) after the retreat. \n\n\n\nThe annual membership fee for AEB is $60.00. To join AEB\, visit our membership page. \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, accommodation options\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nThere is a train station in Wingello\, however trains do not frequently stop there. We will attempt to organise carpooling. Please indicate on the signup form if you require a lift or are able to offer lifts to others. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.All attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact us on office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/weekend-silent-retreat-mindfulness-meditation-in-daily-life-with-jim-teoh/
LOCATION:New South Wales
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jim-Teoh-Retreat.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220526T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220529T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220321T093429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220511T081312Z
UID:2110-1653588000-1653832800@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Weekend Silent Meditation Retreat with Kynan Tan
DESCRIPTION:Registration via Eventbrite \n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nThis 3-night meditation retreat allows practitioners to settle into stillness and quiet. The retreat becomes a container and supportive environment to go deeper into meditation than is typically possible with the busyness and complexities of daily life. \n\n\n\nThis is a student-centred retreat\, which means that there is no set curriculum to follow but rather each student will continue their own meditation practice and all talks and interviews will be responsive to students’ needs and interests. \n\n\n\nRetreat Schedule\n\n\n\nThe schedule will mostly alternate between seated and walking meditation. Each day there will be a dharma talk\, a 1:1 interview with the teacher\, three meals\, and time for exercise or walking outside. \n\n\n\nWe will observe noble silence from Thursday night until Sunday noon. This means only speaking when it is necessary and avoiding eye contact (except with the teacher or the retreat manager). Retreatants will be asked to completely refrain from communication devices (there will be an emergency contact if someone needs to reach you). \n\n\n\nAbout Kynan Tan\n\n\n\nKynan Tan is a meditation teacher who takes a collaborative approach to helping students achieve their meditation goals. He came to meditation after struggles with stress\, anxiety\, and depression and found the practice to be transformative. He believes that meditation has enormous potential for creating positive change and opening up new ways of relating to our experience. \n\n\n\nKynan draws upon a number of different modern and traditional techniques of contemplative and introspective practice. He is a longtime practitioner of The Mind Illuminated\, Rob Burbea’s insight meditation techniques\, nondual awareness\, and brahmavihārā practices (mettā\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity). \n\n\n\nKynan studies meditation with Dr. Tucker Peck. He teaches the Pragmatic Dharma Club at the San Francisco Dharma Collective\, has co-taught retreats with Tucker Peck and Michael Taft\, and teaches students 1:1 as well as through online meditation courses. Kynan has sat a number of retreats\, including a month-long solo retreat in 2021. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue and Cost\n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned strictly on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is catered with three vegan meals per day. Please indicate if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. We may not be able to accommodate all requests. \n\n\n\nThe cost for the retreat is $400. Members and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEMFRI to receive the member price of $320. This cost covers food and accommodation. Payment to the teacher is traditionally made by donation after the retreat. This is suggested to be both sustainable to you and generous for the teacher. \n\n\n\nTo join AEB visit: our membership page. The annual membership fee is $60.00 \n\n\n\nFull details about Vejjasala\, directions\, and information about what to bring can be found on the website: https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/vejjasala-retreat-centre/ \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nCOVID\n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.All attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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. Obviously if you are experiencing any symptoms\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nEnquiries\n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the retreat\, please contact Kynan – kynantctan@gmail.com
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/weekend-silent-meditation-retreat-with-kynan-tan/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Weekend-Silent-Meditation-Retreat-VJ-May-2022.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220415T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220418T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220307T062623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220321T093955Z
UID:2066-1650045600-1650290400@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:Contemplation as Meditation - Easter Long Weekend Retreat with Bhante Akaliko
DESCRIPTION:Registration via Eventbrite \n\n\n\nAbout the Retreat\n\n\n\nContemplation as Meditation: A Four Day Sutta Retreat on the Annusatis. \n\n\n\nThe Buddha taught that reflection\, recollection and contemplation have an important role to play in the development of our meditation practice. Skillful use of particular subjects help us incline the mind towards wholesome states so that we can make progress on the spiritual path and develop peace and wisdom. The six main annusatis are: recollecting the Buddha\, Dhamma\, Sangha\, Ethical Conduct\, Generosity\, and Heavenly Beings. Further contemplations include the body\, death\, and peace. \n\n\n\nIn this 4-day sutta retreat\, we explore the Buddha’s themes for contemplation\, inspiring and uplifting the mind in ways that naturally lead to joyful states and deepen into stillness. \n\n\n\nABOUT AKĀLIKO BHIKKHU \n\n\n\nAkāliko Bhikkhu (he him) is an Australian monk in the Theravada forest tradition. Bhante Akāliko first encountered Buddhism as a teenager and spent over twenty years practising in different traditions before taking full ordination with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor at Bodhinyana monastery in 2016. He currently resides with his long-term teacher\, Bhante Sujato\, at Lokanta Vihara (the Monastery at the End of the World) in Sydney\, Australia. \n\n\n\nBhante Akāliko is the founder of Rainbodhi LGBTQIA+ Buddhist Community and a Buddhist chaplain at Western Sydney University. He is also on the board of directors of the Buddhist Council of NSW. \n\n\n\nGENERAL \n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nTickets are assigned strictly on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nMembers and Friends of the Association of Engaged Buddhists should use the Promo code AEBMEMFRI to receive the member price of $320. \n\n\n\nThe non-member price is $400. \n\n\n\nTo join AEB visit: our membership page. The annual membership fee is $60.00 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCOVID \n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.All attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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. Obviously if you are experiencing any symptoms\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nSCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONS \n\n\n\nAfter the first evening of the retreat\, the rest of the retreat will be held in noble silence. Retreatants generally do not speak to each other unless absolutely necessary. In noble silence\, retreatants can better stay with their own experience\, moment by moment. In this way\, awareness increases\, the body relaxes and the mind clears and space opens for understanding and insight to develop. \n\n\n\nAttendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. A list of current/ongoing jobs will be distributed with registration and participants are welcome to contribute to these activities either during the retreat or upon its completion (i.e. after lunch on Sunday). The Retreat Coordinator will be able to provide guidance on these tasks at the retreat. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nENQUIRIES \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions regarding the retreat\, please email the Retreat Coordinator at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/contemplation-as-meditation-easter-long-weekend-retreat-with-bhante-akaliko/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AEB-retreat-Buddha.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220325T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20220327T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T220047
CREATED:20220308T013631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220308T013720Z
UID:2078-1648227600-1648389600@engagedbuddhists.org.au
SUMMARY:March Informal Retreat for AEB Members
DESCRIPTION:Informal meditation retreat for AEB members at Vejjasala \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout this event\n\n\n\nGENERAL \n\n\n\nVejjasala\, 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. \n\n\n\nAEB informal retreats are held at Vejjasala for Association Members/Friends only. Only those who have held membership for at least three months are eligible for these retreats. For more information on joining AEB\, please check our website. \n\n\n\nInformal retreats are held from Friday afternoon/evenings through to Sunday lunchtime. Tickets are assigned strictly on a first-come\, first-served basis via Eventrbite. \n\n\n\nCOVID \n\n\n\nWe are requiring that all attendees conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the retreat. Take a photo of your result and email to office@engagedbuddhists.org.au in order to be able to attend the retreat.All attendees must be fully vaccinated and send a screenshot of vaccination status along with RAT test results per the above. This is to ensure the safety of all members attending the retreat.\n\n\n\nAdequate social distancing\, hand-washing and other sensible measure should be followed by all attendees. \n\n\n\nIt should be noted that participants attend these informal retreats entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities in regard to 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. Obviously if you are experiencing any symptoms\, please do not attend the retreat and notify the organisers at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au. \n\n\n\nSCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONS \n\n\n\nAs these retreats will not be formally catered or coordinated beyond a few basics\, a set charge will not be required\, with participants encouraged to donate to the Association according to their means. Details for how to donate will be provided upon registration. A suggested minimum of $30/night in order to cover running expenses would be appreciated. \n\n\n\nAttendees will be asked to choose a group meal to contribute to\, either by bringing ingredients and cooking on-site or pre-prepared meals. Meals will be coordinated in cooperation with attendees by the Retreat Coordinator. \n\n\n\nOther than shared meals\, these retreats are designed for self-reflection and meditation\, with no formal timings for practice or other activities. As such they are not really designed for those seeking instruction on beginning meditation. \n\n\n\nAttendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. A list of current/ongoing jobs will be distributed with registration and participants are welcome to contribute to these activities either during the retreat or upon its completion (i.e. after lunch on Sunday). The Retreat Coordinator will be able to provide guidance on these tasks at the retreat. \n\n\n\nWhile we won’t be conducting these retreats strictly in noble silence\, we’d encourage a sense of mindfulness in speech and\, outside of shared meals and not to disturb/speak to other participants or hold conversations unless necessary. In this way retreatants can better stay with their own experience\, moment by moment. \n\n\n\nVejjasala is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. \n\n\n\nENQUIRIES \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions regarding the retreat\, please email the Retreat Coordinator at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au.
URL:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/event/march-informal-retreat-members-only%ef%bf%bc%ef%bf%bc/
LOCATION:Vejjasala\, 219 Forest Road\, Wingello\, New South Wales\, 2579\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://engagedbuddhists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Informal-Retreat.png
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