Gathering in the Buddha Field

What is a co-created retreat?

The program will include a backbone of regular meditation sessions, talks, and puja, but we are also offering workshop spaces to attendees as an opportunity to share creative practices, skills, and workshops. There’s no obligation to share a creative offering, but if you’re feeling inspired we’d love to see it come to life. Some ideas so far have included: mantra chanting, yoga and movement activities, creative rituals, mindful walks around the property. Contact us if you’re wanting to offer something on the retreat – office@melbournebuddhistcentre.org.au

Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?

You don’t need to be a Buddhist to benefit from our retreats, but we will be practising the Buddha’s teachings.

When does the retreat start and end?

You are welcome to arrive from 11am on the Saturday morning, in time for our welcome ceremony at 1pm. The retreat ends on Monday afternoon at 2pm.

Can I arrive early?

People travelling regionally or interstate are welcome to arrive on the Friday, but note that retreat organisers will be setting up on the Friday.

Can I only attend for one or two days?

Ideally participants attend for the whole retreat from Saturday through to Monday afternoon. It may be possible to leave the retreat early on Monday morning, but this should be arranged with retreat organisers to ensure vehicle access and logistics.

What does the cost include?

Costs associated with facilities, food (for dinners), and administration are included in the price. The cost has been kept to a minimum, and the retreat organisers are volunteers.

What retreat conditions can I expect?

The camping retreat will be held in the peaceful bushland at Skyrock and will have a relaxed and respectful atmosphere to encourage the deepening of spiritual friendship, harmonious community, and skilful mental states. As such this retreat will adhere to the Five Precepts of Buddhism and we ask participants to honour them, including:

Abstaining from taking life / purifying ourselves through deeds of loving kindness – provided dinners at the retreat will be vegan and we ask participants not to bring meat and fish products.

Abstaining from taking the not-given / purifying ourselves through open handed generosity – respect that those attending are seeking a quiet retreat in the bush and limit use of your phones and electronic devices, or use them discretely and away from the main retreat areas.

Abstaining from sexual misconduct / purifying ourselves through stillness, simplicity and contentment – we ask retreatants to refrain from sexual activity to support an atmosphere of reducing sense desire to allow our minds to slow down and experience the pleasure of wholesome mental states

Abstaining from false speech / purifying ourselves through truthful communication – be honest and respectful of your fellow retreatants. If you are having any issues, or need to leave, please speak to one of our retreat organisers.

Abstaining from taking intoxicants / purifying our minds through mindfulness – the event is recreational drug and alcohol free. If you need to smoke, please do so well away from the campsite.

Can I leave my child unguarded?

As there are a number of children attending the retreat and it is a MBC activity, it is important that participants abide by our safeguarding requirements for working with children. Specifically, only people with a current Working with Children’s Card can be left alone with a child (besides a child’s parent). A parent of another child cannot be left with a child that is not theirs, unless the parent holds a current Working with Children’s Card. There are several people attending who hold Working with Children’s Cards and we will confirm who they are at the commencement of the retreat.

Will there be amplified music?

There will also be an open mic music night for people to share songs, poetry, theatre, stories, etc, but this will be acoustic only.

What type of facilities will be provided?

Attendees should prepare for a basic camping style set-up, however the site will include: 2 portaloos, several marquees and shaded spaces, trestle tables, a camp kitchen including gas stoves for preparing meals and dishwashing basins. Note there will be limited electricity on-site so we recommend you bring your phones fully charged or a power bank to keep it charged if you need it during the retreat.

Is food and water provided?

A vegan dinner will be catered on the Saturday and Sunday night’s, however other meals need to be self catered. Please advise any dietary requirements for the dinner meal.

You will need to bring your own drinking water — we suggest 10-15L for the three days.