Coogee Sangha Retreat (Original dates)
Friday 10 July 2020 – Sunday 12 July 2020 at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights
When people had spent time listening to the Buddha they are often quoted as saying:
"Magnificent Master Gotama! Magficent! Master Gotama has made the Dhamma clear in many ways, as though he were turning upright what had been overthrown, revealing what was hidden, showing the way to one who is lost, or holding up a lamp in the dark for those with eyesight to see forms. I go to Master Gotama for refuge and to the Dhamma and to the Sangha."
My experience and belief agrees with these statements. Through cultivating ethics, mindfulness and compassion I metaphorically (and literally actually) bump into things less and less often in life thereby saving myself and others suffering...
I thought we might make these verses a gentle theme for our forthcoming Coogee retreat and explore together our own experiences and aspirations of following these teachings, which very much include meditation, and how they help us find our way.
~ Dharmalata and Padmadakini
We want everyone to have the opportunity to come on retreat. If you cannot afford the cost even with concessions, we may be able to help. Please contact us to discuss.
Typical Programme
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Friday | |
| 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 8pm | Welcome & Meditation |
| Saturday | |
| 7:30am | Meditation |
| 9am | Breakfast |
| 10:30am | Teaching & Discussion |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 4pm | Meditation |
| 6pm | Dinner |
| 8pm | Meditation & Pūjā |
| Sunday | |
| 7:30am | Meditation & Pūjā |
| 9am | Breakfast |
| 10:30am | Teaching & Discussion |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 2pm | Clear up and depart |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Buddhist or have any meditation experience?
This retreat is best suited Coogee Sangha members who are familiar with the two core meditations we teach
What does the cost include?
The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.
When does the retreat start and end?
The retreat will begin with dinner on the Friday evening at 6:30pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than this. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.
We will finish on the Sunday afternoon, around 3pm.
I can't make the whole retreat - can I come for just some of it?
Yes - come for whatever time you can, but please let us know beforehand so we know when to expect you.
What will the accommodation be like?
Vijayaloka provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. Due to Covid restrictions, all rooms will be single (although normally can accomodate 2-4 people). We will eat together communally.
Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.
What will the food be like?
Many Buddhists practice veganism as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.
If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.
What do I need to bring?
Unless you are coming a long distance we ask that you bring your own sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag (we have plenty of pillows).
It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and quite hot in the middle of the day, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need a good sun hat and suitable shoes, especially if you want to walk in the bush. There is a river you can swim in so you may also want to swimwear if you want to swim.
In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel, insect repellent, and sun block. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.
The Team
Where to Find Us
The retreat is at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights.
Driving
Vijayaloka's address for use in sat-navs is 36 Howard Road, Minto Heights NSW 2566. Travel time from central Sydney is about one hour.
There is a blue sign at Vijayaloka's entrance. Enter there and then park the car park immediately on your right.
If you are able to offer a lift to others travelling from Sydney, please let us know.
Train
Vijayaloka is very easy to access by train. The closest train station is Minto which is on the T8 Airport Line towards MacArthur and Campbelltown. Travel time is about 50 minutes from Central.
We can normally arrange for those travelling by train to be picked up from the train station. Please indicate when booking if you need to be picked up and aim to be at Minto around 5:30-6pm. We will contact you shortly before the start of the retreat to confirm. Alternatively you can take a taxi from the bottle shop across the road from the station, or an Uber.
If you are travelling from outside Sydney and don't have an Opal card, you can use any contactless credit/debit card to travel on Sydney Trains.