Course Information, Dhammakaya Meditation Retreat, Sydney NSW (Dhammakaya Intrenational Society of Australia Inc. [DISA])

Course information

Meditation sessions

Most meditation sessions are between 90 minutes and 2 hours long. However, you will not be meditating for the entire time, although you can if you wish. The session will consist of instruction, dhamma talks, and question and answer sessions about your meditation experiences each day.

We ask that you attend all meditation sessions, as this is the way to gain the most benefit from your experience. The 6am morning meditations, however, are informal sessions, which you may choose not to attend.

Between sessions you can walk the grounds, share your meditation experiences with other participants, or simply relax in your room. We have two meditation halls, and you may at any time use the halls for your own personal meditation if you so wish.

Timetable for Retreat

Friday

7.00 pm	Minibus departs Pennant Hills in front of Library
7.30 pm	Registration
8.00 pm	Welcoming Ceremony
8.30 pm	Introduction to Meditation

Saturday

6.00-6.30 am	Meditation (Optional)
6.30 am	Morning Exercise
7.00-8.00 am	Breakfast
8.30-9.00 am	Morning Chanting (Optional)
9.00-11.00 am	Meditation Session
11.00 am-12.30 pm	Lunch
2.00-4.00 pm	Meditation Session
4.00-5.00	Group Sharing and Group Photo
5.30 pm	Refreshments
6.45 am	Evening Chanting (Optional)
7.00-9.00 pm	Meditation Session

Sunday

6.00 am	Meditation Session
6.45 am	Morning Exercise
7.00-8.00 am	Breakfast
8.30 am	Morning Chanting (Optional)
9.00-11.00 am	Meditation Session
11.00 am-12.30 pm	Lunch
1.00-1.30 pm	Packing up
2.00	Final meditation and Closing Ceremony
4.00 pm	Departing for Pennant Hills Station

Teachers

All meditation sessions are guided by Thai Buddhist monks with extensive experience in practicing and teaching meditation to people from many different cultures and lifestyles, and of many different ages.

There are two permanent teaching monks at the retreat, Venerable Sudhammo and Venerable Kaset. In addition, other monks from the Strathfield centre will occasionally visit the retreat to help instruct and advise.

Venerable Sudhammo

The Venerable Sudhammo is the Abbott of the Dhammakaya International Society of Australia and president of Buddhist Federation of Australia. The Venerable has been part of Dhammakaya for 30 years, first as an assistant to the monks for 15 years, and subsequently as a monk himself for over 15 years. Venerable Sudhammo is greatly respected for his work here in Australia with both the Thai community and the Australian community. His friendly nature, his wisdom, and his soothing voice combine to make him a natural to explain meditation to beginners in simple, logical terms and to make meditation relaxing and enjoyable for all meditators.

Venerable Kaset

The Venerable Kaset is an experienced teacher of meditation, particularly to English-speaking people. The Venerable takes the dhamma talks and meditation sessions for English speakers at the Northern Beaches meditation centre every Monday evening. The Venerable gives dhamma talks and teaches meditation to school children throughout Sydney and Newcastle. The Venerable has a Masters degree in agricultural science from the University of New Zealand. He is currently studying for his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Sydney. Venerable Kaset’s guidance is invaluable to those wanting to examine more deeply the theory and practice of meditation and Buddhism.

Venerable Satit

The Venerable Satit is a permanent resident teachning monk, who has been living here for 10 years. The Venerable takes the dhamma talks and meditation sessions for English speakers at the Strathfield Meditation Centre every Sunday Morning. The Venerable has a degree in Computer Engineering and IT. Venerable Satit’s guidance is simple and easy to understand.

Course Dates 2009

16-18 January 2009

13-15 February 2009

13-15 March 2009

17-19 April 2009

19-21 June 2009

17-19 July 2009

18-20 September 2009

16-18 October 2009

13-15 November 2009

Bedroom

Bedroom are 4 bed share room and separate gender. We provide top sheet, pillow, blanket, electric blanket and heater in the bedroom.

Food

Example menu

SATURDAY’S MENU

BREAKFAST
• Sausage
• Omelets
• Cereal
• Fruit Salad

LUNCH
• Stir-fried Vegetables
• Green Chicken Curry
• Spring Rolls
• Thai Beef Salad

REFRESHMENTS
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Juice
• Tea
• Coffee

SUNDAY’S MENU

BREAKFAST
• Bacon
• Eggs
• Cereal
• Fruit Salad

LUNCH
• Fried Rice
• Chicken
• Tom Yum Goong
(Thai Prawn Soup)

REFRESHMENTS
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Juice
• Tea
• Coffee

Cost

Dhamma is not for sale. All teaching and meditation sessions are provided free of charge. However you will pay for the accommodation and meal which is A$190.00 for weekend retreats and A$350 for 7 Days caurse in this November.