Buddhism has at its core the goal of freedom. Many of us would like to be more authentically ourselves, but the ideal of complete freedom can bring with it a sense of fear: fear of the unknown, of our own unknown potential, standing out from the crowd or challenging the status quo.
On this retreat we will work together to lighten these fears and explore new possibilities. We will delve into meditation practices that help unearth our hidden strengths.
Come and spend time in the natural surrounds of the Georges River valley in south west Sydney, with like-minded young people who want to affect change in themselves and the world around them.
What’s on offer?
A 3 day retreat at the Sydney Buddhist Centre’s retreat centre in Minto Heights. All accommodation and meals are inclusive. There will be activities and meditations planned around the theme of courage and fearlessness. The meditation practices we teach help calm the mind, develop mindfulness and cultivate positivity for yourself and others.
You do not need to be Buddhist to attend.
Who can go?
Anyone between 18 and 35. You do not need to have any experience meditating.
When?
Queens' Bank Holiday Weekend 5-8 June
Where?
Vijayaloka Retreat Centre, 7 Howard Road, Minto Heights
What's the cost?
Finding somewhere learn and practice meditation can be financially difficult for young people, particularly those who would need to travel to a major city to do so.
The centre's young persons group acknowledges this (some of us have even experienced it ourselves), so we want to make it possible for any young person to attend.
We would ask people (if they can) to pay $245 if they are full time employed or $180 concession.
If you have any difficulty with this please let us know. We never want people to feel they can't attend a retreat because of money.
How do I sign up or get more information?
You can book online at the Sydney Buddhist Centre website
If you'd like more information, please email the centre or give us a call:
Email: info@sydneybuddhistcentre.org.au
Tel: (02) 9519 0440
The Sydney U35's group also has a Facebook page - YoungTrirantaSydney
Practical Information
Retreats are an excellent way to develop a meditation practice in supportive surroundings. Vijayaloka Buddhist Retreat Centre is conveniently located about one hour from the heart of Sydney. It provides simple shared accommodation for approximately 40 people in a beautiful bush setting on the George's River.
What you need to tell us when Booking
Please let us know if you are currently experiencing any kind of ill-health we need to be aware of, to ensure you are appropriately supported on retreat. It may not be suitable for you to attend in certain circumstances, such as if you require medical or psychiatric supervision.
We’ll also need to know if you have any dietary requirements, such as being gluten or dairy free. A variety of nutritious vegetarian meals will be served on the retreat.
All retreat bookings can be made through the Sydney Buddhist Centre. You can book online or over the phone.
What to Bring
Bedding: The retreat centre uses water from rain water tanks. To reduce the pressure on this resource, we ask if people could bring their own bedding such as sheets, pillow cases and sleeping bag. We are able to provide some bedding if you are traveling a long distance for this retreat.
Toiletries: Please bring whatever personal items you need.
Clothes: It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and warm in the middle of the day, so we suggest you bring layers. A warm jumper or jacket, trousers, tee shirt, shorts etc. Aim to bring soft comfortable clothes that will make it easy for you to meditate.
Footwear: If you want to walk in the bush - bring suitable shoes.
Torch & Watch: Useful but not essential. Having both these items does allow you to put your mobile phone away for the weekend and give yourself a break from Facebook.
How to get to Vijayaloka Retreat Centre
The retreat Centre is on the edge of beautiful unspoilt bushland on the bank of the Georges River at Minto Heights. There are some marked tracks and a beach on a quiet stretch of river, lovely for contemplation.
From Sydney Airport: The train from the airport goes to Minto station, which is only 7km away from the retreat centre, so there's no need to change trains. The train service is half-hourly and the trip takes about 55 minutes. From the arrivals hall follow the signs to the train and buy a one-way ticket to Minto. Get the train in the direction of McArthur/Campbelltown. Make sure the indicator board on the platform shows Minto as one of the stops.
From Sydney by Public Transport: It is best to take a train to Minto Station. The quickest route from the city is the 'Airport/East Hills Line' (see airport instructions above), or - if more convenient - use the 'South Line'. For train timetables go to http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/ or telephone 131 500.
Very Important - Please contact the centre ahead of time and they will tell you if someone will be available to pick people up from the station. If not, you'll need to order a taxi. The trip from Minto station to Vijayaloka is about 7km.
By Car: Take the south-western freeway (M5) towards Campbelltown. Please be aware that the M5 (and particularly its tunnel) becomes very congested from about 3pm to 7pm on Friday. With a clear run it takes about 50 minutes to drive to Vijayaloka from Newtown.
After the Liverpool and M7 exits, take the 'Brooks Road/ Ingleburn industrial area' exit. Turn right into Williamson Rd drive until you reach the round-about with Campbelltown Road. Turn left (along Campbelltown Road) then drive about two kilometres and turn left again at the traffic lights at Ben Lomond Road. Follow Ben Lomond Road (which has a number of round-abouts) across the railway line, past Minto Fruit Orchard & Caltex servo, up the hill (past a new development), across (yet another round about) until you reach a T-Junction with a prominent Bushfire sign in Minto Heights (Hansons Road).
Turn left at the T-Junction (into Hansons Road), then second right (follow the signs to 'Minto Bush Camp') into Moreton Road. Howard Road is the second road on the left. The retreat centre is the first property on the right -hand side along Howard Road with a prominent blue sign.
Tel: (02) 9519 0440 Post: PO Box 574 Newtown NSW 2042 Email: info@sydneybuddhistcentre.org.au