Weekend Retreat - Back To Basics

A 3 Day Weekend Retreat with Plum Village Monastics at Mountain Spring Monastery, NSW, Australia

    When - starts at 6pm Friday and finishes at 3:00pm Sunday

    Location - Mountain Spring Monastery, (Sisters Hamlet) 2651 or (Brothers Hamlet) 2675 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin NSW 2758

Back To Basics

You are warmly welcome to join us for this retreat during which we will explore the basic practices of mindfulness in the Plum Village Tradition such as mindful breathing, sitting and walking meditation, eating meditation and so on.  This retreat is a perfect day for absolute beginners to gain a grounding in foundational engaged mindfulness practices, as well as for seasoned practitioners who would like to refresh their practice.

Special notes about the retreat:

* The retreat will begin on Friday evening with dinner at 6:00pm, along with our opening orientation session and practice at 7:30pm. Please plan on arriving in time for Orientation.  The retreat concludes at 3:00pm on Sunday. This retreat is for a small, intimate group and there are a maximum number of 20 places available.

*The teaching for this retreat will be in English.

Mountain Spring is a monastic practice centre and during your time with us we ask that you help to nurture the peaceful and solid energy of this place by:

·  Observing the five mindfulness trainings of protecting life, not taking what does not belong to you, refraining from sexual activity, mindful and compassionate speech, and refraining from intoxicants (alcohol, drugs for example) whilst on the property.

·  The daily schedule is posted on the whiteboard in the public areas. We ask that you do your best to be on time for and participate in all activities in the hamlet you are staying while you are with us. If you are feeling ill, or are tired, please let the guest master know.

·  The chance to be on retreat for a day or two is very precious. In order to fully be here and benefit from the mindful energy here we ask that you minimise your use of electronic devices as much as possible, and not engage in unnecessary conversations about topics that may be uncomfortable or distressing for some (such as politics) etc.

·  Mountain Spring Monastery is a completely non-smoking environment.

·  For everyone’s comfort, the dress code at Mountain Spring is smart casual. You will find it helpful to bring clothes that are loose fitting and cover your knees and elbows so that you can easefully sit in meditation. The weather is quite changeable and you will find it helpful to bring a few layers.

·  Food is served at mealtimes and we ask that you refrain from taking food outside of those times. Tea, coffee, fruit etc are available for you if you feel hungry outside of those times. All meals and food at Mountain Spring are vegetarian and we ask that you only bring or consume vegetarian food whilst spending time with us.

·  Please do not enter monastic areas without permission.

·  There is a period of noble silence that begins after the evening practice activity and continues until after breakfast the next morning. We ask that everyone do their best to avoid unnecessary conversations during that period, so that a deep atmosphere of rest can be enjoyed by all.

What to bring: comfortable clothing, warm jacket, bath towel, toiletries, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, umbrella or raincoat, walking shoes, water bottles, and torch. Please also bring some writing materials and paper for reflective exercises.

*Facilities at Mountain Spring are still a little limited. We ask for your warm hearted understanding!

-Please plan on bringing your own sleeping bag and other sleeping items that you need to be comfortable during your stay.

Registration fee covers 2 nights accommodation, vegetarian/vegan meals, mindfulness activities and time to flow as a river with the Sangha.

Sliding-Scale Contribution

Additional Giving

Our suggested registration costs are set at a reduced level to make retreat attendance more accessible. If you are able to contribute additional funds to your registration costs, it will help us offer financial assistance to others and to help us realise the vision of creating a peaceful oasis where all can come and practice.

Financial Assistance

If your financial situation means you would have difficulty paying for the suggested retreat cost but would really benefit from attending you may select a reduced ticket price during registration or use the contact us form to discuss your circumstances.

TIP: If desired ticket(s) are currently unavailable or sold out - please check again later or use the contact us form with your email, mobile and the date you'd like to be waitlisted for.

Cancellation Policy

-Full Refunds (minus original service fee) are available for cancellations made at least 7 days before the retreat start day.

-Partial Refunds (minus $10 cancellation fee & original service fee) are available for cancellations made 1-7 days before the retreat start day.

-No Refunds for cancellations made on or after the retreat start day. Registration is non-transferable.

Privacy Policy

Your personal information is kept confidential and is strictly used for the purpose of this retreat only by the Retreat Organisers. We do not share information with third-parties.

*Donations are warmly welcomed to support basic operational and monastic living costs and to support this monastery for future generations here in Australia.

For further inquiries and concerns please use the contact us form