If you are going to learn meditation, then I figure you may as well learn from the best at the largest temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the Nan Tien temple. I had already enjoyed a weekend meditation retreat (check it out here!), but with my daughter being a complete newbie, I was hoping that the one day retreat would be a great start for her meditation journey.
And it was!
Although the retreat didn’t start to 9am we found ourselves there early, which gave us a great opportunity to explore the grounds without any visitors. It was so peaceful and tranquil and straight away I knew that this was going to be a great place to meditate.
We met at the information desk and after recieving our name badges we sat and had a chat with some of our fellow retreat members. A short wait later, we were to find out from our instructor, a Buddhist monk, that the retreat was a silent one… that is, no talking among ourselves! There was a gasp from most of the attendees, while I looked forward to the quiet!
Soon we moved into the meditation hall and after an introduction to the day, we received teachings on a great mix of meditation techniques. We learnt about walking meditation/ mindfulness (1 session), breathing meditation(2 sessions) and using Tai Chi as a way to meditate and regulate our breathing (1 session).
During the day we also enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch of about seven dishes and a small morning tea of crackers and tea. While at the conclusion of the day retreat we were introduced to the basic understandings of Buddhism and took part in a tour of the temple, and interesting way to finish the day at 4pm.
We both really enjoyed the day. We learnt alot, about meditation, the temple and Buddhism, and I definitely know that I will be back for a weekend retreat in the near future.
What: 1 day Meditation retreat at the Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
Where: Nan Tien Temple. 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW.
How much?: $50 including meals.
Need to know: Remember this is a silent retreat!, wear pants that cover your knees and shirts that cover your shoulder, socks and walking shoes need to be worn, this is suitable for all level of meditators, get in quick because retreats get booked out quickly!, be open minded and show respect, and enjoy the quiet!
Have you been to a Meditation retreat? What was your experience like?
Safe Travels,
Kerrie.
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What a fabulous experience. I am currently participating in the Mindful in May Challenge with daily guided meditations. One of the interviews discussed the benefits of attending a Mindfulness and Meditation retreat. So timely that you have written about this. Great photos by the way!
Oh I’m not sure I could go on one of them. Being still isn’t for me 🙂
Oh. Wow… so beautiful. What a lovely experience. That lunch sounds wonderful!
Wow. I have seen it in the distance but not gone in. Many many decades ago, I was born in Wollongong and my close family lived at Dapto. so seeing this emerge there has been amazing.
I went to a Buddhist morning here on the Central Coast in early 2015 and it kick-started my knowledge search for what mindfulness and meditation would do for me.
Whilst I continue to be a learner, I know that it has helped me in some of my more challenging times.
I hope it continues to be a help to you!
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek 21/52. Next week’s optional prompt is “How Did My Blog Start”
Denyse