FPMT Australia Ltd

A 9 day retreat led by Venerable Thubten Gyatso at Atisha Buddhist Centre, Bendigo from 21st February to 1st March 2009. Gyatso will teach and guide students in meditation practices that will integrate the knowledge and understanding of wisdom (emptiness) and compassion.

This meditation retreat will be done predominantly in silence and students will be engaged in intensive meditation practice. The practices will include shamatha meditation (to calm the mind) and developing bodhicitta (the aspiration to benefit all others).

The extended retreat conditions are designed to support this intensive meditation practice and so students must be able to commit to the full retreat of 9 days. Silence will be observed for most of the time and meals will be adjusted accordingly to support meditation.

The retreat will run from Saturday lunchtime (21st Feb) and conclude with lunch on Sunday 1st March. More specific retreat information will be sent to participants after their booking is made.

Costs

Course Fee $200: (discounts available to Atisha Centre members), this covers advertising, course materials, offerings etc.

Catering $240: this includes self-serve continental style breakfasts, a vegetarian lunch (which is the main meal) and a light supper as well as refreshments ie. Tea & cold drinks. Note that after the first 2 or 3 days, there will be only 2 meals per day (breakfast & lunch).

Facility Donation $5 to $30 per day: this is a contribution towards infrastructure costs eg. Administration, cleaning. A suggested amount of between $5 to $30 per day is requested but it is whatever you can afford.

Accommodation

Accommodation in shared rooms is available (limited numbers) at $25 per night and camping is also available at $15 per night.

About the retreat leader

Adrian Feldmann, a medical graduate of the University of Melbourne, was ordained as a Buddhist monk 33 years ago and given the name Gyatso. He has studied with many Tibetan Lamas and performed several meditation retreats, including recently completing three years of total isolation in bush land on Kangaroo Island. Gyatso has helped establish Monasteries in Nepal, France and Mongolia and built Thubten Shedrup LingMonastery at Atisha Centre in Myers Flat, near Bendigo, twelve years ago. He has taught Buddhist psychology and meditation in many countries around the world.

Bookings

Enquiries: phone Atisha Centre office on 03 5446 3336 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.atishacentre.org.au

Bookings are essential so please book with payment ASAP visit www.atishacentre.org.au for PDF booking form.