Monday, December 28, 2009
Virupa Retreat Centre
Carwoola, NSW, Australia
Located on a windy hill just outside Canberra, ACT, Virupa is small retreat centre in the Buddhist Sakya tradition under the direction of Lama Choedak Rinpoche. Operating as Rinpoche’s main retreat centre for many years, SIBA, located just 4 hours away, is now offering the bulk of his retreats in the region.
Known mainly to locals and used mainly by Sakya practitioners Virupa offers three retreat huts that can be used for long term or short term use. However, if used for more than a few days, you must prove that you are under the direction of a teacher, as there are no resident teachers available.
The center also runs its own retreats about once a month. Many of the retreats focus on the introductory practice of Calm Abiding Meditation which is a great technique for increasing clarity of mind and the stability of attention.
While windy, the grounds offer stunning views, hearty walks and are occupied by a plethora of kangaroos.
The shrine room is quite a powerful place and tops out at about 25 people.
The centre is quite compact. The main building holds an office, small bookstore, kitchen and dining area.
The main accommodations are dorm style bunk beds.
The centre can be hired by like minded groups who can meet in the dining area, small lounge area, or use the shrine room is appropriate.
# posted by Retreat Finder : 2:25 PM
St Marys Towers Retreat Centre
Douglas Park, NSW, Australia
Located less than an hour southwest of Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, St Marys Towers Retreat Centre is a beautifully preserved retreat offered by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. With 1000 acres of land and many well marked tracks for wandering this center is close to nature.
Retreatants can partake of one of the centre’s programmed retreats, enjoy a personal self-directed retreat, or receive one hour of personal spiritual direction daily on a directed retreat. No matter which option you choose, all retreats at the center are in silence.
“Life’s Healing Journey” is a powerful retreat experience offered by the center that is based on the proven techniques used by Alcoholics Anonymous. During this retreat you examine your life and the areas you would like to improve and receive the support needed to make the changes you desire. Retreatants have reported powerful life changes occurring as a result of this retreat.
Accommodations are in single rooms with twin beds, a few with ensuite facilities. There are three meeting spaces that can be used for talks or space for personal reflection. There are separate rooms for spiritual direction and even a room for massage.
The facility is well maintained as one would expect from a historical landmark. The ceilings are high, the walls are sandstone and the floors are comfortably carpeted.
Groups of up to 45 can also hire the facility to hold retreats, but groups should be of a like mind to the retreat centre.
# posted by Retreat Finder : 2:20 PM
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