Retreat monasteries

Discussion of ordination, the Vinaya and monastic life. How and where to ordain? Bhikkhuni ordination etc.
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pho
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Joined: Sun May 12, 2013 5:31 am

Retreat monasteries

Post by pho »

Does anyone know Which theravada monasteries to live in like a retreat in Australia?
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James the Giant
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Re: Retreat monasteries

Post by James the Giant »

Most monasteries and retreat centres in Australia run 10 day retreats.
I know of one monastery in Melbourne which does a 30 day retreat.
But outside those retreat times you usually have to work, do dishes, help prepare food, clean things, for at least 4 hours per day.
It might be different from what you were expecting.
Then,
saturated with joy,
you will put an end to suffering and stress.
SN 9.11
pho
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Joined: Sun May 12, 2013 5:31 am

Re: Retreat monasteries

Post by pho »

Hello James,

Which monastery in Melbourne does 30 day retreats?

Metta,
:tongue:
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James the Giant
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Re: Retreat monasteries

Post by James the Giant »

pho wrote: Which monastery in Melbourne does 30 day retreats?
http://www.dhammasukha.org.au
It is a 2-monk hermitage in the Mahasi tradition, with some private kutis for the meditators, and some shared dorms. They run the 30 day once a year. I did it a few years ago and there were maybe 7 of us. The instructions were textbook Mahasi technique.
The Sayadaw is an entirely humourless and very strict Burmese monk named Sayadaw U Pandita (no, not the famous one). Daniel Ingram has a high opinion of him, if that makes a difference one way or the other, lol!
I would not go again, as I found the Sayadaw too dry. But at one point I was pretty sure he was reading my mind...
I would not recommend it if you have not done a fair bit of meditation before.
Have you done much meditation before?
Then,
saturated with joy,
you will put an end to suffering and stress.
SN 9.11
pho
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun May 12, 2013 5:31 am

Re: Retreat monasteries

Post by pho »

I practise 3 hours each day. Did 2-week solitary retreat. I am thinking of doing intensive retreat for one year either alone or in group. I read Shaila Catherine's book: " Wisdom: Wide and deep". I did contact one FPMT retreat centre in South Australia and the cost is beyond my budget if i do one year.
If i can not find anywhere in Australia, maybe look for one oversea, maybe in Myanmar: Pa-Auk monastery where one can meditate for at least 7 hours a day. Has Anyone here been to Pa-Auk meditation centre? What is it like there? Please advise me.

Metta,
:smile:
householder
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Re: Retreat monasteries

Post by householder »

Retreat centres all over the place here in Myanmar. Just booked a month at Panditarama in Hse Main Gone in July! A friend was at Pa Auk's monastery in Moulemin and does recommend it. Just need to get out here, find a centre on a tourist visa then get a meditation visa (which involves leaving the country then coming back).
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