Upcoming Events

Buddha Statue at Huyen Khong Monastery in Hue Vietnam

Rains Retreat 2023

1st August to 30th October

During the Rains Retreat the community at WBD will focus on formal meditation practice, cultivating stillness, compassion, and wisdom. The monastery is open for day visits, however, we will not be able to accommodate overnight guests.   Emails will be answered between 5-7 days. If it is urgent please call the office at 0409-389-887 between 11 am and 12 noon.    Thank you for your support.

Daily Schedule Rains Retreat
 4:00 – 6:00 am Morning Chanting & Meditation
 6:00 – 6:45 am Breakfast (optional)
 7:00 – 9:00 am Sitting/Walking Meditation (Sala)
 10:00 – 11:30 am Lunch and Kitchen Clean Up
 12:00 – 2:00 pm Personal Practice
 2:00 – 4:00 pm Sitting/Walking Meditation
 5:00 – 6:00 pm Drinks
 7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Chanting & Meditation.
**On Full Moon and New Moon Days the evening meditation practice may
continue all night.

Kathina Ceremony

Sunday 5th November

Activities include: Shared Meal, Auspicious Chanting, and Dhamma Talk

10 – 3 pm

Wisdom of Stillness 4-Day New Year Retreat

with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 29th December to Monday 1st Jan 2024

To register, please click here: New Year Retreat

Huyen Khong Monastery, Hue Vietnam

It is hard to find a being of great wisdom; Rare are the places in which they are born. Those who accompany them when they appear; know good fortune indeed.
Dhammapada Verse #193

For more info regarding the monastery, visit our website www.wbd.org.au. For further enquiries, email wbdretreats@gmail.com  or call the office at 0409-389-887 between 9 – 12 noon.

Ajahn Dtun at Kathina Ceremony, Boonyawad Monastery Thailand
Boonyawad Kathina Ceremony November 2022
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Kathina Ceremony at Dhammacakka Monastery, Queensland

Upcoming Retreats

Spiritual Indulgence
4–Day Easter Retreat

with Ajahn Khemavaro
Friday 7th to Monday 11th April 2023
Weekend Retreat Registration

Rains Retreat 2023
1st August to 29th October
You are cordially invited to spend the
Rains Retreat at the Wat. 
To serve and to deepen your practice. 
Minimum stay of one month and priority will be given to those who can commit for the entire three months. 

To register for the Rains retreat, please complete the application form on the WBD website.

Shrine in Sala
Khanti Kuti

Wisdom of Stillness
5-Day New Year Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Thursday 30th to Tuesday 2nd January 2022
To register, click here: New Year Retreat Registration

Ajahn Chah Remembrance
Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 14th to Sunday 16th January 2022
To register, click here: Ajahn Chah Retreat Registration Fully Booked, Waiting List Only


Spiritual Indulgence
February Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 11th to Sunday 13th February 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration

Still Mind Happy Mind
March Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 4th to Sunday 6th March 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration

Spirit Indulgence
March Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 25th to Sunday 27th March 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration

Wisdom of Stillness
4-Day Easter Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 15th to Monday 18th April 2022
To register, click here: Easter Retreat Registration

Vesak Spiritual Indulgence
Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration

Queen’s Birthday
Long Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 10th to Monday 13th June 2022
To register, click here: Long Weekend Retreat Registration

Spiritual Indulgence
Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th July 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration


Rains Retreat 2022 14th July to 11th October
You are cordially invited to spend the Rains Retreat at the Wat. 
To serve and to deepen your practice. Minimum stay of one month and priority will be given to those who can commit themselves for the entire three months. 

The Beauty of Simplicity and Silence
Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 7th to Sunday 9th October 2022
To register, click here: Weekend Retreat Registration


 
 

A Time to Love

Devotion is from the heart; it’s not a rational thing. You can’t make yourself feel love or devotion just because you like the idea of it. It’s when you’re not attached, when your heart is open, receptive and free, that you begin to experience what pure love is. Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity—these come from an empty mind; not from a sterile position of annihilating feeling, but from a heart that is not deluded, not blinded by ideas of self or others, or by passions of some kind or other.

When the heart is free from illusions of self, a loving quality arises in the pure joy of being. It’s not expected to last or be permanent. It is not to be made into anything. It’s just the natural way of things. So when you contemplate in that way, that is the way of faith and trust and devotion.

Excerpts from A Time to Love
Volume 3 of The Anthology by Ajahn Sumedho

For further enquiries, , please email wbdretreats@gmail.com or call the office at 0409-389-887  between 9 – 12 noon.

Zen Garden at Sala
Meditation Hall

Wisdom of Stillness
5-Day New Year Retreat

with Ajahn Khemavaro
Thursday 30th Dec to Tuesday 3rd January 2022

To register, please click on this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-year-retreat-tickets-215187871717

Sala Shrine

November 2020 Update

No Organized Retreats but Practice Continues

While we have not organized any retreats for the remainder of the year, people are encouraged to visit the monastery and practice with the community of monks and lay meditators.  The Daily Schedule (November & December) is as follows:

  •   4:00 – 6:00 am                Morning Chanting & Meditation
  •   6:15 – 6:45 am                Breakfast (optional)
  •   7:00 – 9:30 am                Work Period
  • 10:00 – 11:30 am              Lunch and Kitchen Clean Up
  • 12:00 2:00 pm                Rest Period
  •  2:00 – 4:00 pm                 Sitting/Walking Meditation
  •   5:00 – 6:00 pm                Evening Drinks
  •   7:00 – 9:00 pm                Evening Chanting & Meditation.

            **On Full Moon and New Moon Days the evening meditation practice may continue all night.

  • Guests are asked to abide by the following Precepts and Monastery rules.
  • To refrain from killing or harming any living being.
    • To refrain from taking that which is not given.
    • To refrain from any sexual activity.  No physical contact or intimacy with another person.
    • To refrain from false or harsh speech.
    • To refrain from taking intoxicants which confuse the mind.
    • To refrain from eating before sunrise and after noon.
    • To refrain from entertainments, beautifications and adornments.
    • To join in the monastery schedule and work duties.
    • To refrain from using telephones, computers, and the internet.

Kathina in the Time of Covid

                                         Kathina 2019

12 Days of Kathina Celebrations 
Saturday 3rd to Wednesday 14th October 2020

The Kathina (Robes Offering Ceremony) marks the end of the Rains Retreat. On this occasion we rejoice in having spent the past three months at the Wat dedicated to the cultivation peace and kindness. This is a rare opportunity to take part in an old and inspiring Buddhist ceremony and a chance to connect with other practitioners.

The core values that are celebrated during the Kathina are those that make living together in harmony possible; qualities like kindness, compassion, patience and acceptance.  In our sometimes confusing and competitive world, it is important to remember that our own sense of well-being cannot be secure unless it is founded on acts of generosity and goodwill to others.

Due to the pandemic restrictions, this year’s Kathina celebrations will take place over 12 days with the following conditions:

1.  Maximum of 30 people per day.
2.  Facial masks are worn.
3.  Visitors are encouraged to visit on week days, when possible.
4.  Registration required (at wbdoffice@gmail.com)

Rains Retreat 2020

Rains Retreat 2020
6th July to 2nd October 

During the Rains Retreat the community at WBD will focus on formal meditation practice, cultivating stillness, compassion, and wisdom. The monastery is open for day visits, however, we will not be able to accommodate overnight guests.  Regarding day visit, please follow instructions below. Emails will be answered between 5-7 days. If it’s urgent please call the office at 0409-389-887 between 11 am and 12 noon.  Thank you for your support.

Community List for Rains 2020
Monks
LP Tiradhammo               
Ajahn Khemavaro
Ajahn Sudhammo                               
Ajahn Chaiyaporn                      
Venerable Panyannda

Layguests
Annie
Araliya
Daniel
Miles
David
Cuc
                               
Videos of Saturday Night Dhamma Talks 

WBD Dhamma Talks on YouTube

 

ATTENTION ALL VISITORS
Please keep the monastery safe

PLEASE DO NOT VISIT if you have
ᴓ been feeling unwell
ᴓ any flu like symptoms – including fever, cough, sore throat or loss of taste/smell
ᴓ travelled to any hotspot location identified by NSW Government in the last 14 days
ᴓ been in close contact with any confirmed cases of COVID or persons awaiting test results
ᴓ been tested positive of COVID or awaiting test results
If you meet any of the above criteria please leave the monastery and contact your doctor for advice

If you are safe to enter, please follow the guidelines below:
√ Complete COVID logbook for contact tracing
√ Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or sanitiser
√ Avoid touching your face with your hands
√ If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and bin after use
√ Keep 1.5 meter distance from others

 
For further enquiries, please email:  wbdoffice@gmail.com or call the office at 0409-389-887 between 9 – 12 noon.

True Refuge
To many places beings withdraw
to escape from fear:
to mountains, forests, parklands and gardens;
sacred places as well.
But none of these places
offer true refuge,
none of them can free us from fear.

The Buddha, the Dhamma, the Sangha
these are true refuge;
these are supreme;
these lead to Liberation.

Dhammapada Verse #188-191

5-Day Easter Retreat–CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
with Ajahn Khemavaro
Thursday 9th to Monday 13th April 2020

Reflections on Non-Self
June Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Tiradhammo
Friday 5th to Monday 8th June 2020
 
Rains Retreat 2020

5th July to 2nd October
You are cordially invited to spend the Rains Retreat at the Wat. 
To serve and to deepen your practice. Minimum stay of one month and priority will be given to those who can commit themselves for the entire three months. 

PAST EVENTS

Kathina Ceremony
Sunday 27th October 2019
Activities include: Shared Meal, Auspicious Chanting, and Dhamma Talk
10 – 3 pm

November Weekend Retreat
15th Nov to 17th 2019 with Ajahn Tiradhammo—Fully Booked

5-Day New Year Retreat–CANCELLED DUE TO RECENT FIRE
with Ajahn Khemavaro
Sat 28th Dec to Wed 1st Jan 2020

To register, please click on this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wisdom-of-stillness-5-day-new-year-retreat-tickets-71195699253?aff=ebdssbeac

 
 

3-Day Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Tiradhammo

Friday, 15th to Monday, 18th  March 2019

Ajahn Tiradhammo is a warm and cheerful Bhikkhu, and always an interesting speaker. With 44 years of experience as a Buddhist Monk, Ajahn Tiradhammo has led many meditation retreats throughout the world. We are privileged that Venerable Ajahn is able to lead the March Retreat at Wat Buddha Dhamma.

The Retreat schedule will consist of morning/evening chanting, mindful work, sitting/walking meditation, meditation instructions in the morning, Dhamma talks and Q&A in the evening.  Retreatants are asked to observe the eight precepts and noble silence.  This retreat is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators.

Arrival and check-in between 4 pm and 6 pm on Friday, 9th November.

About the Teacher:

Ajahn Tiradhammo was born in New Westminster, British Columbia in 1949. In 1973 he became a novice and took his higher ordination one year later at Wat Meung Man in Chiang Mai with Venerable Tong. In 1975 he moved, in order to be with Ajahn Chah, staying at Wat Pah Pong and Wat Pa Nanachat. He went on several tudong journeys through the northeast of Thailand and the mountains of Chiang Mai, visiting many famous forest meditation masters.

He was invited to England in 1982 to help with developments there. He spent two years at Chithurst Monastery, and three years in charge of Harnham Vihara in Northumberland. In 1988 he helped establish Dhammapala Monastery near Bern, Switzerland and also later at its new location in the Bernese Alpine village of Kandersteg where he was the senior monk until 2005. In July 2005 he assumed the position of Abbot at Bodhinyanarama, Wellington, NZ until 2012.  He has since retired and is now a wandering monk. Additionally, Ajahn has also published the following books:  Treasures of the Buddha’s Teachings and Working with the Five Hindrances. We are delighted that Ajahn Tiradhammo will be staying at Wat Buddha Dhamma for the next two years.

Dates:     Friday 15th  from 6 pm through Monday 18th March 2019 noon.

Venue:   WBD Forest Monastery, Ten Mile Hollow, Wisemans Ferry, NSW

Cost:       By Donation.

Register for the retreat by clicking this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/seeing-things-as-they-really-are-4-day-retreat-with-ajahn-tiradhammo-registration-55320318562  If you have any further queries, please visit our website at www.wbd.org.au call the office between 8 – 10 am and 11 – 1 pm  at 0409-389-887.

NB: Please register early as there are limited spaces.

Wisdom of Stillness
5-Day New Year Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro
Friday 28th December to Tuesday 1st Jan 2018

Robes Offering Ceremony
Sunday 25th November
Activities include: Shared Meal, Auspicious Chanting, and Dhamma Talk
10 – 3 pm 

Past Events

5-Day Easter Retreat with Ajahn Tiradhammo
Thursday 29th March to Monday 2nd April 2018
Full booked—Waiting List only 
 
Vesak Celebration & 40th Anniversary
Sunday 6th May
Activities include: Shared Meal, Auspicious Chanting, and Dhamma Talk
10 – 3 pm
 
Spiritual Indulgence
June Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro
Friday 8th to Monday 11th June 2018
 
Rains Retreat 2018
27th July to 24th October
You are cordially invited to spend the Rains Retreat at the Wat. 
To serve and to deepen your practice. Minimum stay of one month and priority will be given to those who can commit themselves for the entire three months. 
 
 

Trying to achieve something in the spiritual world is as foolish as trying to achieve something in the material world. There’s nothing to achieve.  There’s only letting go.    As we let go, more and more,  of ego identification, desires, and support systems, bliss will arise.                                           by Ayya Khema                                             

To register for upcoming retreats, please complete an online application form [Click here :https://www.wbd.org.au/visiting/overnight-and-longer/]  For further info regarding retreats and events, visit our website at www.wbd.org.au.  Any enquiries, please email wbdoffice@gmail.com or call the office at 0409-389-887  between 9 – 12 noon.

 

 

Spiritual Indulgence—Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday, 8th to Monday, 11th June 2018

Is the hustle and bustle of a busy life wearing you down?  Why not treat yourself to some rest and relaxation?  Indulge your mind in 4 days of peace and stillness.

Wat Buddha Dhamma, surrounded by miles of beautiful bush land is the perfect place to meditate.  Come and invigorate yourself through simple techniques of calming the mind.

We will be exploring Body Awareness and Metta meditation (Loving Kindness) to heal the body and sooth the mind.

Retreatants are asked to observe the 8 precepts and Noble Silence:

The Retreat schedule will consist of morning/evening chanting, chores, sitting/walking meditation, Dhamma talk and plenty of time for Q&As in the evening.  Retreatants are asked to observe the eight precepts and noble silence.  The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced meditators.

Arrival and check-in between 4 pm – 6 pm on Friday, 8th June followed by an introduction talk at 8:00 pm

About the Teacher:

Ajahn Khemavaro was born in Vietnam in 1966.  At the age of nine he moved with his family to live in California, USA.  He obtained his BA in Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, Southern California.  Except for a brief stint as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa, most of his jobs have been in the Banking/Finance Sector.  While working as a Stockbroker in Bangkok, he became interested in Buddhism and Meditation. He began his monastic training at Wat Pah Nanachat (International Forest Monastery) Ubon Thailand in 1999, and was ordained as a Bhikkhu in Ajahn Chah’s Tradition in 2000.  Since 2005, Ajahn Khemavaro has lead numerous retreats in Singapore, USA, Norway, and Australia.  Currently, he is the Abbot of Wat Buddha Dhamma.

Dates:    Friday 8th from 6.00 pm through Monday 11th June 12 noon.

Venue:   Wat Buddha Dhamma Monastery, Ten Mile Hollow, Wisemans Ferry, NSW

Cost:       By Donation.

Register for the retreat by filling out an online application form at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/spiritual-indulgence-wat-buddha-dhamma-june-2018-retreat-tickets-42442496650?aff=es2.  If you have any further queries, please contact the office at wbdoffice@gmail.com or call between 8-10 am and 11 to 2 pm at (02) 4323 3193 or 0409-389-887. 

NB: Please register early as there are limited spaces.

 

Easter Retreat with Ajahn Tiradhammo

Thursday, 29th March to Monday, 2nd April 2018

Ajahn Tiradhammo is a warm and cheerful Bhikkhu, and always an interesting speaker. With 44 years of experience as a Buddhist Monk, Ajahn Tiradhammo has led many meditation retreats throughout the world. We are privileged that Venerable Ajahn is able to lead the Easter Retreat at Wat Buddha Dhamma.

The Retreat schedule will consist of morning/evening chanting, mindful work, sitting/walking meditation, meditation instructions in the morning, Dhamma talks and Q&A in the evening.  Retreatants are asked to observe the eight precepts and noble silence.  This retreat is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators.

Arrival and check-in between 4 pm and 6 pm on Thursday, 29th March.

About the Teacher:

Ajahn Tiradhammo was born in New Westminster, British Columbia in 1949. In 1973 he became a novice and took his higher ordination one year later at Wat Meung Man in Chiang Mai with Venerable Tong. In 1975 he moved, in order to be with Ajahn Chah, staying at Wat Pah Pong and Wat Pa Nanachat. He went on several tudong journeys through the northeast of Thailand and the mountains of Chiang Mai, visiting many famous forest meditation masters.

He was invited to England in 1982 to help with developments there. He spent two years at Chithurst Monastery, and three years in charge of Harnham Vihara in Northumberland. In 1988 he helped establish Dhammapala Monastery near Bern, Switzerland and also later at its new location in the Bernese Alpine village of Kandersteg where he was the senior monk until 2005. In July 2005 he assumed the position of Abbot at Bodhinyanarama, Wellington, NZ, until 2012.  He has since retired and is now a wandering monk. We are delighted that Ajahn Tiradhammo will be using WBD as his home base for the next two years.

Dates:     Thursday 29th March from 6 pm through Monday 2nd April 2018 noon.

Venue:   WBD Forest Monastery, Ten Mile Hollow, Wisemans Ferry, NSW

Cost:       By Donation.

Register for the retreat by visiting our website at www.wbd.org.au and filling out an online application form by click this link: https://www.wbd.org.au/visiting/overnight-and-longer/ If you have any further queries, please call the office between 8 – 10 am and 11 – 1 pm  at (02) 4323 3193 or 0409-389-887.

NB: Please register early as there are limited spaces.


 

 

 

Peace & Ease

There are million ways to practise Dhamma.  There’s no end to the things that can be said about meditation.  There are so many things that can make us doubt.  Just keep sweeping them out, then there’s no more doubt!  When we have right understanding like this, no matter where we sit or walk, there is peace and ease.

by Ajahn Chah

Ajahn Chah Memorial

Tueday 16th January

Activities include: Auspicious Chanting, Dhamma Talk, and Meditation.

7 pm – 4 am

5-Day Easter Retreat

with Ajahn Tiradhammo

Thursday 29th March to Monday 2nd April 2018

Vesak Celebration & 40th Anniversary 

Sunday 27th May

Activities include: Shared Meal,

Auspicious Chanting, and

Dhamma Talk

10 – 3 pm

Rains Retreat 2018

27th July to 24th October

You are cordially invited to spend the Rains Retreat at the Wat. To serve and to deepen your practice. Minimum stay of one month and priority will be given to those who can commit themselves for the entire three months.

Robes Offering Ceremony

Sunday 11th November

Activities include: Shared Meal, Auspicious Chanting, and Dhamma Talk

10 – 3 pm

Wisdom of Stillness

5-Day New Year Retreat

with Ajahn Khemavaro

Friday 28th December to Tuesday 1st Jan 2018

To register for upcoming retreats, please complete an online application form from our website www.wbd.org.au. For further enquiries, please email wbdoffice@gmail.com or call the office at 0409-389-887  between 9 – 12 noon.