Face-to-Face Practice

Note - our face to face practices are currently suspended due to  CONVID-19 restrictions 

The foundation of Buddhist meditation consists of the physical aspect of sitting still, and the psychological aspect of grounding the mind in the present moment –what is known as mindfulness, or shamatha. Sustaining presence of mind enables us to experience the world directly without conceptual entanglement. This wider perspective -or vipashyana is the core of all Buddhist paths. The unified practice of shamata and vipashyana establishes a peaceful space of presence and inspires compassionate engagement and interaction with our world.

• To find a regional center near you that offers weekly 'drop-in' shamatha-vipashyana meditation practice go to the LOCATION DIRECTORY

• Siddhartha’s Intent Australia also offers several  RETREATS a year in different locations around Australia. ... See below for details

• SPONSORSHIP is available for retreats and teaching events ... See below for details
  
  
• Every Monday you can join online a live face-to-face shamatha practice that is live-streamed. Click to go to the Study page, and look for the "Weekly Monday evening" stream  

• A personal retreat hut is available for bookings of 1 week to 3 months. Situated in the uniquely beautiful Bellinger Valley on the mid-north coast of NSW, Australia, this meditation hermitage was built to provide a place for students to practice on their own without the usual distractions of daily life. More information is available at the bottom of the Bellingen Location Page

 Retreats

"Ideally the ultimate retreat is to retreat from the past and the future, to always remain in the present. However our mind is so empowered and controlled by habit all the time. One characteristic of habit is not being able to sit still, not being able to remain in the present. This is because being in the present is so scary, so boring and unbearable for our deluded and spoiled mind. Little do we know that actually being in the present is so exciting and the most liberating from all kinds of pain, suffering and anxiety." 
 - Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

Northern Rivers retreat participants

The practice of Buddhist meditation allows us to uncover and experience our natural heritage of wisdom though cultivating insight or vipashyana. It is to establish a peaceful space of presence and mindfulness, allowing us to awaken a calmer and wider appreciation of our reality. A retreat is an invaluable moment of clarifying and re-affirming our commitment to the vision and path of meditation. Jakob Leschly will lead the retreat, offering general instruction and individual interviews.

Siddhartha's Intent Australia retreats in Australia and New Zealand in 2020:

Foundations of Samadhi: Düntün (seven-day) Programs

• 19-26 June  SIA Winter Düntün in Blue Mountains - Cancelled due to COVID-19
• November - December  (to be confirmed) New Zealand Düntün 
• December 5-12. SIA Summer Düntün at Healesville, Victoria (Maitripa Centre)

Ngondro gar PROGRAMS

• May 15-23: Karma Kinglake Retreat Centre, VIC - Cancelled due to COVID-19
• September 11-13: Sydney Ngondro Gar Seminar

Chimé Phagma Nyingtik PROGRAMS

• Chimé Phagma Nyingtik Drupchoe Dates and location TBA

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 Sponsorship

At Siddhartha’s Intent Australia we wish to ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier for anyone wishing to attend Dharma teachings. To facilitate participation a modest sponsorship fund has been established, made possible by the generous donations of SIA members. As with any act of generosity both the giver and recipient of the gift will benefit based on their intentions and we ask that everyone keep that in mind when requesting assistance.

 What does sponsorship cover?

Teachings given by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, SIA teachers and non-SIA teachers who are invited by SIA.
The amount of sponsorship will be up to 75% of the fee for face to face and online teachings and up to 50% of retreat fees according to how much the applicant can afford and the availability of sponsorship funds

Who is eligible to apply?

• Those who are unemployed or on a pension
• Full-time students at University, TAFE etc
• Those who are employed but unable to attend the event without financial hardship. This is at the discretion of the SIA committee.

NB: Ordained sangha (monks and nuns) do not need to apply for sponsorship as they can attend teachings for free or with a contribution of their choosing.

How often can sponsorship be applied for?

• Once a calendar year.

 How is my application assessed?

SIA will process the applications and approve applicants according to the guidelines in consultation with the secretary, treasurer and administrative director.

NB: Applicants must apply for sponsorship at least two weeks before the teachings are scheduled to begin.

Link to Sponsorship Application form