September 13-14
For a copy of the application to attend a retreat, please click here.
Cultivation Hall
Main Building
Meditation at the Amitabha Buddhist Retreat Centre takes the form of "Nianfo." Whether sitting, walking, or bowing, we chant "Amituofo," out loud or silently.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR WEEKEND RETREAT
FRIDAY
4:30-6:00 PM Registration
6:00-6:45 PM Dinner
6:45-7:30 PM Free time
7:30-8:30 PM Welcome to the centre
8:30-9:00 PM Walking meditation
10:00 PM Lights out
SATURDAY
7:00 AM Wake-up
7:30-8:15 AM Breakfast
8:15-9:00 AM Individual study
9:00-10:00 AM Sutra and meditation
10:00-11:00 AM Dharma talk
11:00-12:00 PM Walking and sitting meditation
12:00-12:45 PM Lunch
12:45-1:30 PM Free time/Meetings with Ven. Wuling
1:30-3:00 PM Community work
3:15-4:45 PM Dharma talk and discussion
4:45-5:45 PM Walking and sitting meditation
6:00-6:45 PM Dinner
7:00-8:00 PM Walking and sitting meditation
8:00-8:30 PM Discussion: Reflections on the day
8:30-9:00 PM Meditation
10:00 PM Lights out
SUNDAY
7:00 AM Wake-up
7:30-8:15 AM Breakfast
8:15-9:00 AM Individual study
9:00-10:00 AM Sutra and meditation
10:00-11:00 AM Dharma talk
11:00-12:00 PM Walking and sitting meditation
12:00-12:45 PM Lunch
12:45-1:30 PM Free time/Meetings with Ven. Wuling
1:30-2:30 PM Community work
2:30-3:30 PM Dharma talk
3:30-4:00 PM Meditation
4:00-4:30 PM Discussion: Reflections on the retreat
4:30-5:00 PM Meditation
5:00 PM End of retreat
Walking Meditation
Verandah
Main Building
GENERAL RULES
It is our sincere hope that these rules and procedures will help foster a peaceful environment by minimizing distractions and promoting harmony among all who come here. We respectfully request that you please comply with the following and request that you read these rules carefully before visiting the centre.
- We follow the Five Precepts of not killing any living being, not stealing (taking anything without permission), not lying, not committing sexual misconduct, and not taking intoxicants.
- Please refrain from any practices other than those of this centre.
- In order not to disturb others, please refrain from unnecessary talking.
- Do not bring the following items to the centre: tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, meat, chewing gum, cell phones, laptop computers, musical instruments, radios, firearms, pets, plants, furniture, or books other than those available from the centre.
- We ask all guests to follow the daily schedule, be punctual and participate fully in each scheduled activity. By following the schedule, we learn to drop our opinions of what is important and unimportant.
It is understood that some people will not be able to follow the schedule completely because of poor health or age. We will do all we can to accommodate anyone with a sincere desire to train. If necessary, consult us about your situation. - Due to the fire hazard, candles and incense are not to be lit by guests anywhere on the centre grounds.
- Except in an emergency, please do not leave the grounds during the retreat unless permission has been given by the resident staff.
- All meals at the centre are vegetarian (including eggs and dairy products).
- We practice strict water and energy conservation at the centre and request that all visitors follow the posted rules.
View from Retreat House Verandah
DANA
The centre does not charge for retreats or materials we distribute. We rely solely upon dana, or offerings, to cover all our expenses. The centre was built through the hard work and generosity of those who value the teaching. Your generous donation will enable us to continue to offer the teachings and to not charge for retreats.
Retreat House
Hallway in the women's retreat house.
With four bedrooms, two lounges, and a full kitchen, the house can accomodate eleven women for retreats. The centre's library is also in the house.
Retreat House
Lounge off the kitchen