Frequently Asked Questions

This retreat is the only retreat organised by Metta Centre is 2017. Although we know that he will be in Sydney since the beginning of May, we haven’t learnt about other schedules so far.

The retreat registration fee is $380. The price covers meals, lodging and insurance. The teachings given by Ajahn Jumnien are given freely in the Theravadan tradition.

We are pleased to offer the retreat at a minimal cost. We are able to keep the cost of the retreat low and still cover our expenses because of the generous financial donations of Ajahn Jamnian’s longtime students and the effort of monks and an all-volunteer staff. If you would like to offer more than our base rate, your generous donations are welcome and very much appreciated. This may help us to provide possible scholarships and cover unforeseen expenses.

Meals will be provided at the retreat and are covered by your retreat fee. This includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon allowance. At Santi Forest Monastery, lay people are encouraged to take on eight precepts. Hence, there will be no dinner.

We offer a limited number of scholarships for laypeople and possible sponsorships for monastic attendees. Donation to help others to attend the retreat are welcome.

– toiletries (i.e. tooth brush, toothpaste, bath soap, deodorant, etc.)
– flashlight
– hand towel and bath towel
– comfortable clothes (recommended to dress in layout during the retreat)
– rain gears

Santi Forest Monastery has limited amount of accommodations available. Hence, most of the participants will be staying at the Bundanoon motel at night while travel to and stay at Santi FM during the day time. The benefit of staying at Bundanoon motel is the warmth and comfort of the motel while staying at the monastery will give you a real retreat experience.

The Bundanoon Motel is near the train station; only 5 min drive from the monastery or 40 minute walk. For those who don’t have car, we have transport available to pick you up from the motel early in the morning and drop off in the evening. There will be three person share one room and one bathroom, each person with his/her own’s bed. It is in a walkable distant to Bundanoon local shops (mostly close by 5 pm) and restaurants.

Santi FM’s accommodation is available for monastics and lay people to stay. Most dwellings are situated in quiet bush settings, providing the perfect atmosphere to practice simplicity and seclusion. It may be in a room, a meditation hut or caravan. It is basic, but well-kept and sealed. It is a conducive set out for those who choose to rise early, meditate often, practice generosity and learn from the teachings that are available here.

Please contact us at retreat@mettacentre.com if you live nearby, do not need us to provide lodging and want to attend the retreat.

We will provide healthy food with vegan/wheat-free options. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate other special dietary preferences.

There may be Buddhist nuns and Buddhist monks attending from around the world. This is a great opportunity to interact with a Sangha or community of Buddhist monks and nuns.

We will close registration at 30 attendees. We expect somewhere between 20-30 attendees this year. Please sign up early!

No, everyone is welcome. However, Ajahn Jamnian (Ajahn Jumnien) does use a great deal of Pali words, that while explained, can be challenging for a beginner. To get the most out of the retreat, if you are a beginner, we recommend listening to some of the recordings, and refer to the provided pali dictionary, and other helpful information on the teachings page of this website.

You will be asked to commit yourself to one of the Buddhist codes of ethics during the retreat, either the five precepts or eight precepts.

The five precepts are:

Note: we ask for the duration of this retreat, that all attendees abstain from any sexual activity.

The eight precepts are:

For the purpose of this retreat, bunk beds are not considered “high or luxurious sleeping places.”

For more information on the five and eight precepts see: Wikipedia Article on the Five Precepts

Before May 11: 50% Refund | After May 11: No Refunds

While we are encouraging attendees to make a commitment for the entire retreat, we realise that this is not always possible. Partial stay is possible with no discount. Day visit is also available upon donation. However, we ask that you make prior arrangements with our Registrar (retreat@ mettacentre.com).

By car via motorways or freeways

It takes about 2-hour drive from Sydney or Canberra.

By train

One of the best choices of transport is by a scenic train called NSW TrainLink. There will be a train that arrive at Bundanoon station at 9.05 AM of the start date and leave Bundanoon station at 19.35 PM of the last day. The train took about 2 hours. Click here to book the recommended train tickets.

Dress for cool weather with the possibility of some moderate days and be prepared for possible rain.

It will be the start of the winter so warm clothes and wool socks are necessary. NSW winter often has short drizzles and windy rain. It is wise to have enough clothes throughout the week because the free laundry facilities is not available.

The dhamma hall in the main building have heated floor. All Santi lodges come with wooden fired heaters while Bundanoon Motel has air-condition. We recommended that you dress in layers.

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

There are many places you can go to find accommodation. Please see Airbnb for suggestions