This retreat suits both beginners and advanced practitioners. This is not a silent retreat with intensive sitting meditation but you will be cultivating wisdom through listening to Luang Por Jamnian’s teachings.
His teaching style does not fix upon any one particular form of vipassana or insight meditation, and yet all of his teachings point back to seeing the changing, unsatisfactory, and impersonal nature of all that arises. The formal practice will emphasise standing and walking meditation as being especially conducive to cultivating insights rather than mental stillness. There will also be personal interview sessions.
This is what Luang Por Jamnian’s US students have described his teaching style.
“If you are looking for a teacher who will give you specific, formulaic instructions under a strict practice format, you should look elsewhere. If you are looking for a teacher who is a living example of the practice, who gives you tools to practice, but expects you to take responsibility for yourself, then Luang Por Jamnian may be the teacher for you. He uses a variety of different tools to accomplish his purpose. These include direct practice instruction, explanation of Buddhist principles, stories from the Suttas, and stories from his own life experience.” ~Alan
“He alternates between teaching profound Dhamma, holding Dhamma discussions, answering questions, and telling stories of all kinds. We are practicing within the container of the Dhamma and receiving a steady stream of Dhamma transmitted from Luang Por as our guide and support. This process has been compared by some of his American students to potatoes being baked in an oven until we are all cooked!”
The retreat venue
Santi Forest Monastery is a Buddhist Nuns’ Monastery. It is set in the rugged bush ravines of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and is adjacent to the stunning Morton National Park.
The lodging
Most of the retreatants will be staying at 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.
How to get there:
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.
To those who are new to NSW’s May weather, it will be the start of the winter so warm clothes and wool socks are necessary. Southen Highland winter is usually colder than Sydney and often has short drizzles and windy rain. It is wise to have enough clothes throughout the week because the laundry facilities at are limited to the motel (for a fee).
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.
Meals will be provided at the retreat, and covered by your retreat fee. This includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon allowable at the monastery. Since Santi Forest Monastery lay community practice eight precepts and promote vegetarianism, most of the food available will be vegetarian, vegan with wheat-free options available. There will be no dinner provided.
- Flashlight
- Water bottle
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Rain gear
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Chairs will be provided if you cannot sit on the floor for prolonged periods of time.
- Personal medication (supplements to help boost immune system against cold is recommended)
- Sleeping bag (optional)
- An open mind
The first day
Arrive between 8.00am and 9.15am to register and get settled
The daily schedule
Ajahn Jamnian's teaching
A collections of Luang Por Jamnian teaching can be found at the main website for his U.S. retreats.
More biography information
The following books contain additional biographical information about Ajahn Jamnian.
