Meditation Retreats in Australia

Plum Village Monasteries

• Plum Village has two monasteries in Australia:
  • Mountain Spring Monastery - Bilpin, New South Wales
  • Stream Entering Monastery - Porcupine Ridge, Victoria

Buddhist Society of Western Australia (BSWA)

• The Buddhist Society of Western Australia offers retreats at various locations.

Sydney Buddhist Centre

• The Sydney Buddhist Centre also provides retreat options.

Shambhala, Diamond Way, New Kadampa, Dharma Ocean (Avoid)

• These organizations are advised against due to safety concerns and negative experiences reported by users.
• Dharma Ocean in particular is mentioned as having a bad reputation and being associated with manipulative practices.

Other Recommendations

• Brahma Kumaris Australia is an option suggested by a user.
• Vipassana centers are available in Australia, and a user mentions Ajahn Bram as a recommended figure.
• Satyananda Ashram in Rocklyn is another suggestion where silent practices can be observed.

User Experiences and Comments

• Users shared personal stories about DNA tests and adoption, highlighting the complexities and emotions involved in such journeys.
• Some users expressed interest in meeting biological relatives while others emphasized gratitude towards their adoptive families.
• The emotional responses to heartwarming stories and the impact of family reunions were highlighted.
• There were mixed opinions on the use of psychedelics in spiritual practices, with some praising the experiences and others cautioning against ego-driven intentions.

Summary

In response to the query about meditation retreats in Australia, several options were suggested, including Plum Village Monasteries, BSWA, Sydney Buddhist Centre, Brahma Kumaris, Vipassana centers, Ajahn Bram, and Satyananda Ashram. Additionally, warnings were given regarding organizations like Shambhala, Diamond Way, New Kadampa, and Dharma Ocean due to reported issues. Users also shared personal experiences related to DNA tests, adoption, and spiritual practices, showcasing a range of perspectives on these topics.