FAQs

Please find some typical queries we receive, about the retreat, below. Should you have other questions, please contact your local Rigpa centre or email retreatenquiry@rigpa.com.au

When is the Retreat?
The retreat will be taking place between the 16 and 26 January 2010.

Where is the retreat?
Tiona Park is situated at Wallis Lake - 19km south of Forster, and about 4 hrs drive north of Sydney. Rigpa has held its past 20 annual retreats at Tiona Park, which is surrounded by Booti Booti National Park with frontages to Seven Mile Beach and Wallis Lake.

See Getting There and About Myall Lakes.

Who can or should come?
Anyone is welcome to come - whether you have been practising meditation for years or if you are completely new to Tibetan Buddhism. There is always a mix of people on retreat. For many, the retreat is their first contact with Rigpa, while others may have been coming for many years.

Sogyal Rinpoche teaches in a way which can be easily understood by people at all levels of experience. Retreatants receive meditation instruction, and are placed in study groups, based on their prior experience.

Please describe the accommodation
While it is possible to find accommodation offsite, most people camp on site at Tiona Park to experience the retreat environment more fully. Tiona also offers 4 and 6 bed lodge room accommodation.

Tiona Park provides typical caravan park facilities: powered sites; washing machines and driers; a pool, shared bathroom facilities (including wheelchair accessible facilities); a shared cooking area and public telephones are available. Mobile phone coverage is very poor in the area.

See Accommodation.

Is food provided at the retreat?
Many people order their food as part of the retreat package from the retreat caterers – who provide 3 meals per day.

Non-dairy and non-wheat diets can be accommodated and should be highlighted on the registration form. If you or your children may experience anaphylaxis from food allergens, we request that you self-cater (see below).

The kitchen has a limited capacity so it may not be possible to provide meals for those who are late in registering. Please book early to ensure you are catered for.

See Meals.

Can I bring and cook my own food?
Yes. For those staying at Tiona Park, there are shared kitchen facilities in Heritage Hall with large gas stoves, a barbecue and a walk-in refrigerator. There are also shared kitchen facilities in some cabins.

There are no food stores or supermarkets within walking distance of Tiona Park. The Park office shop sells bread and milk and a small selection of canned foods and pies. There is a small general store/supermarket at Blueys Beach about four kilometres from Tiona Park or full service supermarkets in Forster, 10 kilometres north.

Tea and coffee are covered by your retreat fees.

What is the cost of the retreat?
We will advise you of the 2010 retreat fees as soon as possible. Register for our newsletter to be advised of prices as soon as they are available.

Can I pay my retreat fees in installments?
You will be able to pay in three instalments. Dates will be advised. Sign up for retreat updates and announcements about the fee instalments. The instalment option is available only if you pay by credit card.

How do I register?
You will be able to register online. Sign up for retreat updates and announcements about the registration process.

Can I come for just a day of retreat or come and go?
To benefit fully from the teachings and to create the right environment for all of us to receive the teachings and for practice, Sogyal Rinpoche strongly encourages us to attend the whole retreat. Therefore people are asked to join the retreat at, or very close, to the beginning.

If you have special circumstances in relation to attendance, please leave a message on the Retreat Information Hotline (02) 9037 4002 and we will return your call.

Rinpoche also stresses the importance of receiving the complete teachings of the retreat. Please be flexible with your departure time on the final day of retreat.

Are children welcome?
The Rigpa Sangha warmly welcomes children and teenagers to our retreat, with a daily program of morning Dharma sessions, family activities, child-care for school age children, teen study groups and activities, and support and care for all families.

There is a special shrine tent for children and teenagers - please bring a cushion for each of your children.

Please note: parents must accept responsibility for their children/ teenagers at all times.

See Rigpé Yeshé.

Can I assist or volunteer to support the retreat?
The teachings tell us that there is no more beneficial action than creating the circumstances for the teacher to teach. These circumstances are created at the Myall Lakes retreat by the essential work of many dedicated volunteers. By generously offering your time, energy and skills, you will have the opportunity to enrich your retreat experience and to make lasting connections with fellow students.

Retreatants are required to help in the work of the retreat for about one hour per day. This has the added benefit of helping to keep retreat fees as low as possible.

Tasks include washing dishes after meals and stewarding. Rotas are allocated to each retreatant either in advance when you register, or on arrival at retreat., You can contact the rota coordinator for more information when you arrive at retreat.

Is it possible to buy materials at the retreat that will assist my understanding?
Yes. During the retreat there will be a range of books, audio and videotapes, malas, photographs and other Dharma items available for purchase. Credit card facilities are available.

What do I need to bring?

• Water bottle
• Bed linen & blankets
• Meditation cushion
• Paper, writing materials
• Sun protection, sunglasses, hat
• Mosquito repellent
• Washing powder & pegs
• Blanket for outside teachings
• Some warm clothing
• Umbrella, Raincoat, torch
• Practice books and The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying (if you have them)
• Personal medicines & toiletries
• Swimwear
• Covered shoes
• Stroller or pram for young children
• Coins for washing machines, driers & telephones (mobiles are out of range)

Who should my family contact in case of an Emergency?
They can call the Retreat Information Hotline (02) 6654 0070
Please note: This number is only serviced between the 16th and 26th of January