2008 Dharma Gathering
with Christopher Titmuss, Subhana Barzaghi, Patrick Kearney,
Ellen Davison, Victor von der Heyde, Will James, Anna Markey, Radha Nicholson and Carol Perry
Friday 21st November - Friday 28th NovemberMid-North Coast NSW
Photos from previous gatheringsThis Dharma Gathering is a seven day Insight - Vipassana Meditation program of meditation practice, discussion groups, Dharma talks, inquiry sessions, play and instruction.
It is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. To get some idea of the Gathering there are photos of the 2007 Gathering here and here.
Christopher Titmuss has been teaching Awakening and Insight Meditation worldwide for over 30 years. He is a senior Western Dharma teacher and his approach emphasizes freedom, compassion and social responsibility. He was a Buddhist monk in Thailand and India for 6 years and has written numerous books, including Light on Enlightenment, An Awakened life and Transforming Our Terror. Christopher leads Dharma Gatherings in India, Europe and Australia.
Subhana Barzaghi has practiced meditation for more than 30 years. She teaches Insight - Vipassana Meditation in India, Australia and New Zealand. She is an authorized Zen Roshi in the Diamond Sangha tradition and is head teacher at the Sydney and Melbourne Zen Centres, founder of the Kuan Yin Meditation Centre in Lismore and a practicing psychotherapist.Patrick Kearney was for years the resident teacher at the Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre. He is a former monk, a pali scholar and has practiced meditation, primarily Vipassana and Zen, since the 1970s. Patrick teaches full time in Australia and South East Asia.
Click here to download application form
Conduct. This Dharma Gathering will be conducted under the shelter of the Five Ethical Precepts, which create a safe, caring and conscious environment for spiritual practice and enquiry.
Venue. Yarrahapinni Ecology Centre is an environmental study centre situated on 30 hectares of coastal rainforest right on the beach just north of Stuarts Point, midway between Sydney and Brisbane. Coffs Harbour is the nearest major airport and Macksville the nearest major town.
Accommodation is in cabins or dormitories. The cabins accommodate 9 people, bunks downstairs and single beds upstairs. They include a bathroom and kitchenette.
The dorms have bunks and sleep 4 to 6 people per room with shared bathroom.Camping. There is no camping allowed at Yarrahapinni, however there is a campground (Grassy Head) a short walk down the beach. All bookings will have to be made separately and the extra cost met. For camping enquiries and bookings ring (02) 6569-0742.
Children. Families are welcome to stay at the Grassy Head campground and attend the Dharma Gathering. This year we plan to include a children's activity area, for further info or to help,
please contact Paul Atkins atFood. All meals are basic, nutritious vegetarian food. People with special dietary needs should indicate what they require on the application form and we will endeavour to meet their needs if possible.
Cost is $435 for cabin accommodation, $370 for the dorm and $270 for those camping at Grassy head campground. This covers the cost of meals and accommodation; it does not include any payment for the teachers. Teachers rely on donations and there will be a dana (donation) box available and people are encouraged to give generously.
A deposit of $100 is necessary for registration; however it would be appreciated if full payment could be made on application.Part-time. It is possible to attend either full or part time. However part time places are limited and preference will be given to full time applications.
Payment. Please make all cheques payable to Tallowwood Sangha and post to "Tallowwood Sangha" P.O. Box 420 Bellingen 2454.
Transport. There is no public transport directly to Yarrahapinni, however the nearest railway station is Macksville aprox 20 kms away. Coffs Harbour airport is aprox. 80 kms to the north.
We will be trying to co-ordinate lifts for people coming from Brisbane or Sydney as well as those flying into Coffs Harbour. Those flying into Coffs Harbour please arrange to arrive at the airport no later than 4pm Friday 21st Nov.
Please indicate on the application form if you will need a lift or if you can provide lifts for other people. Lift co-ordination will not happen until a few weeks prior to the Gathering.The draft schedule for the Dharma Gathering, apart from the day of silence, is:
5.30 - 6.30 am Yoga (individual or class)
6.30 - 7.30 First sit
7:45 Breakfast, then a work / rest period
9.30 - 10.50 Group discussion with a teacher (choice of topics)
11.00 - 11.45 Second sit
11.45 - 12.10 Walking Meditation
12.15 Lunch / rest period
2.30 - 3.50 Group discussion with a teacher (choice of topics)
4.00 - 4.45 Third sit
4.45 - 5.00 Walking Meditation
5.00 - 6.00 Announcements and Dharma Talk
6.00pm Dinner
7.30 - 8.15 Fourth sit
8.15 - 8.30 Standing Meditation
8.30 - 10 pm Dharma program: inquiry, poetry, Loving-kindness meditation,
questions, music
All activities are optional.Information on how to get to Yarrahapinni and what to bring will be sent with your receipt.
For further information email Will on
or call on (02) 6655-8613.
Photo from 2007 Gathering
