Monthly Shamatha Urban Retreat June 2026
Description
Facilitated by Thupten Lekshe, Qigong & Yoga by Freya Bennett-Overstall
Intention:
For the 2026 retreat we are experimenting with a new extended format across 10 days. The retreat is organised around in-person and at-home sessions which focus on a strategic withdrawal from everyday life to allow for intensive study and practice. The idea is to let go of much of what we 'do in life' and focus on the extended practice of just being. The retreat is offered as a an invaluable addition to developing a life-long contemplative practice and, with this in mind, we offer the chance to experience some of the benefits of retreating without leaving home. To take part, you simply need to be able to keep the retreat commitments at home in the evenings.
For more information, visit our website
Lineup
General Retreat Information
10-Day Structure In Person at Balwyn Community Centre Friday 5th June (live or zoom): 6.30pm-8.00pm Long Weekend Saturday 6th - Monday 8th June (live only): 9.00am-5.00pm Home Sessions Tuesday 9th - Friday 12th June (zoom): 9.00am-5.00pm Each session will involve guided and silent shamatha practice presented in sequence, with time for questions about the practice. We will begin with four breath practices and progress to more advanced practices as needed. Mindful movement (qigong and yin yoga) will be included to support the shamatha sessions. More advanced teaching on how shamatha combines with insight will depend on the needs of the group. Attending the retreat For continuity for teachers and other participants - it is not possible to “drop into” sessions of this retreat. You may need to drop out before the retreat ends. However if you miss a session, dropping into the remaining sessions is not generally possible. BYO lunch This retreat is as close as possible to at-home functioning so lunch will not be provided. Kitchen facilities are available for warming food, fridge, and for making tea and coffee. A full list of local eateries in also provided. Qigong & Yoga sessions Please wear comfortable clothes you can move gently in, bring your own yoga mat, 1 - 2 blankets, a pillow, and yoga blocks (if you have them). Walking sessions There will be some walking sessions planned. Local gardens are close at hand, both at the Community centre and also a short walk to Beckett park and the Maranoa Gardens Retreat commitments A full list of commitments for the three days is also provided. For more information, visit our website. Cost Admin fee: Full retreat: $400 Partial retreat/Concession: $200 Dana (donations for teachings as you are able) You can give directly to TL or Freya in person in an envelope or make a general donation at registration. Volunteers Everyone will be asked to volunteer for a task of their choosing for one or two times during the retreat, such as bell ringing, kitchen monitor, morning open up. Offerings and Donations If you would like to bring any offering of teas, coffee, flowers, etc., please do so. All retreat donations are warmly welcomed as another way of establishing community. Further inquiries to: info@monthly shamatha.org
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