Recovery
Summer Eleventh Step & Recovery Retreat
Friday 14 February 2025 – Sunday 16 February 2025
A weekend retreat for those in recovery. Suitable for all levels.
2 nights. $265 / $200
Friday 21 November 2025 – Sunday 23 November 2025 at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights
Meditation and mindfulness practice is conducive to our recovery from the addictions that hold us back from a life of freedom. Set amidst a tranquil bushland and supportive conditions, this retreat is ideal for learning and practising meditation with others in recovery - a great opportunity to start a practice or take it deeper in supportive conditions with likeminded people and allow some kindness and mindfulness into your life.
All welcome, no experience necessary.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to come on retreat. If you cannot afford the cost even with concessions, we may be able to help. Please contact us to discuss.
Already Paid a Deposit? Pay Balance NowTime | Activity |
---|---|
Friday | |
7pm | Dinner |
8pm | Welcome & Meditation |
Saturday | |
7am | Meditation |
9am | Breakfast |
10:30am | Teaching & Discussion |
1pm | Lunch |
4pm | Meditation |
6pm | Dinner |
8pm | Meditation |
Sunday | |
7am | Meditation |
9am | Breakfast |
10:30am | Teaching & Discussion |
1pm | Lunch |
1:2pm | Clear up and depart |
No, the retreat is suitable for everyone, and makes an excellent first retreat for people who are new to meditation.
The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.
The retreat will begin with dinner on the Friday evening at 6:30pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than this. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.
We will finish on the Sunday afternoon, around 3pm.
Yes - come for whatever time you can, but please let us know beforehand so we know when to expect you.
Vijayaloka provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat.
Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.
Due to COVID restrictions, all rooms will be single. In order for the most people to be able to come as possible, if you are able to bring a tent and stay in it, please choose that option when booking.
Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.
If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.
Unless you are coming a long distance we ask that you bring your own sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag (we have plenty of pillows).
It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and quite hot in the middle of the day, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need a good sun hat and suitable shoes, especially if you want to bushwalk. There is a river that you can swim in, so you may also want to bring swimwear.
In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel, insect repellent, and sun block. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.
Our retreats are held at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre which provides simple shared accommodation for approximately 40 people in a beautiful bush setting on the George's River.
The retreat is at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights.
Vijayaloka's address for use in sat-navs is 36 Howard Road, Minto Heights NSW 2566. Travel time from central Sydney is about one hour.
There is a blue sign at Vijayaloka's entrance. Enter there and then park the car park immediately on your right.
If you are able to offer a lift to others travelling from Sydney, please let us know.
Vijayaloka is very easy to access by train. The closest train station is Minto which is on the T8 Airport Line towards MacArthur and Campbelltown. Travel time is about 50 minutes from Central.
We can normally arrange for those travelling by train to be picked up from the train station. Please indicate when booking if you need to be picked up and aim to be at Minto around 5:30-6pm. We will contact you shortly before the start of the retreat to confirm. Alternatively you can take a taxi or an Uber from the station.
If you are travelling from outside Sydney see Visiting Vijayaloka from Out-of-State for more information.