Guan Yin Meditation Retreat Application 2026

Website: https://redwoodvihara.org/events/gcdr-guanyin/

Date/Time: October 24, 3:00PM - October 31, 4:00PM, 2026 Location: Gold Coast Dharma Realm,

106 Bonogin Rd., Gold Coast, Australia

When was the last time we really listened?

Our lives are full of noise: messages, opinions, expectations, and the constant chatter of our own minds. But beneath all that noise, what might we hear? Together, we’ll slow down and explore the practice of deep listening: listening to our bodies, our hearts, the natural world, and the stillness within.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Gold Coast Dharma Realm, this retreat will offer space to meditate, walk in nature, reflect together, and explore practical Buddhist teachings that can help us meet our lives with greater awareness and care.

We’ll also learn from Guanyin Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion and deep listening in the Buddhist tradition. Guanyin listens deeply to the cries of the world and responds with wisdom and compassion. Through her practice, we’ll explore how we too can listen more deeply to ourselves, to one another, and to the world around us, and cultivate qualities of kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

Listen to the body. Listen to the heart. Listen to nature. Listen within.

Everyone is welcome, and no previous experience with Buddhism or meditation is needed.

Please fill out the application form for the 2026 Guan Yin Meditation Retreat. This will help us get to know you a little better: where you are in your practice, what is bringing you to this retreat, and what you hope to explore. Your responses will help us understand how we can best support you and create a meaningful retreat experience for everyone.
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Full Name *
Email *
Address *
Phone Number *
Gender *
Age *
Nationality *
How did you find out about this retreat? *
What is your intention for joining this retreat? *
Please share with us your background in Buddhism and/or meditation. (If you have a daily practice, please describe it.) *
Can you join the full retreat from Orientation to Closing Round? (If other, please explain, e.g. dates/times you would like to join.) We strongly encourage people to attend the entire retreat.
 *
If yes, are you applying to stay in the monastery? *
What meals will you be having during your stay? *
Required
Emergency contact: Name *
Emergency contact: Phone *
Emergency contact: Relation (e.g. mother, friend, etc.) *
Medical and Health Information
This information will be kept confidential and shared only with organizers or designated individuals who need it to support your health, safety, or participation.


Please indicate any physical limitations (especially that affect community service), medical conditions (physical or mental), medications, allergies and special instructions
 *
Please list any medication you take on a regular basis or will bring on this retreat. (If none, please type "none.") *
Retreat Guidelines
During the retreat, we will follow the Eight Precepts, Buddhist guidelines that help create a simple, safe, and supportive environment for practice. They invite us to practice:
  • Compassion — refraining from intentionally harming living beings.
  • Trust — not taking what has not been freely given.
  • Respect — refraining from sexual activity during the retreat.
  • Wise speech — refraining from false, harsh, frivolous, or divisive speech.
  • Clarity — refraining from alcohol and intoxicants.
  • Simplicity — traditionally, practitioners refrain from eating after midday. A simple evening meal will be available for those who need it.
  • Focus — refraining from entertainment, perfumes, and unnecessary adornment.
  • Contentment — living simply and refraining from luxurious sleeping arrangements.

Comfortable and Modest Clothing
Comfortable clothing is ideal for meditation and cultivation because it allows one to bow and sit cross-legged unimpeded. Modest clothing is important because it causes fewer distractions for others. As a visitor, please wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, leggings, sleeveless tops, short shorts, or low necklines.

Vegetarianism
In line with our philosophy of non-harming, all food is sattvic vegetarian, and for those who choose, vegan as well. There are many reasons people in the monastery are vegetarian: compassion for animals, protecting the environment, and personal health and well-being. We try to minimize the amount of suffering we create through our lifestyles and eating habits. Buddhism also teaches that food has a profound connection with our thoughts and desires, and being vegetarian helps us have clearer minds and more compassionate hearts. We also do not serve onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, or eggs on monastery grounds.

Care for All Living Beings
In keeping with the Buddhist principle of non-harming, we ask visitors not to harm any living beings while on the monastery grounds, including small creatures such as ants or insects.

These guidelines help simplify our lives for one week so that we can give more attention to what is happening within and around us.

Yes, I agree to follow the retreat guidelines as listed above. *
Required
Do you have any other special needs, concerns or questions? (Please note that we cannot accommodate special dietary needs.)
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