Retreat Pre-arrival Guidelines
Dear Friends,
We would like to welcome you to join us for the retreat at Plum Village Australia - Stream Entering Monastery.
Participating in a retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself and others, and deepen your practice within our community. Before joining the retreat, please take a moment to read the following information so you have a clear sense of what to expect during your stay and how to prepare.
🌿 Arrival Day
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Check-in: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
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Dinner: 6:00 pm
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Orientation: 7:30 pm — Everyone is warmly invited to join us as we begin our journey together.
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Please note that we are unable to receive arrivals after 9:00 pm. If an unexpected situation prevents you from arriving by then, please contact us at streamentering.office@pvaustralia.org.
🧳 What to Bring
In addition to your personal necessities, please bring:
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A sleeping bag and pillowcase, or bedsheets and pillowcase if you do not have a sleeping bag. If travelling makes this difficult, please let us know.
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Your own towel and toiletries.
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Waterproof shoes suitable for wet, muddy and uneven paths.
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Warm shoes for cold weather.
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Earplugs if you are sensitive to noise.
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In warmer weather, insect repellent.
📵 Internet & Phones
There is no Wi-Fi at the monastery, and mobile reception is very limited except for Telstra providers.
We encourage you to minimise internet and mobile phone use (unless necessary) so that you can fully enjoy the opportunity to be present and deepen your practice.
🍲 Food
We provide three vegetarian meals each day.
To support the practice and wellbeing of our community, please do not bring or consume meat, alcohol, or other non-vegetarian food. Please also refrain from smoking and avoid eating instant noodles in your bedroom.
We are unable to accommodate special dietary requirements. If you have any concerns, please contact us before your arrival.
🛏️ Accommodation
We live together as a community, sharing our space with friends on the path.
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Rooms are shared with several other participants. We invite you to embrace this as an opportunity to practise kindness, patience and acceptance.
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Please do not request a room change because of differences such as snoring or difficulties getting along.
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Please do not move to another room or bed without permission, even if you see an empty bed, as it may be reserved for another guest.
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Most beds are single beds, with some bunk beds available. If you are unable to use a bunk bed due to a physical limitation, please let us know in advance.
🚗 Parking
Please do not park next to your accommodation. Kindly use the designated parking area.
Cancellation Policy
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14 or more days before the retreat: $25 administration fee applies.
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Less than 14 days before the retreat: Non-refundable.
Your Wellbeing
During your stay, you are responsible for your own health and wellbeing. The Monastery cannot accept responsibility for accidents or injuries that may occur during your stay.
Meditation is a complement to, not a substitute for, medical or psychological treatment. Please continue any prescribed medication as directed and consult your physician before attending if you have any concerns about your participation.
Thank you for taking the time to prepare for your stay and for helping us create a peaceful and supportive environment for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this journey together.
With warmth,
The Retreat Organising Team
Stream Entering Monastery
Plum Village Australia