Thank you for choosing to stay at Stream Entering Monastery. Our monastery offers a simple environment dedicated to mindfulness, meditation, community, nature and peaceful living. These Terms & Conditions are intended to help create a safe, respectful and harmonious experience for everyone.
By registering for, attending, or staying overnight at Stream Entering Monastery, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms & Conditions, including the health, safety, conduct, cancellation and liability provisions below.
1. Registration and Acceptance 1.1. Registration is subject to availability and acceptance by Stream Entering Monastery. 1.2. The person completing the registration is responsible for ensuring that all information provided for themselves and any other members of their party is accurate and complete. 1.3. By completing a registration, the registrant confirms that they have the authority to register themselves and, where applicable, all members of their party. 1.4. Registration is personal and non-transferable. A registration may not be sold, assigned or transferred to another person without the prior written approval of Stream Entering Monastery. 1.5. Stream Entering Monastery reserves the right to decline or cancel a registration where necessary to protect the wellbeing, safety, peace or integrity of the monastery community.
2. Nature of the Monastery Stay 2.1. Stream Entering Monastery provides a simple, modest environment intended to support mindfulness, contemplation, community and peaceful living. 2.2. A monastery stay may include meditation, mindfulness activities, walking meditation, periods of silence, communal activities, outdoor activities, gardening or other forms of mindful service, as well as time for personal practice and rest. 2.3. Participants are expected to approach the stay with an open, respectful and cooperative attitude and to follow the monastery's daily schedule and reasonable instructions from teachers, monastics, staff or designated volunteers. 2.4. The monastery environment is intentionally simple. Guests are asked to embrace this simplicity with warmth and understanding.
3. Seven-Day Monastery Stay 3.1. The 7-Day Monastery Stay option is available only to returning overnight retreatants, consistent with the Plum Village tradition and the monastery's applicable retreat practices. 3.2. If a participant selects the 7-Day option without meeting the eligibility requirements, Stream Entering Monastery reserves the right to revoke or modify the registration. 3.3. Where a registration is revoked under this provision, any refund will be handled in accordance with the monastery's applicable cancellation and refund policy.
4. Financial Contributions and Registration Fees 4.1. Stream Entering Monastery strives to keep retreat fees as low as possible to make participation accessible. 4.2. The actual cost of providing accommodation, food, facilities and retreat activities is higher than the registration fee. Generous contributions from donors help bridge this gap and enable the monastery to continue offering retreats at an accessible cost. 4.3. Unless otherwise stated at the time of registration, the registration fee covers: Shared accommodation; Plant-based/vegan meals; Mindfulness and meditation activities; Retreat and community activities; and Time to practise and live mindfully with the Sangha. 4.4. Participants are welcome to make an additional voluntary contribution to support the monastery and its ongoing activities. 4.5. Any additional contribution is voluntary and does not guarantee additional services, facilities or benefits.
5. Cancellation and Refund Policy 5.1. Cancellation 7 or more days before the retreat: A full refund will be provided, less the original service fee. 5.2. Cancellation 1–7 days before the retreat: A partial refund will be provided, less a $10 cancellation fee and the original service fee. 5.3. Cancellation on or after the retreat start day: No refund will be provided. 5.4. For the purposes of this policy, the applicable cancellation period is determined by the date and time the cancellation is received by Stream Entering Monastery. 5.5. Registration is non-transferable and may not be transferred to another person. 5.6. Stream Entering Monastery reserves the right, at its discretion and where circumstances warrant, to consider exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. 5.7. If Stream Entering Monastery cancels or materially changes a retreat, participants will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable and any refund or alternative arrangement will be handled in accordance with the circumstances of the cancellation and applicable law.
6. Accommodation 6.1. Accommodation at Stream Entering Monastery is provided on a shared dormitory basis, generally using bunk beds. 6.2. Participants should not expect hotel-style accommodation or private rooms unless expressly confirmed in writing. 6.3. Facilities are intentionally simple and modest and may include shared bathrooms and communal spaces. 6.4. Guests are expected to keep shared spaces clean and tidy and to respect the comfort, privacy and wellbeing of other residents and retreatants. 6.5. Participants should bring their own sleeping bag and other bedding or sleeping items required to remain comfortable during their stay. 6.6. If arriving by car, participants are encouraged to bring their own sheets, pillowcases and blankets/sleeping bags. This assists the monastery in conserving its limited rainwater and bore-water resources.
7. What to Bring Participants should pack mindfully and be prepared for variable weather and outdoor activities. Recommended items include: Comfortable, modest clothing; Loose clothing covering the shoulders and knees; A warm jacket; Thermals, particularly during winter; Bath towel; Toiletries; Insect repellent; Sunscreen; Hat; Umbrella or raincoat; Sturdy walking shoes; Water bottle; Torch; Outdoor/work or gardening clothes; Sleeping bag and appropriate bedding; and Any personal medication or other essential personal items. Weather at the monastery may be approximately 5°C colder than Melbourne, and conditions can change quickly. A warm jacket and thermals are particularly important during winter.
8. Dress Code and Personal Presentation 8.1. Participants are asked to dress modestly and respectfully in support of the sacred and contemplative atmosphere of the monastery. 8.2. Clothing should generally be loose-fitting and cover the shoulders and knees. 8.3. Sleeveless, revealing or transparent tops are not appropriate within the monastery environment. 8.4. Participants should bring sturdy footwear suitable for nature trails, wet grass, mud and gravel. 8.5. An additional set of clothing should be brought for outdoor mindful service, gardening or other practical activities. 8.6. To support participants who may have allergies or sensitivities, guests are asked to avoid perfumes and strongly scented personal-care products.
9. Health, Medication and Mental Wellbeing 9.1. Meditation and mindfulness practices are intended to support wellbeing but are not a substitute for medical treatment, medication, psychiatric care or other professional healthcare. 9.2. If you are currently taking medication and are considering stopping, reducing or changing your medication, you must consult your doctor, psychiatrist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making any change. 9.3. Please do not stop taking prescribed medication during your stay simply because you are participating in meditation or retreat activities. 9.4. Participants are responsible for bringing sufficient medication and managing their own medication appropriately throughout their stay. 9.5. Participants should seek appropriate professional medical advice before attending if they have any physical or mental health condition that may affect their ability to safely participate in the retreat. 9.6. Stream Entering Monastery and its teachers, monastics, staff and volunteers do not provide medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment unless expressly stated otherwise. 9.7. If a participant becomes unwell or is unable to safely participate, the monastery may ask the participant to rest, seek medical attention, leave the retreat or make other appropriate arrangements.
10. Health Disclosure and Physical Fitness 10.1. Participants must inform Stream Entering Monastery, through the registration process or directly to an appropriate monastery representative, of any health-related condition, limitation, allergy or other relevant circumstance that may affect their participation or safety. 10.2. Retreat activities may involve physical exertion, including walking, swimming where applicable, outdoor activities, gardening, walking meditation, stairs, uneven terrain and moving between buildings and accommodation areas. 10.3. Participants are responsible for assessing their own physical capabilities and participating only to the extent that they can do so safely. 10.4. Participants are encouraged to consult their doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before attending where there is any doubt about their ability to participate safely.
11. Pregnancy 11.1. Participants who are pregnant should consult their doctor or healthcare provider regarding their participation in the retreat. 11.2. Pregnant participants are responsible for taking appropriate precautions and informing relevant teachers or facilitators of their pregnancy where necessary to support safe participation. 11.3. Participants must not undertake activities that their healthcare provider has advised them to avoid.
12. COVID-19 and Infectious Illness Protocol 12.1. To protect retreatants, monastics, staff, volunteers and the wider community, participants agree to follow reasonable health and infection-control measures communicated by Stream Entering Monastery. 12.2. Participants agree not to attend the monastery if they are ill or experiencing respiratory symptoms or other symptoms of a potentially contagious illness. 12.3. If a participant becomes unwell during their stay, they must inform the monastery as soon as reasonably practicable. 12.4. Participants who become unwell may be asked to isolate, seek medical attention, leave the monastery or return at another time when they are well, depending on the circumstances and applicable health guidance. 12.5. Participants agree to cooperate with reasonable measures implemented by the monastery to reduce the spread of infectious illness.
13. Assumption of Risk 13.1. Participation in the retreat is voluntary. 13.2. Participants acknowledge that retreat activities and the monastery environment may involve inherent and reasonably foreseeable risks, including but not limited to: Walking on uneven, wet, muddy or slippery surfaces; Walking on nature trails; Gravel, rocks, steps and other uneven terrain; Outdoor and gardening activities; Swimming or water-based activities where offered; Weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain and storms; Insects, plants and wildlife; Shared accommodation and communal facilities; Physical exertion or fatigue; Travel to and from the monastery; and Other risks ordinarily associated with staying in a rural or natural environment. 13.3. Participants acknowledge that some activities may be physically strenuous and may result in injury, illness, loss or damage. 13.4. Participants voluntarily assume responsibility for the risks associated with their participation, to the extent permitted by law.
14. Release and Waiver of Liability 14.1. By registering and participating in the retreat, the registrant and each member of their registered party acknowledge and agree, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to release and discharge Stream Entering Monastery, its monastics, teachers, employees, volunteers, contractors and representatives from claims arising from personal injury, illness, loss or damage incurred during the participant's stay or participation in retreat activities, except to the extent such liability cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. 14.2. Participants accept responsibility for risks, injuries, illness, loss or damage that may arise from their participation in the retreat, including activities undertaken with the retreat, travel associated with the retreat, and use of accommodation and facilities provided by the monastery, to the extent permitted by law. 14.3. Participants acknowledge that they are participating voluntarily and that they have had an opportunity to seek independent legal advice regarding this release and waiver before agreeing to it. 14.4. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any right, guarantee, condition, warranty or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under applicable Australian law, including applicable consumer protection legislation.
15. Personal Belongings 15.1. Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings, valuables, money, electronic devices, clothing, medication and other property. 15.2. Participants should avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to the monastery. 15.3. Stream Entering Monastery does not accept responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings except to the extent liability cannot lawfully be excluded. 15.4. Participants must not take or use another person's belongings without permission.
16. Conduct and Community Life 16.1. Participants are expected to behave respectfully toward monastics, teachers, staff, volunteers, other retreatants, visitors and members of the surrounding community. 16.2. Participants must follow reasonable instructions relating to safety, retreat schedules, meditation practice, accommodation, meals, environmental protection and monastery operations. 16.3. The following conduct is not permitted: Violence, threats, intimidation or harassment; Discriminatory or abusive behaviour; Sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual conduct; Theft or intentional damage to property; Excessive noise or behaviour that significantly disturbs others; Possession or use of illegal drugs or prohibited substances; Smoking or vaping in prohibited areas; Conduct that creates an unreasonable risk to others; or Behaviour inconsistent with the peaceful and contemplative nature of the monastery. 16.4. Alcohol consumption is subject to the monastery's rules and may be prohibited on monastery grounds. 16.5. Participants are expected to observe any periods of silence, mindful speech or other practices communicated as part of the retreat. 16.6. Guests may be asked to leave the monastery if their conduct presents a safety concern, seriously disrupts the retreat community, breaches these Terms & Conditions or is otherwise incompatible with the monastery's operation.
17. Mindfulness, Meditation and Retreat Activities 17.1. Participants acknowledge that meditation, mindfulness, silence and contemplative practices may affect individuals differently. 17.2. Participants are responsible for monitoring their own wellbeing and should inform a teacher, monastic or appropriate staff member if they experience difficulty or feel unable to safely continue an activity. 17.3. Participants are free to modify or discontinue an activity where appropriate for their health and safety, subject to any reasonable instructions relating to group safety. 17.4. Teachings and retreat activities are offered for educational, contemplative and spiritual purposes and are not intended to constitute medical, psychiatric, psychological, legal or financial advice.
18. Environmental Responsibility 18.1. Stream Entering Monastery seeks to live in harmony with the natural environment and conserve limited resources. 18.2. Participants are asked to conserve water, electricity and other resources wherever reasonably possible. 18.3. Guests should minimise waste, use recycling and waste facilities appropriately and avoid unnecessary consumption. 18.4. Participants must not damage plants, trees, wildlife, buildings, gardens or other monastery property. 18.5. Guests should follow all instructions regarding fires, food storage, wildlife, waste disposal and environmental protection.
19. Photography, Recording and Privacy 19.1. Participants should respect the privacy of other retreatants and the contemplative nature of the monastery. 19.2. Photography, audio recording or video recording of other participants, monastics, teachers or activities should not occur without appropriate consent. 19.3. Participants must not photograph or record another person in a manner that could reasonably be considered intrusive, disrespectful or contrary to the retreat's practices. 19.4. Where the monastery takes photographs or recordings for legitimate monastery purposes, participants will be notified where appropriate and may raise reasonable concerns with the monastery.
20. Emergencies and Medical Assistance 20.1. In an emergency, Stream Entering Monastery may take reasonable steps to protect a participant's health and safety, including contacting emergency services or seeking appropriate medical assistance. 20.2. Participants are responsible for providing accurate emergency contact information during registration. 20.3. Participants should ensure they have appropriate travel and/or medical insurance where relevant to their circumstances. 20.4. Participants are responsible for their own transportation arrangements to and from the monastery and for any personal costs associated with medical treatment, evacuation, travel changes or early departure, except where otherwise required by law.
21. Changes to the Retreat 21.1. Stream Entering Monastery reserves the right to modify the retreat schedule, activities, accommodation arrangements, meals, teachers, facilities or other aspects of the stay where reasonably necessary. 21.2. Changes may be required due to weather, safety concerns, illness, staffing, operational requirements, environmental conditions, government requirements or other circumstances beyond the monastery's reasonable control. 21.3. The monastery will endeavour to communicate material changes to participants as soon as reasonably practicable.
22. Failure to Comply 22.1. If a participant breaches these Terms & Conditions or behaves in a manner that may endanger themselves or others, disrupt the retreat or adversely affect the monastery community, Stream Entering Monastery may take reasonable action. 22.2. Depending on the circumstances, this may include providing a warning, restricting participation in an activity, requiring the participant to modify their conduct or requiring them to leave the monastery. 22.3. Where a participant is required to leave due to their own conduct or breach of these Terms & Conditions, they may not be entitled to a refund, subject to applicable law.
23. Children and Minors 23.1. Any participant under the age of 18 must comply with the monastery's specific requirements for minors and must have appropriate supervision and consent from a parent or legal guardian. 23.2. Parents and guardians remain responsible for the supervision, safety and conduct of minors in their care. 23.3. Stream Entering Monastery reserves the right to impose additional requirements for the participation of minors.
24. Force Majeure Stream Entering Monastery will not be responsible for failure to provide or continue a retreat where this is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, fire, flood, epidemic or pandemic, government restrictions, emergency, infrastructure failure, power or water interruption, or other circumstances that make the retreat unsafe or impracticable.
25. Acknowledgement and Agreement By submitting a registration and/or attending Stream Entering Monastery, I confirm that: I am participating in the retreat voluntarily and have read and understood these Terms & Conditions. I understand that retreat activities may include walking, swimming where offered, outdoor activities, gardening, meditation, walking meditation and use of shared buildings and accommodation. I understand that some activities and environmental conditions involve inherent risks and may result in physical injury or illness. I believe that I am physically and mentally able to participate safely, or I have obtained appropriate professional advice regarding my participation. I will disclose relevant health conditions, allergies, limitations or other circumstances that may affect my participation or safety. I will follow reasonable instructions provided by the monastery, its monastics, teachers, staff and volunteers. I will respect the monastery, its facilities, the natural environment and the other people staying at or visiting the monastery. I understand that meditation and mindfulness are not substitutes for medication or professional medical or mental healthcare. If I take medication, I understand that I should not stop, reduce or change my medication without first consulting my doctor, psychiatrist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. I have read and understood the payment and cancellation policy. I accept the accommodation arrangements and understand that accommodation is shared dormitory-style unless otherwise expressly agreed. I understand the risks associated with the retreat and voluntarily accept those risks to the extent permitted by law. I acknowledge and agree to the release and waiver provisions contained in these Terms & Conditions, subject to any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. I have had adequate opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions and, if I wished, obtain independent legal advice before agreeing to them. I agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions throughout my stay.
26. Electronic Acceptance and Agreement 26.1. Before completing registration and making payment, each participant is required to review these Terms & Conditions and confirm their acceptance by selecting the mandatory checkbox on the registration form. 26.2. By selecting the checkbox stating “I agree to the Terms & Conditions” and proceeding with registration and payment, the participant confirms that they: Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions; Agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions; Understand and accept the accommodation, cancellation, health, safety, conduct and liability provisions; Confirm that the information provided during registration is accurate and complete; and Have had a reasonable opportunity to seek independent legal advice before accepting these Terms & Conditions. 26.3. The electronic acceptance of these Terms & Conditions constitutes the participant's agreement to these Terms & Conditions to the extent permitted by applicable law. 26.4. The participant's electronic acceptance may be recorded and retained by Stream Entering Monastery as evidence of their agreement. 26.5. Where a person registers additional participants as part of a group registration, that person confirms that they have the authority to provide the information required for those participants. Each participant remains responsible for complying with these Terms & Conditions, and Stream Entering Monastery may require individual acceptance where appropriate. Electronic Acceptance I have read, understood and agree to the Stream Entering Monastery Terms & Conditions, including the Cancellation Policy, Health & Safety provisions, Assumption of Risk and Release and Waiver of Liability.