3-Day Shamatha Meditation Retreat

Retreat Dates: 23 to 26 January 2026

(See schedule below)

Join us over the Australia Day Long Weekend in January 2026 for this 3-day retreat.  

This short retreat will introduce beginners to traditional Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation practices, integral to Tibetan Buddhism, that help us to settle the mind and develop awareness and insight. This is a practice retreat featuring meditation sessions that include short teachings and guided meditations, alongside periods of silent meditation in a retreat format.

The retreat is also suitable for more experienced meditators who wish to deepen their practice in a group setting. Participants can join traditional Green Tara (mornings) and Mahakala (evenings) practices in addition to the regular retreat program.

Sessions will include:

- Relaxation techniques

- Himalayan breathing and stretching techniques to support meditation

- Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation

- Sitting and walking meditation

- Deepening awareness and insight

The retreat will conclude on the morning of Monday 29 December with a Mountain of Smoke Offering and Ganachakra Tsok - Karma Pakshi practice.

Retreat Costs:

Full retreat with onsite dormitory accommodation and meals: $250 (bring own bedding)

Camping options available.

Full retreat with offsite self-accommodation: $165

Partial attendance is $55 per day (Concessions are available. See bookings below.)

Please note: These costs do not include a teaching fee for Lama Chewang Norbu Bhutia. Donations to Lama-la are welcome, and information will be provided during the retreat for those wishing to contribute.

Retreat Payment:

Payment by cash or credit card upon arrival.

Check in and payment: 5pm - 6pm Friday 23 January

Bookings and Enquiries:

Bookings are essential. Please contact Brad for all bookings and any questions at 💎office@kysl.org

Friday 23 January 2026

5:00pm Light dinner and check in

6:30pm Mahakala practice

7:30pm Welcome and introduction

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January

6.00am Green Tara & Mountain of Smoke Offering (optional)

7:30am Breakfast

9.00am Morning Teaching

10.30am Tea 

11:00am Meditation

12:30pm Lunch

2:00pm Meditation

3:30pm Tea

4:00 Meditation

5:00pm Dinner

6:30pm Mahakala practice (optional)

Monday 26 January 2026

6.00am Walking meditation and breathing 

7:30am Breakfast

9:00am Mountain of Smoke Offering and Ganachakra Tsok - Karma Pakshi practice. 

12:00pm Retreat concludes

5.30pm to 6.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays

Sessions will resume in February 2026

These regular meditation sessions, guided by Lama Chewang Norbu Bhutia, are open to everyone and focused on Tibetan Buddhism.

Participants are led through yoga and relaxation poses, as well as Shamatha (Tranquility) and Vipassana (Insight) meditation practices.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn meditation directly from a qualified master in the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu Tradition.

5.30pm TUESDAYS at Karma Yiwong Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre

5.30pm THURSDAYS at Senior Citizens Centre, Kite Street, Orange, NSW 2800

Bring: Yoga mat, small cushion, and comfortable loose-fitting clothes.

Suggested donation: $10 (or whatever you can afford)

Bookings & Inquiries:

💎office@kysl.org | 📞 0403 295 556 (Rose)