Weekend Nianfo Meditation Retreat
2nd - 4th May, 2025
Portarlington, VIC, Australia
Find stillness by the sea and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery at our upcoming Nianfo Meditation Retreat hosted by Jiawen. This year, we invite you to immerse yourself in serenity at Portarlington Victoria (1.5hr drive away from Melbourne City), a stunning beachside retreat offering uninterrupted views of the bay, the You Yangs, Geelong and Melbourne. Set in a quiet and private location overlooking Point Richards Reserve, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s ever-changing beauty, from the soothing waves to the calls of native birdlife.
Throughout the retreat, we will explore the practice of Nianfo Meditation (Amitabha recitation)—a simple yet profound method to cultivate joy and mindfulness. Our schedule will include:
📿 Daily meditation sessions to bring clarity and tranquility;
🌿 Walking meditation in nature;
🧘 Eight Brocades Qigong to nurture the body and mind;
📖 Dharma talks with Jiawen, offering wisdom and guidance.
The spacious and elegantly designed retreat space features six bedrooms and multiple living areas, providing ample space for rest and reflection. Just a short walk away, you’ll find serene wetlands, perfect for quiet reflection and connecting with nature. Whether you’re sitting on the deck, meditating in nature, or exploring the nearby wetlands, this retreat promises a true sanctuary-like feeling from the moment you arrive, ensuring you can fully unwind and focus your attention inward.
It matters not whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to meditation - this retreat is designed to meet you where you are. Join us for a transformative experience of connection, reflection, and renewal at Portarlington. Let the beauty of nature and the power of Nianfo Meditation guide you toward inner harmony and clarity.
Retreat Information
Date: 2nd - 4th May, 2025
Address: 6 Pieris Court, Portarlington VIC 3223
We will arrive in the late afternoon on 2 May (Friday). Our welcome dinner will start at 7pm and follow by a welcome talk at 8pm (if you don't need dinner that night, please let us know beforehand by email, and please do not miss the welcome talk as we will go through the things to be aware of during the retreat). For those who don't drive, you can take the train to Geelong and then bus to Portarlington Town Centre (we can arrange pickup if you let us know beforehand, or we may be able to set up a carpool if you communicate with us early).
Everyday we will start at 6am for our early morning session, breakfast at 7am, then at 8am we will begin our morning session. We will have lunch at around 11am. Our afternoon session will begin at 2pm and we will finish at about 8.30pm in the evening (there will be plenty of breaks in-between).
We will finish the retreat at 2pm on 4 May (there will be lunch provided, but no dinner on this day).
Detailed retreat schedule can be viewed here.
Accommodation & Food
We have various room options available, and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sheets, bedding and bath towels provided for those who book their own room.
The costs will cover venue hire and vegan meals which will be provided for the weekend.
What to Bring
Essentials: Comfortable clothing (white if possible), sunscreen, warm layers, walking shoes, personal toiletries, water bottle, notebook & pen
For those who intend to camp: Tent, sleeping bag, eye mask, ear plugs
IMPORTANT: Please read through the retreat guidelines carefully. Understanding and agreeing to them is required for attendance. View the retreat guidelines here.
Spaces are limited (max. capacity 15 people), so if you are interested in practicing Amitabha recitation in this beautiful seaside setting alongside like-minded people, reserve your spot today!
Namo Amitabha
Namo Amituofo
(Infinite Light & Life)
Option A: Queen Bed & Ensuite
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Your own room with a queen bed and private ensuite on the ground floor - only one available
Option B : Queen Bed & Shared Ensuite
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Your own room with a queen bed on the first floor, with an ensuite that is shared with the room next door - only one available
Option C: Double Bed
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Your own room with a double bed on the ground floor - only one available
Option D: Single Bed
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Your own room with a single bed on the ground floor - two available
Accommodation Options
Option E: Twinshare Room
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This is a twinshare room containing two single beds on the first floor, with a bathroom shared with the room next door.
Cost for One Single Bed: $250 (if you don’t mind sharing the room with another person)
Cost for Whole Room: $280 (if you want the room to yourself)
Camp/No Accommodation Needed
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If you don’t require a private room, you have the option to camp around the house or sleep indoors with your own sleeping bag or mat. For added comfort, you may also bring an eye mask and earplugs. (Cost: $150 per person).
If you do not need accommodation (e.g., you live nearby), the fee remains $150, which includes all meals for two days and full access to the weekend program.
What Do People Say?
“I feel very blessed to have experienced the weekend retreat.
The venue was beautiful, quiet in nature and nourishing to the soul, the program and teachings with discussions were enlightening, and the various ways of conducting nianfo meditation showed how it was very easy to meditate.
The other participants, both experienced and newbies, were all lovely and I had an awesome retreat.
I am finding it very easy to practise Nianfo meditation since I returned to my everyday life. Anytime, anywhere, any situation.
Amituofo”
Bec (Melbourne), 2024 retreat participant
“Last year retreat at Peninsula Wildflowers Farm was great. Beautiful lodge with view over the hills when sunset falls and kangaroos in the field.
Morning walks was delightful as we visited neighbour farm with horses. Good to stroke the horses.
We do Qigong exercises. Do nianfo, listened to Dharma talk by Jiawen and have discussions over Dharma.
Vegetarian Meals were superbly prepared by brought in chef. Every dish was delicious (not because I was hungry).
Wonderful to exchange friendships with people you met for the first time.
This year will be a new retreat coming up in May. I hope to be able to join again.
Amituofo”
Ivan (Perth), 2024 retreat participant
"The retreat at Wildflower Peninsula was everything I could have hoped for.
The beautiful surroundings created the perfect space to deepen my practice, and being surrounded by like-minded retreatants made the experience very special.
The retreat leader’s deep knowledge and guidance were invaluable and provided insights that greatly enriched my motivation and practice of Amitabha recitation.
I left feeling renewed, inspired, and more connected to my practice than ever before.
I dearly hope to be able to attend again next year. Amituofo."
Mea (New Zealand), 2024 retreat participant
Join now
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the form below. Your position will be confirmed once the payment is made (*according to the type of accommodation you choose). You can make the payment with the payment options here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@pure-land-buddhism.com
