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 The Ply House in Portarlington, 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 chanting)—a simple yet profound method to cultivate joy and mindfulness. Our schedule will include:
✨ Chanting sessions to bring clarity and focus
🌿 Walking and silent meditation in nature
🧘 Daily qigong classes to nurture the body and mind
📖 Dharma talks with Jiawen, offering wisdom and guidance
The spacious and elegantly designed Ply House features six bedrooms, two full kitchens, 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. There’s truly no better place to quiet the chatter of your monkey mind than here.
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 The Ply House Portarlington. Let the beauty of nature and the power of Nianfo meditation guide you toward inner harmony and clarity.
Retreat Information
We will arrive in the late afternoon on 2 May (Friday). Our welcome dinner will start at 7 pm and follow by a welcome talk at 8 pm (if you don't need dinner that night, please let us know beforehand, 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 in the afternoon on 4 May (no dinner on this day).
Detailed retreat schedule to be released soon - please check this page for updates.
Accommodation & Food
We have various room options available, and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sheets, bedding and bath towels are all provided, but feel free to bring your own if needed.
The costs will cover venue hire and vegetarian meals which will be provided for the weekend.
Things to Know:
All participants must be able to walk up stairs, as some retreat activities will take place on the upper level of the house.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or special needs in advance so we can accommodate you.
IMPORTANT: Please read through the retreat guidelines and policies carefully (to be released soon). Understanding and agreeing to them is required for attendance.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today to avoid missing out on this unforgettable journey of peace and self-discovery by the sea.
Namo Amitabhaya
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. (One of two available)
Accommodation Options
Option E: Single Bed
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Your own room with a single bed on the ground floor (second of two available)
Option F: Twinshare Room
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This is a twinshare room containing two single beds on the first floor, with an ensuite shared with the room next door.
Cost for One Single Bed: $250 (if you don’t mind sharing the room with one other person)
Cost for Whole Room: $280 (if you want the room to yourself)
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.
Testimonials from 2024 Retreat Participants
“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”
Coming soon…
Coming soon…
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
