Sakya International Buddhist Academy
| Sakya International Buddhist Academy | |
|---|---|
 | |
Sakya International Buddhist Academy | |
| Information | |
| Tradition/Linage | Tibetan, Sakya, Tsarpa Lineage |
| Main School | Vajrayana |
| Contact Infotmation | |
| Address | 2592 Gelantipy Road East Gippsland Victoria 3885 Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | service=google }} {{#geocode:2592Gelantipy RoadEast GippslandVictoriaAustralia|format=float|service=google}} service=google }}The "_geo" type of this property is invalid |
| Map | {{#display_map:{{#geocode:2592Gelantipy RoadEast GippslandVictoriaAustralia}}|height=250px|width=250px|zoom=18}} |
| Phone | Phone::03 5155 0329 |
Sakya International Buddhist Academy
SIBA Retreat Centre is a beautiful and friendly Buddhist retreat centre in the Snowy River country of East Gippsland, Victoria. Formerly ONTOS, it was founded by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and formally opened and consecrated by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche in 2006. During this time His Eminence gave the dharma name Tsarchen Choeling. SIBA has all the requisites for the perfect retreat. Simply being at SIBA calms the senses and heals the mind. SIBA is a welcoming and peaceful refuge and when group retreats are on the unique atmosphere is well known to visitors.
Retreats
There is a year-round varied programme of retreats, some lead by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and some by resident or guests teachers. These include:
- Calm Abiding Meditation - Each year Lama Choedak Rinpoche leads a four day retreat during the March Labour Day holiday (VIC) and a ten day retreat late September/early October which is our most popular retreat of the year.
- White Tara (with Lama Choedak Rinpoche) - a beautiful meditation for developing kindness and compassion, increasing spiritual vitality and overcoming fears. (Australia Day holiday, January)
- Health and Wellness - revitalise your mind and body through yoga, meditation and alternative health practitioner consultations. Easter holiday.
- Medicine Buddha (with Lama Choedak Rinpoche) - discover the connection between wholesome thoughts, your health and happiness. August.
- Tai Chi and Meditation - Tai Chi Academy of Canberra present the teachings and practice of moving and sitting meditation. Mid-April.
- One-month Ngondro (with Lama Choedak Rinpoche) - intensive group and individual practice sessions on the preliminary practice of Tibetan Buddhism. End of year.
- Nyung-ne - devotional meditation practices combining the Eight Buddhist Precepts
- Yoga - several times a year yoga retreat are held by visiting teachers
Residents
SIBA is run and maintained by a group of friendly residents dedicated to principles of peacefulness, service and kindness. Every morning at 6am they gather to greet the new day with Praises to Buddha, Green Tara puja and other prayers and chanting in the beautiful meditation hall that overlooks W Tree sending out positive vibes through the district. There are frequently other group practices in the day as well as dharma study groups.
The Fortunate Flock
Fortunate Flock is the rescue program for seventy lambs that were destined for slaughter.
Facilities
SIBA is set on 108 acres with a one acre organic veggie garden, five acre orchard, dozens of chooks, pasture lands for rescued animals and plenty of bush and wildlife . The property includes three large quality meditation halls (the largest seating over 300), large geodesic domed dining room and commercial kitchen. Accommodation includes 16 well fitted en-suite accommodation units. There are also facilities for solitary retreat.
Accommodation
The "Shared Room" accommodation rate is for comfortable ensuite motel-style rooms in bunk beds. There is generally up to four people per room but two rooms can accommodate eight people. Pillows, doonas and mattress protectors are provided but we ask that you bring top and bottom sheets and a pillow case. If you are unable to bring your own bedding please let us know and we can provide it for you. We also have single, double and twin room ensuite accommodation but availability is limited. There is accommodation suitable for physically challenged.
Bush Cabins
SIBA also has a number of bush cabins that are ideal for solitary retreat with their own kitchenette facilities. Toilet and shower are provided in an amenities block. There is also accommodation in region by clicking on the following sites for Buchan (25 mins) and Lakes Entrance (1 hr).
Camping
There are many beautiful locations for camping and campervans on unpowered sites. Campers need to bring their own equipment. There is an amenities block with hot showers.
Families and Children
At the end of every year SIBA conducts a five day Family Retreat to allow people to come together and spend a summer holiday with a difference. Naturally, children need to have a responsible adult keeping an eye on them.
Delicious Vegetarian Food
All food is vegetarian and delicious and much of it is sourced from the organic garden. Three meals are served daily except on Buddhist Precept days (which is once of twice a week) when no food is consumed after lunch. The main meal during meditation retreat is at lunch. People with special dietary requirements can be catered for. You can let us know at the time of registering for a retreat.
