A Happiness That Does Not Die: A Silent Retreat on the Buddha’s Teachings on Nibbāna
--With Bhante Joe

Arrival: 5pm Fri 20 Nov
Departure: 5pm Sun 22 Nov
Location: The Karuna Sanctuary, Saywell Rd, Katoomba, NSW
Cost: A refundable deposit of $180 is required to secure your place.

The Buddha taught that our search for happiness is not the problem. The challenge is that the happiness we usually seek depends on conditions that are always changing. Through his own awakening, he discovered the possibility of a deeper freedom—a happiness that is lasting, reliable, and beyond the reach of aging, illness, and death.

This silent weekend retreat explores the Buddha's teachings on Nibbāna—the complete ending of suffering and the highest happiness. Through meditation, Dhamma reflections, and noble silence, we will investigate the path of practice that leads to this freedom, developing the qualities of mind that bring suffering to an end.

Whether you're new to meditation or have an established practice, this retreat offers a supportive environment to deepen your practice and explore one of the Buddha's most profound and transformative teachings.

About the Teacher:

Bhante Joe was born in London, Ontario, in 1983. Growing up, he was interested in business and computers. A spiritual vocation seemed extremely unlikely. However, in high school, he was given a book as a joke, which contained teachings from an assortment of religions. Browsing through it, he came to a description of the four noble truths. After reading the four noble truths, he was converted.

In high school and university, Bhante attended the Toronto Zen Buddhist Temple. He eventually moved in and started training part-time to become a priest. In 2006, he took up full-time training at the Temple. However, an attraction to Theravada Buddhism pulled him towards the Thai Forest Tradition. He attended a day-long retreat with Ajanh Viradhammo in 2007. At the retreat, he learned about the newly-established Tisaraṇa Buddhist Monastery. He found his way to Tisaraṇa and was ordained as an anagārika in 2008.

In 2010, Bhante Joe was ordained as a bhikkhu with Ajahn Viradhammo as his preceptor. Bhante trained at Tisaraṇa, with one year in Thailand, until 2015. In 2015, his teacher released him from dependence. He spent six months at a monastery in California and then returned to Canada to stay in the Toronto area.

Bhante Joe stayed in the Toronto area from 2016 until 2019. In Toronto, he associated with the Toronto Mahavihara and the West End Buddhist Temple. In November 2019, he came to Sri Lanka, where he currently resides.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RETREAT
Noble Silence
Throughout the retreat we will observe noble silence, setting aside conversation except when it is timely, true, and beneficial—for example, during teacher interviews or essential communication with retreat volunteers.

By speaking only when necessary, we create the conditions for the mind to settle, deepen concentration and development discernment. This shared commitment supports everyone's practice.

The Eight Precepts
During the retreat, participants are invited to undertake the Eight Precepts as a foundation for meditation practice. The Eight Precepts are a traditional set of training guidelines to help simplify daily activities, minimise distractions, and create supportive conditions for developing mindfulness, concentration, and discernment.

1. I undertake the training to refrain from taking life.
2. I undertake the training to refrain from taking what is not given.
3. I undertake the training to refrain from sexual activity.
4. I undertake the training to refrain from telling lies.
5. I undertake the training to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to heedlessness.
6. I undertake the training to refrain from eating after noon until dawn the following day.
7. I undertake the training to refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, beautifying myself with perfume and cosmetics.
8. I undertake the training to refrain from using high or luxurious seats and beds.

Please note: The sixth precept involves refraining from eating after the midday meal until dawn the following day. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other health-related dietary needs, please leave a comment at the end of the form so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Retreat schedule
This weekend retreat offers a balanced program of guided and self-directed practice in a supportive environment. Throughout the weekend, participants will engage in sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talks, Q&A sessions, and periods of personal practice and rest.
Participants are welcome to arrive from 5:00 pm on Friday 20 November for a 7:00 pm start. The formal retreat will conclude at 3:00 pm on Sunday, followed by a shared community clean-up until approximately 5:00 pm.

Typical Daily Schedule:

• 5:00 am – Wake Up
• 5:30–7:00 am – Morning Chanting & Meditation
• 7:00 am – Breakfast
• 8:30–9:30 am – Dhamma Talk & Q&A
• 11:00 am – Lunch & Free Time
• 1:30–4:00 pm – Sitting & Walking Meditation
• 4:00 pm – Group Q&A
• 5:00 pm – Tea & Free Time
• 6:30–8:30 pm – Evening Chanting, Dhamma Talk & Meditation
• 8:30 pm – Personal Practice & Rest

Please note: The schedule is subject to change.

Accommodation
The Karuna Sanctuary, Katoomba, is set on 374 acres of peaceful bushland, approximately 1,000 metres above sea level. Accommodation is available in either single rooms or shared bunk rooms (shared with practitioners of the same sex). You can indicate your accommodation preference when completing the booking form. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, room allocations are subject to availability.

Meals
A vegetarian breakfast and lunch will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday. In keeping with the practice of the Eight Precepts, no evening meal will be served, but drinks will be available throughout the day. If you need to eat the evening for health or medical reasons, please let us know when registering so we can accommodate your needs.

What to Bring
Please bring:
Meditation

• Your own meditation cushion, bench, or blanket (if preferred)
• A shawl or light blanket for the meditation hall (recommended)

Bedding

• Pillow and pillowcase
• Doona (with cover) or sleeping bag
• Fitted sheet
• Extra warm blankets if needed (Katoomba is colder than Sydney, especially at night)

Clothing

• Loose, comfortable, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
• Warm clothing and thick socks
• Indoor slippers or slip-on shoes
• Raincoat and waterproof shoes
• Hat and weather-appropriate clothing

Please avoid tight, transparent, revealing, or scented clothing, as well as shorts, short skirts, leggings worn alone, tank tops, low-cut tops, and clothing with large images or slogans.

Toiletries

• Towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and shampoo
• Shaving supplies (if needed)
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Unscented toiletries

Other Essentials

• Torch with spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Umbrella
• Prescription medication (if needed)

Please Do Not Bring

• Laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices
• Musical instruments
• Food (all meals are provided)
• Tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs
• Non-prescribed sleeping pills, tranquillisers, or stimulants
• Crystals, rosaries, animal skins, furs, or other spiritual objects
• Unnecessary jewellery or valuables

Registering
Please complete the Registration Form here https://forms.gle/KPK1VLK798NbnE2x5

Payment
A refundable deposit of $180 is required to secure your place at the retreat. This deposit helps us ensure that registered participants are committed to attending, as each place requires planning for accommodation, food, and venue arrangements. In the past, last-minute cancellations or non-attendance have affected our ability to offer places to others who would like to attend. At the conclusion of the retreat, participants who complete the retreat will be provided with a refund form to submit their bank account details, and the $180 deposit will be returned to them.

Please transfer your refundable deposit to:

Account Name: Metta Centre Incorporated
BSB: 082356
Account Number: 699266231

Please include your name as the payment reference.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received 14 days or more before the retreat: full refund of deposit
Cancellations received 7–13 days before the retreat: 50% refund of deposit
Cancellations received less than 7 days before the retreat: deposit is non-refundable