7-Day Nianfo Meditation Retreat (Foqi):
A Journey of Inner Transformation
七日念佛禅修营：开启内在转化之旅
4th July-11th July, 2025
Hai Hui Shan International Pure Land Centre (Australia)
海会山澳洲国际净土中心
7-Day Transformative Nianfo Meditation Retreat (Foqi): Cultivating Peace the Pure Land Way
Join Us for a 7-Day Transformative Nianfo Meditation Retreat (also known as “Foqi” in Chinese) at our new Pure Land Centre in Melbourne (Montrose) - a rare opportunity to wholeheartedly immerse yourself in the practice of Nianfo (Amitabha recitation).
Held at our serene new Pure Land Centre in Montrose, nestled at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, this retreat provides an ideal environment to reconnect with your inner stillness and awaken to the boundless compassion of Amitabha Buddha — a reflection of our own Buddha nature.
🌿 What is a Foqi?
A Foqi is a time-honoured Pure Land Buddhist retreat centred on continuous recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name (Nianfo), guiding the mind toward stillness, clarity, and unwavering mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha. It is a powerful practice for accumulating merit, purifying karma, and deepening your aspiration for rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Western Pure Land (Sukhavati). Foqi has the tradition for over 1600 years in China.
🌿 What to Expect:
Daily Nianfo meditation and chanting sessions
Insightful Dharma (and Sutra) talks and heartfelt reflections on the Pure Land path
Walking Nianfo meditation in the natural surrounds
Gentle movement practices (e.g., Qigong)
Periods of noble silence and mindful contemplation
Wholesome vegetarian meals and heartfelt community
Our retreat centre is spacious, warm, and elegantly designed — featuring seven bedrooms and multiple shared living areas that offer comfort, tranquility, and space for reflection. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel embraced by the peaceful energy of the surroundings.
This retreat is especially beneficial for seasoned Nianfo practitioners seeking to deepen their practice and accumulate provisions for rebirth in the Pure Land. At the same time, those new to the practice will find a warm and supportive environment—meeting you where you are and offering a heart-opening introduction to the path.
Namo Amituofo 🙏
Retreat Detailed Information
Date: 4th - 11th July, 2025
Address: 45 Moore Ave, Montrose 3765 VIC 3223
We will arrive in the late afternoon on 4th July (Friday). Our welcome dinner will start at 7pm, followed by a welcome talk at 8pm (if you don't need dinner that night, please let us know beforehand by email, and try not to miss the welcome talk as we will go through the things to be aware of during the retreat). You can also take public transport to Ringwood Station (or Healthmont station or nearby station). 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 12pm. Our afternoon session will begin at 2pm and we will finish at about 8.30-9pm in the evening (there will be plenty of breaks in-between).
We will finish the retreat at 2pm on 11th July (there will be lunch provided, but no dinner on this day). You are welcome to stay over for the weekend at the centre to help out with volunteering work (or simply just staying!) and join our Guanyin Enlightenment Day Ceremony on 13th July.
Detailed retreat schedule can be downloaded here.
Accommodation & Food
We have various room options available, and they are assigned on a first-come, best-served basis. Sheets, bedding and bath towels provided for those who book their own room. While the retreat operates on the principle of Dana (generosity), we kindly ask for a minimum contribution from participants. This contribution helps support the use of our centre and covers the meals provided throughout 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, make sure you have thick blankets as it may be chilly during winter.
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 setting alongside like-minded people, reserve your spot today!
Namo Amitabha
Namo Amituofo (Infinite Light & Life)
The largest bedroom in the house with a spacious private bathroom. There is a Queen bed in it (the two single beds are old photos which we will update soon). You can take up the entire room by yourself or share with other (please note that couples are not allowed to stay in one bed during retreat) .
Accommodation Options
There are three twin share bedrooms in the house, you can take up the entire bedroom by yourself or share with others.
The spa room can be shared by one person or two people. It includes a private shower facility but does not have its own toilet — guests will use the shared toilet located in the corridor.
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. If you do not need accommodation (e.g., you live nearby), the fee remains $630, 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
"The retreat 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
“This year’s retreat was great.
Beautiful lodge with view over the beach when sunset falls. Wake up to watch early sunrise. Morning walk to the beach was relaxing.
We do Qigong exercises. Do nianfo, listened to Dharma talk by Jiawen and have discussions over Dharma.
Vegetarian Meals were superbly prepared by homecooking chef. Every dish was delicious (not because I was hungry).
Wonderful to exchange friendships with people you met for the first time.
Amituofo.”
Ivan (Perth), 2025 retreat participant
“Such a blessing
Amitoufo Jiawen 🙏 I wanted to thank you for organising and leading the amazing weekend retreat. I'm back home now, and feel it's ongoing benefit in refreshing and invigorating my practice. It is such a blessing to be able to spend time with others whose minds are focused on the Dharma and appreciate the inconceivable compassion of Amitabha Buddha in making his great vows and creating the path to Sukhavati for us.
And what a blessing to be there at the beginning the new sanctuary at Montrose. Surely it will become a Pure Land in the midst of Samsara. I look forward to visiting it many time over the coming years.
Ian (Brisbane), 2025 retreat participant
Join now
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the sign-up 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 provided here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@haihuishan.au
