Weekend Nianfo Meditation Retreat
周末念佛净心之旅
20th - 22nd June, 2025
Hai Hui Shan International Pure Land Centre (Australia)
海会山澳洲国际净土中心
Find Stillness in the Mountains
Join us for a transformative weekend of self-discovery at our upcoming Nianfo Meditation Retreat, guided by Jiawen.
This year, we invite you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our new Pure Land Retreat Centre in Montrose, nestled at the foothills of the majestic Dandenong Ranges — just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne City. Surrounded by lush greenery, fresh mountain air, and the calming presence of native birdlife, this retreat offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of daily life.
Throughout the weekend, we will delve into the heart of Pure Land practice: Nianfo Meditation (Amitabha recitation)— a simple yet profound method to cultivate mindfulness, joy and spiritual clarity.
🌿 What to Expect:
Daily Nianfo meditation sessions to restore inner calm & gain clarity
Walking meditation in nature, embracing stillness with each step
Eight Brocades Qigong - a gentle movement practice to nurture the body and mind
Dharma talks by Jiawen, offering guidance, insight and wisdom
Evening chanting concert to calm the mind and open the heart
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. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your meditation journey, this retreat is designed to meet you where you are — offering a supportive and heart-opening experience for all.
Come and join us for a weekend of connection, contemplation and renewal. Let the serene mountains and the power of Nianfo guide you towards greater clarity, peace and inner transformation.
Namo Amituofo 🙏
Retreat Detailed Information
Date: 20th - 22nd June (Friday-Sunday), 2025
Address: 45 Moore Ave, Montrose 3765 VIC 3223
We will arrive in the late afternoon on 20th June (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. 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 22nd June (there will be lunch provided, but no dinner on this day).
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 will be 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, daily toileteries and bath towels. Make sure you have thick blankets as it may be chilly during winter.
Note : International travellers are advised that it is currently winter in Australia, so please pack appropriate warm clothing.
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)
Accommodation Options
The largest bedroom in the house with a spacious private bathroom. It has a queen bed (the photo is an old photo, we will update soon). You can take up the entire room by yourself or share with other (please note that no couple is allowed to share one bed during retreat).
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 $180, 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 too.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@haihuishan.au
