Gold Coast Dharma Realm
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welcome to monastery: A guide for new visitors.pdf
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Information for day visit or joining a retreat:

Day Visit:

Monastery gates open: 6:00am – 8:00pm Daily

Guests should dress modestly. Visitors are welcome to our Arhat Trail, Buddha Hall, Blessing Hall (Meditation hall), Dharma Hall (administration office). Smoking, alcohol or drugs are prohibited on the monastery grounds. GCDR is strictly a Non-Smoking Environment.
We welcome visitors to walk around our Arhat Trail, and enjoy the local flora and fauna along the way.

Most locals come for the Saturday or Saturday morning events and and participate in the our Meal Offering ceremony at 10.30 am before joining us for lunch at 11 am.
 
Joining a retreat / short-stay: 
Those who are interested in residing in GCDR for a period of time must apply early.
There are two application to stay options:
  • Fill in a downloaded application form in this page and email to us (preferred option); or
  • Download and print out PDF application form and post/fax to us.
All overseas visitors must arrange and pay for their own visas and travel to and from Australia. The monastery also requires that you have Travel Medical Insurance that covers you during the time you are staying at GCDR
Daily tasks for residents normally include:  helping in the kitchen, clean-up after meals or any outside work around. We organise community work sessions in some afternoons too.

Accommodation and Meals
Retreat participants stay in dormitories segregated by gender. We provide bed linens, pillows, and a blanket. Camping on the grounds is possible with permission. Meals are vegetarian (with no pungent plant :garlic, onion, shallots, chives) and egg-free. Vegan options are always available. We suggest that you accommodate yourself to the meals served and not bring food for personal consumption.

What to Bring
  • Work clothing for indoor and outdoor work
  • Toiletries
  • Alarm clock
  • Towel
  • Flashlight
  • Sleeping bag. Bedding is available but must be cleaned before you leave
Do not bring food, pets, musical instruments, radios, alcohol or illegal drugs. Guests should dress modestly. Long sleeve shirts and long skirts and pants are preferable. Please do not wear shorts, singlets, or tight and revealing clothing.

All external business should be kept to an absolute minimum so that you can step away from your every day concerns and experience the peace monastic life. Try to maintain silence as much as possible


Download this document to apply and send it back to us

Guest info application form
File Size: 140 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Welcome to the Monastery : A Guide for New Visitors

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