If you are planning to come on retreat with us at Sunyata, it is important you read and clearly understand the details outlined below. All of the retreats held at Sunyata are offered on a ‘donation’ basis, we do not ask for deposits, however, accommodation is limited. To avoid last minute cancellations, please be sure you can attend before booking a space.
Participants are expected to arrive on time for the beginning of retreats and to stay for the duration of the retreat.
Residential retreats follow the code of conduct outlined in the eight precepts:
The Eight Precepts:
Harmlessness: Not harming any living creature or support any act of harm through body, speech and mind.
Trustworthiness: Not taking anything that is not given. Practicing generosity and respectfulness in thinking, speaking, and acting.
Celibacy: Refraining from any sexual activity. Learning appropriate ways to take care of sexual energy. Cultivating loving kindness, compassion, joy, and inclusiveness.
Right Speech: Avoiding false, unmindful or malicious speech. Cultivating loving speech, deep listening and non-discrimination. Retreatants are asked to maintain ‘noble silence’, that is not engaging in any talk with each other, or anyone else, unless it is really necessary.
Sobriety: Not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs.
Restraint: Not indulging in eating. Consuming in a way that preserves mindfulness, joy, and well-being in body and mind. Retreatants are asked to refrain from eating after main meal.
Modesty: Not indulging in the consumption of sense impressions, volition and consciousness. Not to wear make-up, perfume or strongly-scented deodorant, immodest clothing and jewellery. Cultivating a conducive environment for all by refraining from playing music, radios or musical instruments, gambling, games. Not taking up books or conversations out of distraction or to cover up loneliness, anxiety, or other suffering.
Simplicity: Refraining from unnecessary luxuriousness and indulgence in comfort, sleep. Cultivating gratitude and contentment with the present moment and simple conditions.
A detailed guide for the retreatant can be found here: Retreatants Guide to Sunyata