What is Vejjasala?
Vejjasala, located in Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is a place for healing founded by the Association of Engaged Buddhists.
The Spiritual Director of the Centre and Resident Monk, Venerable Tejadhammo explains the origin of the name, he says: "In the early Buddhist writings, Vejjasala is the Pali word for a place of healing. When the great Chinese pilgrim monks Fahsien and Xuanzang made their long and arduous journeys from China to India in the 5th and 7th centuries seeking to bring back the teachings of the Buddha for the welfare, wellbeing and good of the many, they both recorded the existence of vejjasalas, places established to care for the sick and injured."
The Association of Engaged Buddhists has established Vejjasala in Wingello as a place where people can receive assitance in dealing with their illness. They can find rest and recover in an environment surrounded by friendship and support. In Vejjasala, people living with a serious or life threatening illness can find help to develop their capacity for self-healing and happiness in a peaceful and spiritual environment.
PROGRAMS
Upcoming Retreats in 2013:
Retreats are held at Vejjasala, our retreat centre located in Wingello NSW.
| Date | Registration | Description |
| Aug 24th-26th | Finished | Easter Retreat with Felicity Lodro |
| April 25-28 | Finished | Warrior Retreat led by Bhante |
| May 20-23 | Finished | St John of God retreat. |
| May 26 | - | Vessak celebrations for AEB |
| June 7-10 | Forthcoming | Queen's Birthday retreat led by Bhante |
| August 13-20 | Forthcoming | Tibetan Esoteric Yoga arranged by Felicity Lodro |
Healing at Vejjasala
For some time now evidence has been mounting about the benefits of meditation, relaxation and other natural healing practices, particularly about improving the quality of life for those living with a serious or life threatening illness.
Vejjasala provides an opportunity to learn different meditation practices aimed at reducing pain, freeing the mind from tension, fear and stress and supporting the body's own healing processes.
We do not seek to replace conventional medical treatment but to complement it, by helping individuals to develop their own healing powers and the healing potential in the teaching and practice of the Buddha.
Location
Vejjasala - Place of Healing
219 Forest Road
Wingello, NSW 2579
Ph: (02) 4884 4443
SatNav coordinates: S34 42.334 E150 10.663
Distance from Sydney: 160km, approx. 1 hour 45 mins
Directions from Sydney:
Take the M5 out of Sydney (toward Liverpool/Canberra).
Continue on to M31 then National Highway 31 (toward Goulbourn/Canberra), past Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.
Continue 6km past Penrose State Forest, then slow down after Paddys Creek to turn left in 500m.
Turn hard left off highway into Murrimba Rd, (exit sign for Wingello & Bundanoon). Follow road to end - Wingello village.
When you come into Wingello, cross the railway tracks.
Turn right on other side of tracks (past Wingello Village Store).
Take first left into Forest Rd and continue along sealed then gravel road, past Wombat Farm, distance approx. 2km.
Turn left onto side track at sign for Vejjasala Retreat. At about 250m turn left at '219' sign to enter Vejjasala Retreat grounds.
Use the above map to zoom or move around to see surrounding roads and towns
Note that 'Caroura St' in the above map is actually signposted 'Forest Rd'