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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 Forthcoming 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)

Continue past Penrose State Forest

Turn left off highway into Murrimba Rd, (exit sign for Wingello & Bundanoon). Follow to end.

When you come into Wingello, turn left on Sydney St then first right across railway tracks

Turn right on other side of tracks (past Wingello Village Store on Railway Parade)

Take first left into Caroura St and continue onto Wingello Forest Rd. Continue on dirt road past Wombat Farm

Turn left at sign for Vejjasala Retreat, then follow dirt road. 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

 

A selection of comments made by participants in Vejjasala retreats in 2012

 

On the accommodation

‘Very comfortable bed and hot shower!’ 

‘Very clean and comfortable, thank you.’ 

’10 out of 10.’

 

On the catering

‘Meals were delicious, well-timed, plentiful.’ 

‘Could not have been better.  SO many thanks to our wonderful chefs.’ 

‘The meals were superb.  Congratulations to the cooks!’ 

‘It’s excellent, too perfect.  Like a 5-start resort!’ 

‘Excellent food in every way: quality, quantity, timing.  Thank you chefs.  You could taste the metta in the meals!’

 

On the retreat generally

‘Wonderful, highly beneficial retreat.’ 

‘The balance was good, especially the time to rest in the beautiful surrounds.’ 

‘Beautiful place, wonderful teaching.  Trust the place will grow and prosper.’  

‘A wonderful, beneficial experience.’ 

‘Becoming a part of the retreat with its intrinsic and extrinsic rhythms was healing.  Bhante’s teaching and presence was pivotal.  Thank you.’ 

‘Very grateful for the yoga sessions.  The exercises definitely help with the stretching and relaxing of muscles in preparing for sitting meditation.  The breathing incorporated also support the mindfulness of the breath in meditation.’ 

‘A real delight to be here and be a part of it.’