About Retreat Centre

Noble Silence means silence in body, speech, and mind. Noble Silence encompasses abstaining from any form of communication, including gestures, sign language, written notes, and others, with fellow participants.

Additionally, we kindly ask you to avoid using mobile phones, laptops, iPads, etc.

Given that the retreat centre is situated within a monastery setting, we kindly request participants to wear casual, modest clothing that is comfortable for meditation. Please choose items such as long-sleeve shirts (covering the shoulders) and long pants (below the knees). We discourage wearing tights, leggings, or clothing that is overly revealing, tight, or scanty.

Additionally, please refrain from applying makeup, wearing jewellery, or using perfumes. Keeping these guidelines in mind will help maintain a respectful and serene environment for all.

Daily Timetable

5:00am Optional: Sitting or Walking Meditation
6:00am Chanting and group meditation
7:00am Breakfast followed by cleaning up cottage and communal areas
8:30am Dhamma talk
9:30am Sitting and walking meditation
10:30am Announcement and Lunch break, followed by cleaning up of dining hall and dishwashing area communal areas
Noon Rest and attend to personal needs
14:00pm Individual practice (sitting and walking meditation)
15:00pm Dhamma talk
16:00pm Sitting and walking meditation / interviews with the teacher
17:00pm Tea break and personal time
19:30pm Group practice in the meditation hall
20:30pm Q&A
21:00pm Rest

* This timetable is intended to help you structure your day and make the most of your retreat experience. We encourage you to listen to your body and take breaks whenever needed. Feel free to join the meditation sessions whenever you feel recharged and ready.

First Day

The centre will open to welcome guests starting from 5:00pm.
17:15pm to 18pm: Check – in
18:30pm: A light supper will be served in the dining hall
19:45pm: Group Meeting with the Retreat Manager in the dining hall
20:00pm: The first teaching in the meditation hall.
21:00pm Rest and personal time Assist in lunch preparation
If you anticipate arriving late, please notify us in advance. For early departures, please inform the retreat centre in advance to facilitate necessary arrangements.

End of Retreat

If the retreat concludes on Sunday, please note that the closing time will be after lunch on the final day. Extra work may be needed on this day to help tidy and clean the Retreat Centre.

As part of your retreat experience, we encourage everyone to contribute to maintaining the communal areas by cleaning up after themselves and keeping these spaces tidy. This helps foster a harmonious and supportive environment for all. We also invite everyone to engage in various work activities that promote a sense of communal harmony and cooperation. Tasks may include assisting in the kitchen, food preparation, cleaning communal areas, and other duties around the centre.

If you are unable to assist with these tasks, please inform the Retreat Manager so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Your participation in these activities not only nurtures a strong sense of community but also helps create a peaceful and supportive atmosphere for everyone. We deeply appreciate your cooperation and willingness to take part in these shared responsibilities.

General Guidelines

• • Participants must comply with all Terms and Conditions, Rules, and instructions from Centre management and responsible staff during their stay.
  • Participants are expected to observe the 8 Precepts and maintain Noble Silence throughout all SOS retreats.
  • To support the retreat environment, the using of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices is discouraged.
  • Smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of non-prescription drugs are strictly prohibited.
  • All participants must complete booking online before their stay. Phone bookings are not available.
  • Retreat bookings are first-come, first-served and are non-transferable. Please refer to the cancellation policy if you need to cancel a booking.
  • In accordance with the 8 Precepts, evening meals are only allowed if medically necessary.
  • Eligibility: Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend a retreat.
  • Participants should ensure they are in good physical and mental health. Medical details and emergency contacts must be provided when booking.
  • Participants should follow the schedule provided, which includes meditation sessions, work periods, meals, and rest times.
  • Participants are encouraged to contribute to communal work, such as food preparation, cleaning, and other tasks that foster community harmony.
  • To maintain a hygienic environment, no food is allowed in rooms, and cooking is not permitted in cottages.
  • Participants must avoid offensive behaviour, excessive noise, and respect the privacy and security of others.
  • The maximum stay for self-retreatants is three months per calendar year, and they must vacate the SOS premises when an organized retreat takes place.
  • Follow the emergency procedures for medical issues, natural disasters, fire safety, and other urgent situations.
  • Report any hazards, safety concerns, damages, breakages, disputes, or complaints to management immediately.
  • Participants are responsible for their personal belongings. The BSV, SOS, and volunteers are not liable for any lost or damaged items.
  • International participants must have adequate travel and medical insurance during their stay at the retreat centre.
  • Non-BSV retreats must have their own insurance coverage for accidents or incidents. (BSV insurance only applies to BSV-run events).
  • Pets: Pets are not permitted at the centre.
  • Participants and visitors must respect the privacy of monastics in their designated zones. Do not enter spaces marked for monks or nuns or wander beyond the retreat centre areas.