Yes, non-BSV members can join our Weekend Retreats at the SOS. Please note that priority is given to financial members of the BSV.

NO, it is essential to continue taking any prescribed medication while on retreat. You should not stop your medication or reduce the dosage.

The SOS features four (4) cottages with a total of 24 comfortable rooms, each equipped with its own ensuite bathroom and accommodating up to two guests. Every cottage includes a kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare hot drinks or a light breakfast in the morning. The cottages are designed to ensure a relaxing retreat experience, making guests feel at home during their stay.

For 9-day retreat, we will open up the women’s lodge locates in the nuns’ area, which can accommodate approximately 14 women, with two guests per room. Guests in the women’s lodge share a communal shower and toilet block.

Unfortunately, single rooms are not possible. If you have a special request, please contact us.

Monastic-led retreats are open to individuals who are eighteen years or older.

Weekend retreats are open to everyone, including non-members and those with no previous silent meditation retreat experience

To join, you should have attended an introduction to meditation or have equivalent experience. We ask that participants have some prior meditation experience before attending our retreat.

If you’re based in Melbourne, our Buddhloka Centre offers a free “Introduction to Meditation” class every Tuesday night, taught by an experienced lay teacher.

Self-retreats are open only to BSV financial members. To do self-retreat, you must have completed at least two (2) weekend retreats at the Sanctuary of Stillness.

To update your personal details, manage bookings, or renew your membership, visit: https://bsv.member365.org/. Log in using your registered email address and password to access the booking system. If you’ve forgotten your password, click on “Forgot Password” to reset it.

Once a retreat is fully booked, a spot becomes available only if someone cancels their confirmed booking. When this happens, we will offer the spot to individuals on the waiting list based on their position in the queue.

Yes, you can stay at the Sanctuary of Stillness before or after the retreat if needed. Please email the accommodation officer at stay.sos@bsv.net.au to check for room availability on those dates. Please note that it costs the Buddhist Society of Victoria between $60-$80 per person per day for the upkeep of the SOS, and we greatly appreciate your donations to help cover these costs.

We encourage participants to commit to the entire retreat, and early departure is not recommended. If you’re unable to attend for the entire duration, it may be better to let someone else take the available spot. However, if you have a special request, please contact us.

Attendance at retreat talks is generally reserved for registered retreat participants. If you’re visiting the monastery, please inquire ahead of time to confirm if there are any open talks during your visit.

Please wear modest clothing. Sleeveless tops, leggings, transparent clothing, low or plunging necklines, and shorts/skirts above the knees are not appropriate.  

We will provide simple vegetarian lunches. If you have been prescribed a special diet due to medical conditions (not personal preference), please inform us at the time of your application.

General guide: For specific dietary needs, such as severe food allergies, lactose intolerance, or gluten sensitivity, we recommend that you bring your own food to ensure your safety. We also kindly request that you bring any necessary supplements to accommodate your dietary restrictions. 

If you have any of the above requirements, please email us at retreats@bsv.net.au

During retreats, we observe the Eight Precepts, which means no solid food is provided after midday. If you have a medical condition that requires an evening meal, we kindly ask that you either serve a portion of your meal during lunchtime or bring your own food to supplement your needs.

While COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted, we ask that participants remain mindful of their health. If you feel unwell or exhibit symptoms of illness, please stay home and rest. Basic hygiene practices, such as regular hand sanitizing, are still encouraged to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.