We are pleased to be able to bring you these events in July 2025. You have a choice of joining:
- 2 Day Workshop only: Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 24 July 2025,
This will start at 9:30am and finish at approximately 5pm each day. There is no live-in component. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch will be provided.
OR
- 5 Day Workshop and Retreat: Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 27 July 2025.
The first two days are as described above. We meet again on Friday 25 July at 9am.
Accommodation for 2 nights, 2 breakfasts, 3 morning teas, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon teas and 2 dinners will be included. There is no breakfast on Friday and no dinner on Sunday.
The Workshop (1) is a pre-requisite for the 3 Day Retreat (Live in : Friday 25 July to Sunday 27 July 2025)
Dharma Teacher Gilbert Gutierrez
Gilbert Gutierrez was raised in Southern California and earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He became interested in both martial and meditative arts in 1970 and now has over 54 years of meditation experience.
In the early 1990s, Gilbert met Chan Master Sheng Yen, and in 2002, he received Dharma Transmission (Inka) from Master Sheng Yen, making him the only Western lineage holder currently residing in the United States. Gilbert has delivered the Dharma in person throughout North America, England, Switzerland, Poland, Estonia, Taiwan, and Singapore. This is his first trip to Australia to present the Dharma.
Gilbert’s main focus is on perpetuating Right View Chan. He is well-versed in the study of Buddha Dharma Sutras and Chan Buddhist treatises, with extensive knowledge of the Abhidharma, Madhyamaka and Yogacara doctrines. Additionally, he incorporates Pureland practice with Chan practice, as did his master. His lectures and retreats are known for their profound presentation of Mahaprajnaparamita (wisdom sutras) and the resultant demonstration of Great Compassion.
Gilbert will share with us time-honored methods for incorporating mindfulness into our daily routines and responsibilities.
Gilbert’s lectures are available on YouTube as well.
Theme :
The Turnings of the Dharma Wheel: The Development and Progression of Mahayana Chinese Chan Buddhism through the ages.
- A Study from the Dawning of the Bodhisattva to the Maturation of Buddha Nature Theory.
- The presentation will include Chan Buddhist History, Doctrine and Practice. Practice includes Meditation Skills and Proper Buddhist Life Practices.
- This is an exploration of the Buddha Mind. What Gilbert refers to as Mindwork and what the ancient masters referred to as turning the Mind’s eye inward. In Patriarch Chan, it is known as Ekayana. Gilbert’s style of presenting how to meditate incorporates Right View into sitting. This enables the practitioner to engage in self-absorption in a very effective manner.
This training and practice is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Chinese translation may be available.
APPLICATION FORM – Download here
- Please indicate which event you are interested in, ie. (1) or (2)
- Information regarding what to bring for the Retreat will be sent if your application is successful as places are limited.
Recommended donation:
(i)Workshop
(a) Recommended Base Amount $140 (lunch and morning & afternoon teas included) or
(b) Benefactor: any amount above base amount will support the Buddhist Council of Victoria for this and future events
(ii) Workshop and Retreat
- Recommended Base Amount $495 (include twin share accommodation and meals for the Retreat), or
- Benefactor: any amount above base amount will support the Buddhist Council of Victoria for this and future events.
The following information relate to both events
Banking details
Commonwealth Bank
BSB 063 806
Account No 10044200
When making your donation please include these details in your description/ reference so we can identify you in the bank statement.
- Your initials (including middle name), and last name in full
- Indicate whether you are applying for just the Workshop or for the Retreat
- WRKSHP for 2 Day event
- RTREAT for 5 Day event
Meals
All meals are vegetarian.
If you are on a special diet, please advise when applying. There will be a surcharge for some dietary requirements of $17.
Accommodation before workshop/retreat
If you are not from Melbourne or wish to stay overnight after the Workshop (if you are attending the retreat as well), arrangements can be made independently with the venue manager. However, no meals will be available at the centre before the events, and the evening before the retreat. Meals can be ordered through Uber Eat or other similar Apps.
Sharing accommodation is $40 per night
Non-sharing accommodation is $61 per night
If you require accommodation before the events please arrange your payment directly to St Paul’s Retreat Centre.
St Paul’s Retreat Centre:
Centre Managers: Luiza and Giordana Rigutto
Email: saintpaul.rc@cam.org.au
Tel : (03) 9401 6373
(2) RETREAT Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July 2025
There is a prerequisite for the retreat. You must attend the workshop.
Most retreats are silent events with no unnecessary conversation permissible at any time. Abstaining from conversation facilitates the settling of the mind which otherwise keeps us busy processing social interactions.
For the same reason any reading, use of mobile phones or tablets are discouraged.
Most of the day is scheduled with continuous activities, comprising mostly meditation but also other activities such as work periods, exercise, and some chanting. There is usually very little or no free time, but many retreats include some rest periods and afternoon outdoor walk periods.
As places are limited you will be notified if you are successful. You will then be advised what you need to bring to the retreat.
If you are new to retreats, you are advised that on Day 4 (Sat) and Day 5 (Sun) the morning call is at 5:30 AM.
After morning tea and lunch there will be 30 minutes of Work Practice before the rest period. The Work Practice period is mainly used for undertaking tasks to sustain the environment of the retreat – washing up, cleaning, gardening, etc. It is also an opportunity to practice being in the present – focusing on what you are doing, on what is in your mind while working. The rest period may also be used to continue your practice.
If you have more questions, you may:
Email: events@bcv.org.au or
Message Sim (0422 772 338) or Lilian (0432 647 004
