The Amitabha Buddhist Retreat Centre is a place to learn about and to practice Pure
Land Buddhism. The practice can also support and enhance other belief systems as
it calms the mind and fosters mindfulness and stability.
On Sunday we have a group
chanting meditation and either a recorded or live Dharma talk, followed by a vegetarian
lunch. This Sunday session begins at 9 AM so we request visitors to please arrive
at least ten minutes before we begin. Lunch begins about 12.15 PM. Visitors are welcome
to join us for all or part of the morning and to stay for lunch. We do, however,
ask that if you will be joining us for lunch, that you please let us know by Friday
noon for catering purposes.
Weekend retreats are held throughout the year. Please check the “Retreats” section for the schedule and additional information.
History
Located deep in th
e heart of southeastern Queensland, the serenity and beauty of
the land provide a haven for those who seek the inward path. Nature has provided
the perfect blending of songbirds, rolling hills, and brilliant blue skies as the
backdrop for Buddhist practice and study.
The centre was an unspoken dream of Celine and Charles Richardson who both imagined a place where people could come to learn more about themselves and their world. One day, Charles voiced his dream to Celine who happily replied that she shared the dream. Thus in 1994, Charles, at the age of 79, began the long and continuing work of transforming a large open metal shed on their property into a warm, inviting centre for spiritual awakening.
In 1994, Celine happened to come across the image of a Buddha at an auction. It was only after she had bought it and hung it at the centre that she learned it was Amitabha Buddha. Then in 2000, Charles and Celine "happened" to meet Venerable Wuling and invited her to give a Dharma talk at their centre.
Over the next two years as Dharma talks were held more often at the centre, it naturally transformed into a Buddhist centre. In 2002, it officially became the Amitabha Buddhist Retreat Centre with Venerable Wuling as its Teacher. Later in that year, a donated vintage Queenslander house was moved onto the property. Charles, who was just putting the finishing touches on the centre, began the work of renovating the house.
In 2007, work was completed on the house, which now provides accommodation for eleven women. Other accommodations are available for men.
The centre was officially opened on August 11, 2007.
