KARMA YOGA GROUP RETREAT

28-30 March 2025

The teacher: Our resident teacher is Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, one of the most highly qualified and respected
teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. Khenpo has studied and taught at the highest level, including Sakya
College in Dehradun, India, where he also taught many of the modern-day lineage holders.

Retreat Schedule: The retreat format is designed to undertake physical work, or service for the centre, and
meditation and stretching sessions. This way working on undertaking training of both our body and mind.

Arrival and departure times: Please inform us of your expected time of arrival at the centre. The retreat starts
at 8am on Friday 28 March and finishes after lunch on Sunday 30 March. You are welcome to arrive the night
before the retreat starts if you are staying onsite. Please let us know so that we can meet you there.

Location: The centre nestles beneath Gulaga, a mountain of great significance to the local Aboriginal Yuin
people, and the property has a long association with meditation activities. It is surrounded by outstanding natural
beauty and visitors often remark how peaceful it is and conducive for contemplation and meditation.

Upon arrival: Please check in with the organisers upon arrival so that you can be given a full orientation of the
centre and your job for the weekend.

Accommodation: Accommodation is basic but comfortable. You will be allocated a room or van and you will
need to supply your own bed linen, blankets, and pillows. If you wish to camp, please let the organisers know and
a campsite will be allocated to you. You will need to supply all your own camping equipment. If you are staying
off site, please let us know as soon as possible.

Car Parking: All vehicles are to be parked in the centre car park, reversed. This is a requirement of our evacuation
plan. Cars cannot be parked next to campsites or dwellings on the property. We offer disabled parking upon
request prior to your arrival.

Meals: All meals will be vegetarian. If you have a medical condition that requires you to observe a particular
diet, you will need to let the organisers know prior and we will do our best to cater for you. Please note participants
are not permitted to bring their own food supply.

Emergency phone number: The emergency contact phone number for the retreat is 0403 779 099. Messages to
this number will be checked regularly.
Electrical devices: To provide a conducive atmosphere for study and contemplation, we request that you leave
your electrical devices at home. If you need to carry your mobile phone to and from the centre, please use it
sparingly as you will not be able to recharge your phone at the centre.

Weather: Autumn is a lovely time of year to be at Tilba. The overnight temperature can drop to around 6 degrees
(Celsius) and maximum temperature is up to around 21 degrees (Celsius), however temperatures can vary so it is
a good idea to also bring lighter clothing for the warmer days.

Energy sources: The centre relies for energy and water supplies from natural sources-solar energy for lighting
and power, and tank water for drinking and washing, and portable gas for water heating and cooking. Because of
this, it is requested you use these precious and limited resources sparingly. Please:
● turn off the lights when exiting a room.
● do not recharge any electrical equipment.
● limit time in the showers; and
● turn off taps when not in use.
The centre has a back-up generator; however, we aim to keep its use to an absolute minimum.

Naked flames: The use of naked flames outside the gompa area is not permitted. This includes the lighting of
candles and fires.

Bush animals: The Australian bush has lots of wonderful wildlife and many species seem to take refuge in the
centre grounds, including wallabies, wombats, goannas, rabbits, echidnas, and parrots to name a few. Some bush
animals are small, like the native bush mice, and once inside a room they can be difficult to remove! To minimise
the chance of any native animals coming inside the buildings, it is requested that you:
● do not enter the kitchen during your stay as this can lead to doors being left open.
● close all doors and windows and louvers upon exiting a room, this prevents any of our bush friends
gaining access.
● wear covered shoes whilst walking around the grounds of the centre and keep to the walking tracks. Like most
places in the Australian bush, some animals and insect’s bite. Staying within the common areas reduces any
risks of injury; and
● take care whilst exploring the property and surroundings. Always take someone with you or let the organisers
know where you are going.
● Ticks are common on the south coast, and most will cause you no harm. Please check yourself regularly for
them and the organisers can assist with their removal.

Things to bring:
● Thermos and water bottle: Please bring these so that you have a supply of drinks during the day.
● Clothing: Loose comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off are
recommended.
● Bedding: For those staying onsite, you will need to provide all your own bedding, which menas sheets,
pillows, and blanket, and please bring a towel.
● Torch: You will need to bring a torch.
● Working/gardening gloves, covered shoes,hat and sunscreen

Standards of behaviour: When entering the gompa or meditation hall, please remove your shoes and head wear.
Consumption of food and drink is not permitted in the gompa except water. Participants are also required to
observe the five precepts during their entire stay at the centre, which are: no killing, stealing, lying, intoxicants
or sexual misconduct. Smoking is only permitted at a designated site. Participants are required to be in the gompa
10 minutes prior to the commencement of the session.

Directions: The centre is located at 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba, which is around five hours south from Sydney.
Travelling south, it is 20.7kms after Narooma and the entrance to the centre is on the right-hand side, 1.6kms after
the Bermagui turnoff (which is to the left). If you are travelling north (from Victoria or Bega), the centre is
14.8kms on your left after Cobargo.

Transport: If you haven’t already done so, please advise if you require assistance with transport to the retreat
centre.

Bus Stop: If you are travelling to the centre via coach, please book your ticket to be dropped off at the Wallaga
Lake Turnoff and we will pick you up.

Driving on the road: When driving up and down the unsealed road that leads to the centre, please drive at a
steady speed of 20 kms per hour. This helps to keep the road in good condition.

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 KARMA YOGA RETREAT SCHEDULE
MARCH 2025
Friday 28 Saturday 29 Sunday 30
8-9am: Retreat Orientation 7-8am: Guided meditation 7-8am: Guided meditation
9am-12md: Work 8-9am: Breakfast 8-9am: Breakfast
12md-12.45pm: Lunch 9-12md: Work 9am-12pm: Work
12.45-3pm: Work 12md-12.45pm: Lunch 12md-1pm: Lunch
3-3.30pm: Cuppa 12.45-3pm: Work 1-2pm: Tidy up and depart
3.30-4.30pm: Work 3-3.30pm: Cuppa
4.30-5pm: Break 3.30-4.30pm: Work
5-6pm: Stretching 4.30-5pm: Break
6pm: Dinner 5-6pm: Stretching
9.30pm: Lights out 6pm: Dinner
9.30pm: Lights out