Name: Newbury Buddhist Monastery
Rating: 4.5

Newbury Buddhist Monastery is set on 150 acres of rolling countryside in the Wombat State Forest in Victoria, Australia. Located between Trentham and Blackwood – just 70 minutes from the heart of Melbourne city – the magnificent landscape and tranquil surroundings offer an inspiring backdrop for seclusion and meditation.

There is currently adequate accommodation available for both male and female monastics and lay supporters. The size of the property will allow for the construction of huts in clearly separated areas for Bhikkhus (Buddhist monks) and Bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns) once the cost of the property has been met.

The Newbury Buddhist Monastery is based on the early teachings found in the Suttas (the Buddha’s teachings) and Vinaya (monastic rules) that are shared by all Buddhist traditions. Hence, we welcome monastics from all traditions and countries to stay.

The BSV saw a great need for this facility as there are currently very few forest monasteries in the world that support Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni ordination and practice. There is a lack of monastic educational facilities in the world where women can ordain as Bhikkhunis and receive training according to the early teachings of the Buddha.

With its establishment, more aspirants, both local and international, can seek out full ordination. Those who wish to ordain, but are currently on waiting lists for accommodation at other monasteries, will have increased opportunities to develop their monastic vocation.

Since 2012, with the support of the BSV’s diverse group of members, along with a great community of international friends and practitioners, we have been actively raising funds to purchase the property and pay for necessary developments.

What to Bring

Please bring the following; keeping in mind that Newbury is usually 3-5 degrees colder than Melbourne city (on average):

Sleeping bag is very helpful for the cold nights.
Sheets, quilt cover and pillow case.
Warm clothing – socks, beanie etc.
Towel, toiletries, personal hygiene items, any personal medications.

Some other optional items you can consider bringing:

Jacket / Raincoat / Umbrella.
Hot water bottle (the one used in bed to keep warm)
Meditation Cushion
Slippers, Joggers & Warm shoes.
Small blanket / wrap for hall use
Drinking Water Bottle / Vacuum flask
Torch & alarm clock

*** Pillow is provided.

You are welcome to bring your own meditation cushion if you wish. There are meditation cushions available in the meditation hall. The venue has chairs, should you wish to meditate in a chair.

It’s important to bring clothing that allows you to sit on the floor or a chair comfortably. All clothes should be in good repair and appropriate to the occasion (i.e. please don’t wear pyjamas outside your accommodation block). Loose clothing affords better flexibility when sitting cross-legged (i.e. tracksuit pants or cargo pants etc.).

isiting

The monastery opens every day : 10.00am to 1pm. Lay people are welcome to come at 10:00am for the meal preparation. Lunch offering is at 11:00am.
Gender Segregation

Please adhere strictly to the gender segregation boundaries.
No smoking

Smoking, alcohol, drugs and music are prohibited on the monastery grounds. NBM is strictly a Non Smoking Environment.
Proper attire

The following list contains items of clothing or fashion styles that are unsuitable within monastic environments:

• No bare shoulders
• No tank-tops or mid-riffs
• No tight or transparent clothing
• No short skirts or shorts
• No sleeveless shirts
• No revealing clothing
• No ripped or otherwise improper attire

Newbury Buddhist Monastery

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