Adelaide Insight Meditation Retreat

No new dates

A 5 night silent meditation retreat in the Western Insight (Vipassana) tradition

with Alan Bassal & Kate Duncan

Insight Meditation Retreat

No new dates for the foreseable future

This 5 night residential retreat is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wisdom of the Buddha and the practice of insight meditation.

Each day will consist of meditation instruction, sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, group meetings with teachers, evening Dharma talks and inquiry sessions.

We will explore the four foundations of mindfulness, and how we practice bringing our awareness to each of these foundations. As we do so, we will be practicing patience, non-judgement and acceptance of life and ourselves as we are.

In cultivating mindfulness, we set the intention to look more closely, with a steady mind and loving heart, into the causes of our own suffering, and the causes of our freedom.

The retreat is designed to cultivate loving awareness so that we can witness our present moment experience with a non-judgmental and curious attitude, opening to lightness, joy and wonder.

Although the retreat is held in Noble Silence, there will be plentiful opportunities to check in with the teachers and receive support. There is no previous retreat experience required and it is perfect for beginners and advanced students alike.

About the Venue

One of the first buildings in Strathalbyn, Glenbarr is a heritage listed homestead set on 35 acres of gently undulating farming land alongside the meandering middle creek. Built in 1842, the buildings are a unique insight into the lifestyle of the early pioneers in rural Australia. Many of the original buildings are used by the retreatants, with modern dormitory style accomodation or camping options with shared bathroom facilities.

Book Your Retreat

In keeping with a 2500 year tradition, no fee has been added for the teachings. At the end of the retreat, you are invited to give a donation (dana) in support of the teachers to continue their work.

Quad or Triple Share Dorm

$975 for all meals and accomodation: Max 4 people per room

Camping Option

$875 for all meals and camping site costs:
BYO all camping gear

Email me at kate@kateduncanyoga.com to register interest for future dates.

What is Dana?

Dana is the Pali word (the language of the Buddha) that translates to generosity. Offering dana is a 2500 year old practice that dates back to the time of the Buddha. It honours that the teachings are priceless, and therefore are offered freely.

For this retreat, the teachers have not charged a fee for their offerings. The price of booking your retreat covers the cost of your accomodation, all food and beverages and administration costs.

The teachers time, preparation, planning and delivery (including support while on the retreat) are all offered for free. At the end of the retreat, you can offer your generosity, or Dana, to support the teachers to continue sharing the Dharma and offering retreats.

There is no recommended amount for Dana, it is entirely up to you to explore (with mindfulness) what feels right for you.

About the Teachers

Alan Bassal

Alan has been studying and practicing Buddha’s teachings for over 35 years beginning in the Goenka Vipassana meditation tradition and then developing in Eastern & Western Insight. For over 28 years he worked internationally in the field of management and organisational change, integrating the Buddha dharma and psychotherapy in leadership development work. He is the current chairman of SIM, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Institute and remains one of it’s lead teachers. Alan’s teachings are eclectic and practical, he encourages people to awaken to each moment and find the fulfilment they seek.

Kate Duncan

Kate came across the Buddha’s teachings through Jack Kornfield’s book, The Wise Heart, 15 years ago. Although having never heard the words before, she immediately knew them to be true. Kate began sitting multiple retreats at Spirit Rock every year, and her first retreat after moving back to Australia in 2015 was with Alan. Since then, they have forged a mentorship relationship. Kate has sat and facilitated over 30 meditation retreats and is in the Insight Meditation Institute’s Insight Dharma Pathway. Kate is also an ERYT-500 hr Yoga Teacher and runs multiple online courses, workshop and retreats throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do I arrive and depart the retreat?

You are welcome to arrive anytime after 3pm to get set-up with camping or settled into your room. We will share dinner, with talking, at 6pm, and then officially being together in the meditation hall at 7pm.

We will finish with closing circle at 11am and a shared lunch, with talking, at noon. All participants must be departed by 2pm.

What is Noble Silence? Does this mean I can't talk?

Noble Silence is a practice of refraining from idle conversation. We only speak when necessary, which in the context of this retreat, means we are mostly don’t talk. The purpose of Noble Silence is to give ourselves a break from stimulation, so that we can allow the mind to start to move toward stillness.

Throughout the retreat, there are many opportunities to ask questions, share what is happening for you and to inquire into your practice. This is done through group and individual meet-ups with the teachers and through a daily open inquiry session.

While many people are initially afraid of silence, they quickly find that it is very peaceful. Many report feeling as though we are all deeply connected even though we aren’t talking, and that it is a powerful practice to share our kindness and intimacy in non-verbal ways.

What kind of food will we eat? What if I have allergies or preferences?

Our caterer will lovingly prepare 3 delicious, but simple, vegetarian meals per day, and will cater to gluten and dairy free diets. If you have other food allergies please let us know when you book.

We will have a tea station and snacks available at all times of the day, and basic coffee is available on this retreat if needed.

Is it okay to come alone? Who will I share a room with?

Most people come to a retreat alone, yet leave as friends. If you book a dorm share room, we will place you in a room with someone of the same sex, with a maximum of 4 per room. Sharing a room is easy when you are in Noble Silence! If you would like to stay alone, you will need to camp. You are welcome to camp in a tent, van, or campervan/caravan. Power is not provided.

What if I have trouble sleeping? What if I snore?

If you are concerned about insomnia, being kept awake, or keeping others awake, we encourage you to not worry too much. Part of the practice is being with what is difficult. We recommend bringing earplugs and an eye pillow so that you can support yourself to get the best rest possible.

If you know that you consistently snore, we ask that you book your own room.

Can I use my mobile phone at this retreat?

Generally, we ask that you gift yourself a break from phones, emails and outside responsibilities for the duration of this retreat. To assist with this, you are welcome to hand over your devices to us to hold for safekeeping.

If you have young children, elderly or unwell family members, you may wish to check in with them or be available. We understand this too. We will leave it up to you to decide.

We will ask, however, that you do not use your phone at any time in the presence of others (including in your room if you are sharing) and that you do not bring them into the meditation hall at any time.

A good idea is to bring a watch so that you do not need your phone to keep time.

What happens all day? What is the Schedule like?

You can see a sample of our anticipated schedule below. The schedule is there to create a strong container, however nothing in it is mandatory. We ask that you do your best to be physically present for the following: the morning instructions, the open inquiry session and the evening Dharma Talk

Anticipated Schedule

6am: Wake-Up Bell

6:15am Mindful Yoga

7:00am Sitting Meditation

7:45am Breakfast

9:30am Sitting Meditation (with Instructions)

10:15am Walking Meditation

11:00am Sitting Meditation

11:45am Walking Meditation

12:30pm Lunch, rest, walk

2:30 Sitting Meditation or Inquiry Session

3:15pm Walking Meditation

3:45pm Sitting Meditation

4:15 Mindful Yoga

5:00 Dinner, rest

6:30pm Sitting Meditation

6:50pm Stretch/walk

7:00pm Dharma Talk

7:45pm Walking Meditation

8pm Evening program- poetry, mindful movement, metta etc