FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Retreat | FAQs
Please carefully read the frequently asked questions below as there is some valuable information which may assist you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out the Support Team below.
Australia Bön Mustang Foundation
Where are the retreats located?
The retreats will be located in East Melbourne, VIC 3002. The exact address will be provided in an email few weeks before the retreat commences.
What time does the retreat start on the first evening?
All retreats start at 5PM on first evening.
What time does the retreat end on the final evening?
All retreats will end at 5PM on final evening.
Where should I stay if I’m not from Melbourne?
There are a number of wonderful suburbs within a walking distance from the retreat centre. These include: East Melbourne, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Melbourne CBD.
Where can I park my car?
There is 2-hour and some 4-hour paid parking in the surrounding streets. There is a Wilson’s parking next to the Eye and Ear hospital which offers reasonable early bird all day rates. There is also cheap all-day parking at the Melbourne museum on Rathdown Street in Carlton. Please do your research and check rates before you park anywhere.
What is the retreat daily schedule?
Both retreats are full day events (excluding the first evening – see above) beginning at 9:00AM each day and ending at 5:00PM. Breaks are scheduled between each session to ensure comfortable days.
The retreat daily schedule is shown below:
Session 1:
9:00AM – 10:30AM | Morning Break: 10:30 – 11:00AM
Session 2:
11:00AM – 12:30PM | Lunch Break: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Session 3:
1:30PM – 3:00PM | Afternoon Break: 3:00PM – 3:30PM
Session 4:
3:30PM – 5:00PM
Rest for the evening
How do I get to the retreat via public transport?
Trains: The nearest train station is Parliament Station which is a short 8-minute walk to the retreat location.
Trams: The nearest tram stop is Landsdown St/Victoria Parade. You can get there from the city on trams #12 and #109.
Bus: The nearest bus stops are Australian Catholic University/Victoria Parade or Ear & Eye hospital/Victoria Parade.
Can I meditate on a chair?
Yes. Chairs are provided. We recommend you bring a cushion for more comfort.
What if I can’t attend the full retreat?
It is recommended that you attend every session of the retreat. The retreat is designed sequentially, and every session builds on the previous session. Before the retreat, if know you can’t make a session then please contact the Bon Mustang Support Team and to discussed your situation. During the retreat, if for some reason you must miss a session, such as for illness, please contact one of the retreat organisers.
Is there accommodation provided?
No, this is a non-residential retreat.
I have applied but have not received a confirmation email. What should I do?
Once applied and paid, you will be placed on the participant list for the Retreat. We will contact you directly if there are any issues with your application. We will also send you more retreat details closer to the event.
Do I need to bring a meditation cushion?
Some cushions are provided. But we recommend your bring your own cushion, pillow, or stool.
Is there a fridge to store my food?
Yes, there is a fridge. There is also a kitchenette with a microwave.
Is food provided?
Lunch is not provided so it is recommended you bring food for lunch or you are welcome to buy food at one of the many cafes within a short 10 minute walk from the retreat centre. Some snacks are provided but it is encouraged that participant bring snacks for themselves and to share with the community. Communal snacks make meditation retreats more fun!
Where can I buy the relevant text?
You can purchase ‘The Pith Instructions for the Stages of the Practice Sessions of the A-Tri (A Khrid) System of Bön Dzogchen Meditation’ directly from the Australia Bön Mustang Foundation here. Book price is AUD55.
Have another question?
We’re here to help! Feel free to contact the Australia Bön Mustang Foundation support team with any additional questions you may have. A gentle reminder that this Foundation is volunteer run and we will endeavour to respond to your query as soon as possible.
Bön Mustang Foundation Australia Support Team