5 Day Retreat with Bhante Joe

For five days, you'll step away from the noise of daily life and into profound silence—a container designed for deep transformation. At Sanctuary of Stillness Meditation Retreat Centre in Newbury, Victoria, this residential retreat with Bhante Joe offers an immersive journey into Theravada Buddhist meditation practice rooted in the Thai Forest lineage. Whether you're new to meditation or returning to deepen your practice, this sequential five-day program creates the rare opportunity to settle your mind and awaken genuine insight through sustained, guided practice.

Led by an ordained bhikkhu who trained at monasteries across Canada, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, this retreat weaves sitting meditation, walking meditation, and daily Dhamma talks into a coherent teaching arc. Each day builds on the last, allowing understanding to unfold naturally rather than fragmenting across casual drop-in sessions. You'll receive nourishing vegetarian meals, stay in the contemplative sanctuary designed to support your practice, and engage in guided inquiry that illuminates both ancient wisdom and your own direct experience.

This retreat welcomes both members and non-members of the Buddhist Society of Victoria—anyone genuinely committed to the path of stillness and awakening.

What to Expect

You'll spend your days in a rhythm of silence: early morning and evening sitting meditation sessions, walking meditation in the grounds, daily Dhamma talks that illuminate Buddhist teachings, and guided inquiry exploring the deepest questions of practice. The atmosphere is quiet, supportive, and focused. Meals are taken mindfully in silence, and the entire environment—from the carefully tended gardens to the meditation hall—is designed to minimize distraction and maximize inner attentiveness. By the end of five days, many participants report a clearer mind, deeper calm, and a renewed sense of purpose in their practice. You'll leave with practical tools, a lived sense of what meditation can offer, and the inner resources to continue on your own.

About the Artist

Bhante Joe is an ordained bhikkhu in the Thai Forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism. He trained for years at Tisaraṇa Buddhist Monastery in both Canada and Thailand, developing a rigorous and compassionate approach to meditation and monastic life. Now based in Sri Lanka, he continues his personal practice and teaching work, bringing the clarity and accessibility of forest tradition teachings to Western practitioners. His leadership combines deep personal experience with a genuine care for helping others find freedom through practice.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Sanctuary of Stillness (SOS) Meditation Retreat Centre in Newbury, Victoria, running Friday, October 30, 2026, through the following Tuesday. This is a residential retreat—you'll stay on-site for the full five days. Bring comfortable, modest clothing suitable for sitting and walking meditation, along with any personal meditation cushions or supports you prefer. Please contact the venue directly regarding accessibility accommodations.