Expert: Alex Wilding - 8/25/2008

Question
Hello Alex, I hope you don't mind if I send you the same question that I am asking of another expert here. I'm interested in your perspective as a fellow Australian, because it is about Buddhist retreats in this country.

My wife and I have been attending grief counseling for some time now, and we have been moving around a lot looking for a safe place to live while we heal. Unfortunately we find ourselves in a very bad area which is constantly noisy and full of extremely inconsiderate people to put it mildly.  

I have been considering enrolling us in some Buddhist retreats - perhaps weekends just to get some peace and some time to reflect and be around decent people. We don't have any major psychological problems and are practicing several hours of silent contemplation per day already. We are also both on a pension.

I'd just appreciate your advice. Weekends here are hell (it's a working class holiday town - motorbikes through protected parkland, drinking and parties all through the night, and constant building and land clearing) and yet I feel a great sense of peace looking at these retreat websites, an uncommon feeling for me. I am trying to trust more in my feelings and they seem to be leading me in this direction.

I'd also like to do some volunteering and perhaps work towards an extended residency at one centre or do some traveling between centres. Anyway, appreciate your time.

Answer
Hi Ash,
I take it you hope that I can advise you on where would be a good place. Unfortunately I've only been in Australia for a couple of years, and haven't been to any of the main retreat centres, so I can't give you any inside tips. But good luck finding somewere.
On the other hand, don't forget the old adage: Rest wherever the mind is terrified.
All the best
Alex W