Upcoming Retreats
July: Two-day intensive (Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th)
Online registration now open
For two days we step aside from the rush of daily life, entering a quiet rhythm of sitting, walking, bowing, and chanting together. In the Zen tradition, these simple forms create a supportive container where practice can deepen, even for a newcomer.
You don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to be present. Silence, guidance from the teachers, and the strength of practicing with others will help you settle into stillness.
Even in a short retreat, many people discover calm, clarity, and a refreshed sense of connection to themselves and the world.
Teachers
The retreat will be led by Imelda Carson Roshi and Steve Wigg Roshi. A teacher will be present and available for dokusan (teacher interview) during every practice block. In addition, each day will feature a presentation from a teacher: an encouragement talk (morning, shorter, informal) and a teisho (afternoon, longer, formal).
Here are two recent examples of encouragement talks by Imelda and Steve:
Taking Refuge (Imelda Carson Roshi)
The Meditation Control Panel (Steve Wigg Roshi)
Venue
The Intensive will be conducted at the Sophia Centre which is part of Cabra College (225 Cross Road, Cumberland Park). Each day will take the form of two 3.5 hour blocks (morning and afternoon) - see below for basic schedule.
Register online
We welcome full (4 practice blocks) and part time (1-3 practice blocks) registrations. The fee is $25 per practice block ($50 per day).
To assist with our planning please register and then pay at the same time or soon after (our preferred method is via electronic funds transfer). This will secure your place for the retreat.
Once we have received your registration and payment a confirmation email will be sent within a few days. If any issues arise the retreat coordinator David Edwards will contact you.
In the past we have not requested payment on or close to registration. This new approach aims to help streamline the process for those organising and attending including providing confirmation sooner.
Use the following LINK to register online including payment details.
Cancellations...
If you need to withdraw and give notice more than two weeks out from the start date (ie by Friday 3 July) we will offer a full refund.
However, if you need to withdraw after Friday 3 July (ie within two weeks), in order to help cover retreat expenses, we will hold $25 as a contribution towards those costs. We will refund any outstanding amount above that figure. There will also be an opportunity to consider donating more than $25 to support the group and the sustainability of retreats.
Questions?
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the retreat coordinator: David Edwards email: davidedwards1811@gmail.comand/or chat with David or one of the teachers for the retreat: Imelda Carson and Steve Wigg at one of the regular weekly practice sessions.
Intensive Basic Schedule
(same for both days)
MORNING
8.45 Arrive
9.00 Cautions and Sutras
9.30 Encouragement Talk
10.00 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
10.30 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
11.00 Break
11.30 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
12.00 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
AFTERNOON
1.30 Teisho
2.05 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
2.30 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
3.00 Break
3.30 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
4.00 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
4.50 End of day ceremony
5.00 Depart for the day (pack-up on Sunday afternoon)
(Zazen = sitting meditation, Kinhin = walking meditation, Dokusan/Shosan = individual meeting with teacher, Teisho = teacher talk)
Upcoming Retreats
September: Five-day residential sesshin (Friday afternoon 18 September to Wednesday morning 23 September)
The teachers for this program will be Allan Marett and Steve Wigg. The venue will be at Goolwa Beach.
Retreat Program for 2026
Save the dates
More details, including online registration will be provided closer to the dates.
If you would like any further information please contact David Edwards: davidedwards1811@gmail.com
November: Two-day intensive (Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th)
The teachers for this program will be Imelda Carson and Steve Wigg. The venue will be the Sophia Centre in Cumberland Park.
December: Online Rohastu zazenkai (Saturday 12th December)
The teacher for this program will be Allan Marett.