The Joy and Challenges of a Meditation Retreat – and a very special retreat – The Heart and Essence of Meditation - with Ian, Ruth and Melissa coming in June. With a day-by-day guide... And this is the 500th blog since inception!!!

Whatever it was that first brought you to meditation, you probably realise there is something more profound on offer. For me, as for many, it was major illness. For others - too stressed, wanting to perform better, difficult relationships, loss and grief, too much pain... All very valid reasons for beginning meditation.

But then, as the practice begins to kick in and the dust feels like it is settling, there may come a glimpse... A glimpse of an inner reality. A glimpse of a peace “beyond understanding”. A peace, and a clarity that is beyond words, beyond thought; and yet it can be alluded to with the spoken word, and experienced directly within our own mind. 

This glimpse can be genuinely transformative… 

It is as if we have lived under clouds for all our life, and then suddenly, the clouds clear, and reveal this glorious, vast, pure, pristine blue sky. 

It only takes a glimpse to know the sky is for real. 

Then it becomes a matter of how we may experience it more regularly? 

More frequently? 

When it comes to “the mind”, the journey to know the inner essence of the mind is called meditation.

So now, this is actually the 500th blog since the first way back on the 8th September 2010. I enjoy writing, have not written a new book for a while, and writing the blog keeps that side of my creativity and expression active. So thank you for all of you who continue to show an interest and read... On this landmark occasion it does seem fitting to be writing about meditation, and another passion – leading meditation retreats, but first

   Thought for the day

      Just as both light and warmth blaze from the sun, 

     Wisdom and loving compassion radiate out 

     From the mind’s innermost nature. 

                 Sogyal Rinpoche

Here is the problem. 

Amidst the busyness of daily life, becoming settled enough to experience this inner stillness of our mind can be tricky. Hence the value of making the effort to go on a meditation retreat. 

By removing ourselves from the activities and concerns of our daily life, by going into an environment that supports the process of settling the mind, by taking time out and joining like-minded people; we give ourselves a real chance of experiencing what we can call the heart and essence of meditation.

So for this year’s main, annual retreat, this is the focus. The direct experience of the stillness of our own mind. Deep, natural peace. This retreat will offer the best I have learnt from my own wonderful teachers, and be styled along the lines Ruth and I have learnt from presenting retreats over decades. Everything about the retreat has been designed with experiencing this elusive stillness more directly. Here is how we will go about it...

Day 1

We settle in, get to know each other a little, have a short overview teaching and focus our guided practice sessions on simply relaxing; leaving behind the busyness, and entering into the spirit of the retreat. 

Key methods will be introduced – the use of contemplation and how to structure your practice sessions to best effect while on retreat.

In the evening; the delight of Michael Johnson and his meditative harp – profound peace and relaxation through music...

Day 2

The focus turns to deep relaxation. 

Easiest felt in the body, easiest to accomplish in the body. 

Deep, physical relaxation. 

Aided by Melissa Borich’s much-loved gentle, meditative yoga sessions (optional but highly recommended). 

We are preparing ourselves to be free to let go and enter into the meditation proper. It is well worth being patient and thorough...

Day 3

So now we take the relaxation even deeper... relaxation of the mind. 

Key techniques for letting go of those persistent thoughts and emotions. 

This may well come as a relief...

Day 4

Next, we use the device of focusing our awareness upon sounds to actually experience something of the stillness. It is like we use the sound to become aware of the silence. From sound into stillness. This technique is incredibly practical and effective, and when practiced in a retreat setting can lead directly into the experience of the stillness.

Day 5

But what then of thoughts? 

And emotions? 

Even as we settle and begin to have longer glimpses of the inner peace and clarity, thoughts and emotions are bound to come up. 

Some welcome ones; some unwelcome. 

So what to do? 

First we explore this theoretically. Then we contemplate; knowledge can lead to wisdom. And finally we enter into another series of exercises that reliably leads from thoughts and emotions into peace. This is the heart of the practice.

Day 6

Having established some experience of real meditation, now we have a day of practice guided by Ian, Ruth and Melissa. A chance to rest in the direct experience...

Day 7

Preparing for the transition back into our home environment. 

Being on retreat is not like anything else. 

It provides this special opportunity to take time out, to reflect on where we are in our lives and where we want to be heading; to learn new skills to review and re-group. 

So a lot to integrate; to make sense of, and to merge back into our daily life. 

The intention is to return refreshed, revitalised; with a new sense of purpose and a clear sense of the way ahead.

So is it your time? Will you join us as we leave our daily lives behind for a while, and travel into the heart and essence of meditation? 

The Heart and Essence of Meditation will have great appeal to long term meditators, but due to the inherent simplicity, it also will be very accessible to those newer to meditation; even beginners.

Your days will include:

• The delight of being in a meditative environment free of external distractions.

• The Upper Yarra Valley is renowned for its natural beauty and inherent peace; The Yarra Valley Living Centre has been a place for meditation for many decades. You can feel it; and relax into it…

• A daily teaching from Ian combining the best of timeless wisdom with modern science.

• All the meditation sessions will be guided personally by Ian, Ruth and Melissa. Enough practice to be meaningful but not inconsequential or onerous.

• Relaxing, gentle yet powerful daily yoga led by Melissa – optional.

• Space for personal quiet time, along with the possibility of walks amidst the natural beauty of the Upper Yarra Valley.

• Wonderful plant-based meals; simple yet delicious; highly supportive of the meditation.

• Being amidst like-minded company. 

Some come on retreat preferring silence (a personal choice), but many delight in meaningful conversations with the diverse groups that inevitably gather for these retreats.

• Good time for discussion, questions and answers. If you have nagging questions around your meditation, or the philosophy that wraps around it, be sure to bring them along…

REGISTRATION – How to apply

1. The first step is to download the Application Form HERE, fill it out and return it by email to our Program Manager, Mel Crow: mel@insighthealth.com.au

2. Once Mel has received your completed application, she will arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the retreat offers, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the retreat is suitable for you.

3. Once accepted for the retreat, you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.

4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.

The retreat does not end on the last day! 

We know the benefit, indeed, the need, of offering on-going support and involvement. This we do through the Meditation Community. 

The Meditation Community is an online sanctuary for meditators of all levels, where learning, practising, and connecting happen in one supportive space. Here, you can join with Ian, Ruth and Melissa, along with other experienced teachers; come together and learn, grow, meditate together and simply be still…

With the Meditation Community you will find guidance, encouragement, and like-minded people ready to walk alongside you.

Here is what is waiting for you inside:

• Community Chat & Interaction
Ask. Share. Reflect. This is where questions turn into insights, and strangers become companions on the path.

• Recordings: Practices That Meet You Where You Are
Guided sessions with Ian and Ruth Gawler. You can listen to these as you would on an App.
Relaxation, Mindfulness, Awareness, Stillness, Contemplations, Guided Imagery and more. Each practice comes with an introduction and script to help you settle in with ease.

• Regular Live Sessions – We Call Them “Circles”
Why “Circles”? Because everyone is welcome, and everyone contributes. Choose from:
i) Teaching Circles – Learn. Reflect. Practice.

ii) Daily Awakening Circles – guided practice, brief intro, then a solid, nourishing practice.
iii) Healing Circles – the power of guided imagery and collective, directed practice.

iv) Discussion Circles – put voice to your experiences and questions. Listen deeply.

• Evidence That Grounds the Practice
Access a curated library of research showing how meditation supports your body, mind, and spirit.

• Recordings of Talks & Workshops
Did you miss a live session? Revisit powerful teachings from Ian and others anytime you need a boost.

• Self-Paced Contemplation & Meditation Course
Explore Ian Gawler’s 8-part online program in your own time (additional cost).

• Plus, regular themed workshops, new content, and ongoing support
Because meditation is more than just a practice – it is a way of life.

Ready to join us?
Simply click the link below to join us.

👉 Join The Meditation Community

And to repeat, to register for the retreat, download the Application Form HERE, fill it out and return it by email to our Program Manager, Mel Crow: mel@insighthealth.com.au

OTHER COMING EVENTS

Join me for an evening meditation workshop on Thursday March 26th: Meditation in Daily Life – a Way of Being

Or for those ready and willing, train with Ruth and myself to teach others to meditate – and in the process deepen your own practice and understanding: 

Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation 11-15May, Contemplation 31Oct-4November: CLICK HERE

 

Meditation in Daily Life – a Way of Being

It is a curious thing is it not? Most of us; all of us? have this nagging sense we could be better human beings... Sad in one way. As human beings we are so extra-ordinary. We can act, we can love, we can think, we can feel, we can reflect; we can do all manner of wonderful things. Yet there is also the downside. The things we are not so pleased with.

So here is the really good news... we all have this innate, infinite goodness. Perhaps it is this we sense, and it is this that creates that nagging sense of we could be better? We sense it. We sense we do have this innate, fundamental goodness. An inner purity. An aspect of self that is beyond good and bad; an aspect of self that is fundamentally pure and unstainable. 

So in this post, how to experience more of all this, but first

   Thought for the day

     Take your meditation to the next level...

     As a beginner, when you notice you are distracted, 

     You come back to the breath. 

     At the next level, 

     When you notice you have forgotten, or lost touch 

     With who you really are, 

     You come back to the true nature of your mind... 

     It is always there.

                                    Ian Gawler

Maybe you have caught a glimpse of this inner beauty, this inner purity in some sublime moment. A beautiful sunset. A moment of love. A moment that caught you off guard. Maybe you have experienced it more directly in a moment of deeper meditation? A glimpse? Something stronger?

For those who have experienced even a glimpse of this inner reality, this innate goodness; there comes a certitude. A confidence. There is a knowing. The direct experience of this truth; the truth of who we really are.

Sure, on the surface we may get up to all sorts of mischief, and do things good and bad. 

Yet once we know there is this part of us beyond all that, we smile more often, and have a certain sense of humour born of this inner confidence and the perspective that goes with it. 

A contentment...

And of course, the reliable pathway into the direct experience of this inner reality is through meditation. 

In daily life, there is the all too common experience of having so much to do.

 Doing, doing, doing. 

Human beings? 

Maybe we are better described as human doings! 

And the doing, the busyness, tends to obscure this inner reality. 

We need to slow down; slow down and let go of the doing, and then, as the mind and emotions settle, it is just naturally there. Like when the clouds clear the sky. It was always there, only now we can see it. Experience it. It is all in the letting go...

This is what meditation offers. A training in how to let go; how to relax deeply. How to be still. 

And with the letting go, there comes a relief. When we enter into the heart and essence of meditation, we let go of all that doing, and we rest in our own natural, inner simplicity. The simplicity of non-doing. What a relief. We let go... and we let be... we experience the truth of who we really are...

And the effect? 

There is a natural emergence, a natural flow of wisdom and compassion. 

The essence of meditation re-awakens our good heart, and brings out all the finest qualities of what it is to be a human being. 

Maybe this is what we sense is possible... what it is to be a better human being... the simplicity of being in touch with who we really are... and allowing that to flow into our daily life...

The only requirement? 

We do the practice! 

Now for most of us, establishing and maintaining a regular daily practice takes some doing. 

It is my pleasure, and passion to assist with this. Currently, there are a range of options:

Join me for an evening meditation workshop on the topic of this post 

- Thursday March 26th: Meditation in Daily Life – a Way of Being

Dive in deeper at our next retreat 7-13 June: The Heart and Essence of Meditation

Or join daily, online, live guided meditations plus much more on The Meditation Community

Or for those ready and willing, train with Ruth and myself to teach others to meditate – and in the process deepen your own practice and understanding: 

Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation 11-15May, Contemplation 31Oct-4November: CLICK HERE

The suffering of the world – and what we can do about it...

It seems all the astrologers predicted last year would be a tough year. It was. Predictions for the Fire Horse year are much brighter. Thank goodness.

However, there is more to this... Everywhere we look, the world is full of suffering; not just last year. Now. World affairs weigh heavy. The environment is close to, if not past a point of crisis, divisions within societies grow ever wider, finances are uncertain. People everywhere seem over-burdened and suffering. 

So what to do? What can we, as small individuals in a vast landscape do that has any real prospect of making a difference? No need to despair. In my view we can do a great deal that will bring real benefit to ourselves, our families, our communities; but first

     Thought for the day

         Think globally

         Act locally

              David Brower (probably)

My mind occasionally wanders back to Medieval times. 

Seems like it must have been very tough for the average person/peasant. Rough housing, poor heating and cooling, no sanitation, food uncertainties, diseases rampant, childbirth deaths huge etc, etc. Not to mention the constant threat of marauding armies with raping and looting. Tough.

Yet one might imagine there was a close sense of community that brought many benefits. 

And useful to ponder an important distinction between then and now. 

The news cycle. 

News travelled slowly in simpler times. 

Anything in a different country or overseas would take months to arrive – if it ever did. 

Even what happened nearby could take weeks or months to filter through. 

The daily news would have been primarily to do with the reality of the local community.

These days are very different. Much better conditions, and a very rapid, very wide, very international news feed. News that is polarised to gain our attention; our outrage, our reaction, our comments, our engagement. News that is often far removed from our local reality; yet given so much energy, it seems relevant, indeed important to our lives.

So here is the first thing we can do. 

Consider how many of the issues coming at you through your news feed actually do have an impact on your life? 

You may worry about them a lot. 

You may imagine that one day you will be caught up in the horrid things we hear besetting others. 

But in reality, most of these really tough things, tragic as they are for those affected, are highly unlikely to visit our own lives. 

So dial down the attention to world affairs, and take more interest in local news. Where we live, we have a very active Community Group. Read of their activities and you realise how much is good in the world. People supporting each other, offering classes, activities. Local businesses providing great services. Local activism to counter inappropriate developments and put pressure on Government to look after their people and communities.

So the next thing we can do is to give more attention to our local community – and consider how we might contribute. This community of ours has a monthly lunch where someone opens their house, everyone brings a plate and community develops.

Maybe you have a skill to share. 

Maybe just attending local events makes a difference. 

Contribute to the Community Gardens. 

Volunteer. 

Maybe you can become more of a socially activist; someone pushing for good in your local community.

But how to let go of the International and national news hype? How to quieten down our own focus? How to develop a more balanced, less stressed, more compassionate state of mind? You probably guess this answer... Meditation provides a reliable means with which we can develop an inner peace and a mental clarity that leads naturally to us becoming more at ease within ourselves, and more at ease with the diversity of the members of our community.

And yes, this is a recommendation to consider attending at least one meditation retreat each year. 

Amidst all the hype of modern living, the frenetic pace, all that is good and bad; it serves us well to take some time out. 

To step back from the busyness of our lives, to withdraw for a while, to regain our balance, to reflect on where we are at and where we are going, and to set our compass for the year ahead.

The meditation retreat Ruth and I will present this year – with the assistance of the wonderful Melissa Borich – will venture into the heart and essence of meditation. 

I have been preparing for this retreat over many years. How to impart the very best, the essence of meditation – the direct experience of the deep natural inner peace, the clarity and wisdom that goes with this state; the heart of meditation.

The retreat is filling, so if you are contemplating joining us, makes sense to register soon. It will be a profound joy... 

PLEASE NOTE

Some people on our database were not being notified of these blog posts, and this has recently been corrected. Enjoy... 

COMING EVENTS

Meditation in the Forest – The Heart of Meditation; its wisdom and its experience

Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th June

Ruth and I have been presenting the annual 7 day meditation retreat Meditation in the Forest at the Yarra Valley Living Centre for many years. 

This year, the retreat focus will be the heart of meditation – the experience and the wisdom of Stillness. 

Highly experiential, we will delve into the theoretical structure that provides the knowledge and the wisdom that helps us to approach this profound inner experience.

Then together, we will practice the techniques that progressively lead us into the direct experience of our own stillness – our own inner essence. Joyful...

There will also be optional yoga sessions with the incomparable Melissa Borich, plus all the delights of the Upper Yarra environment along with the care and food provided by the Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Many do come regularly to this annual retreat, but we always welcome newcomers. Due to its fundamental simplicity, the retreat is accessible to those newer to meditation, as well as those more experienced.

To enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au. Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.

Meditation Teacher Trainings 

May and November 2026 

Having presented Meditation Teacher Trainings since 1988, it is fair to say these new trainings – to be frank – are much better developed than those earlier versions! 

We have developed 3 training modules: Meditation, Contemplation and Imagery. 

The Meditation module goes into how to present the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stillness program that is elaborated in my most recent meditation book – Blue Sky Mind. 

The other 2 modules, cover the very basics of meditation, but give most attention to these very important, but rarely taught aspects of meditation – Contemplation and Imagery.

We now have individual manuals for each training that are at least 180 pages each. 

The trainings are solid in theory, yet highly experiential. You will get to practice leading meditations and groups, while receiving measured feedback from the staff and peers. 

Many who have completed these trainings have now qualified for full membership of Meditation Australia, and have the knowledge and confidence to teach in their own right. 

As part of our commitment to provide ongoing support as you develop your skills and experience, we have established an online Meditation Teacher’s Community that does just that. There is peer support, ongoing professional development, a mass of resources, and opportunities to practice and develop your teaching skills with the audience of the closely allied Meditation Community.

Currently, I have a strong commitment to training and supporting the development of new meditation teachers, so if you are considering this as a possibility, and do meet the criteria, please do join us.

Each year we provide the basic Meditation Teacher Training, this year: 11 - 15 May 2026

Also, this year we will once more present the wonderful Contemplation Training: 31 October – 4 November 2026.

Next year, 2027, we are likely to present the Imagery Training once again; along with the basic Meditation module. 

Attending 2 of these trainings meets MA’s criteria for membership. While you can attend the 3 modules in whatever order that suits, and each module does stand in its own right, we do encourage everyone interested in our approach to complete the Meditation module at least.

You will be welcome; and be joining a group of amazing, like-minded peers.

As with the retreat, to enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au  Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.

 

The Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings – May and November 2026 – Registration open and filling

Have you ever considered becoming a teacher of meditation? 

Some make a career out of it; many teach part-time within their communities, workplaces, schools; there are many possibilities…

Having led my first meditation teacher training program way back in 1988, it is a real delight to be able to offer 2 more Meditation Teacher Training programs in 2026. Ruth and I love teaching meditation teachers; in 2026 we will be joined by our wonderful colleagues and friends, Peta Grath in May and Melissa Borich in November.

These Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings will be personalised, interactive and fun. They will be informed by ancient wisdom, our collective experiences, and the best of modern research. 

Maybe it is time to join us?, but first

   Thought for the day

       Learning to meditate is the greatest gift 

      You can give yourself or another in this life.

      For it is only through meditation 

      That we can undertake the journey

      To discover our true nature,

      And so find the stability and confidence 

      We will need to live, and to die, well.

          Sogyal Rinpoche: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

We are calling these the Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings. 

There are two modules we will present in 2026 

– the first in May focusing directly upon meditation, the second in November focusing upon contemplation and meditation. Each module stands independently, but ideally you would join both as they do build on and complement each other. 

Completing both trainings does meet the 80 hour learning requirement that is an essential pre-requisite for joining Meditation Australia. 

Our courses are accredited by Meditation Australia for this purpose. 

These Meditation Teacher Trainings are based upon the content of my two most recent books on meditation: 

Meditation – an Indepth Guide, and Blue Sky Mind. 

Each module has its own recently updated manual of around 200 pages. 

Each manual provides detailed direction regarding how to present an 8 week meditation-based program. You could teach directly from the manual, or adapt sections of it to integrate into work you are already doing. 

The meditation style is what we call Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation – a synthesis of all I have learnt from the exceptional teachers I have had the good fortune to learn from over many years, along with my own reading and practice, as well as the feedback and input from tens of thousands of people I have been blessed to work with and help learn how to meditate.

Each module is fully residential. 

Sure, many people do like to learn things online and often do so successfully, but this is all about teaching meditation... it is best learnt directly, in person. 

Also, by being residential there is a huge bonus. 

You leave your normal life behind for a few days and in doing so, you can concentrate fully on the program, and importantly, you will have some time to yourself…

Sure, the schedules are quite full for our trainings, but we have factored in some free time for self-reflection, walking amongst the beautiful and inspiring grounds of the Yarra Valley Living Centre. There are the dual possibilities of having the opportunity to talk with like-minded people, and some time for simply being quiet. It will be worth the effort to make the time, to travel and to attend in person. Come back from this and life will be different, and you will have a skill you can use into the future…

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Meditation

11am Monday 11th to 3.30pm Friday 15th May, 2026

The Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. 

Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs. 

This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. 

An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… 

Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…

Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Contemplation

11am Saturday 31st October to 3.30pm Wednesday 4th November, 2026 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians).

So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of contemplation. 

Yet this contemplation training of ours is somewhat unique. 

The fact is I do not know of any other course teaching directly and in depth on contemplation. 

Yet contemplation is such a useful life skill. 

Ruth, Melissa and I love teaching this material as it goes into the machinations of the mind – how our normal thinking processes work, how we can harness the mind to best effect; but then how we can reliably generate mental clarity, insight and intuition. How we can build and draw upon our own inner wisdom. 

Many of our previous participants have found this training really significant in their own ongoing journeys, and then there is the bonus of learning a skill and being able to introduce others to the principles and practices of contemplation. Really good stuff!!!

Of great personal value, both trainings are suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, we also give attention to the theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion and financial issues, as well as covering the special challenges of online courses. However, the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of meditation and contemplation, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon these wonderful topics.

You can apply to join either Meditation Teacher Training: Click here

Based upon past experience and a clear need, as a feature of what we offer to those who do train with us, we have developed a structured, system for ongoing support. 

Mostly online, we provide ongoing support, training and mentorship through a specific group led by Ian and Daniel Traini – the Meditation Teacher’s Community. 

This is a vibrant online community tailor built to help you convert an aspiration to teach, into a reality. 

One manifestation of this has been the recent introduction of daily, morning Awakening meditation sessions on our aligned, public Meditation Community. 

Each morning of the week. a meditation teacher who has trained with us, leads a 30 minute practice. All 7 of these teachers have completed one or more of our trainings, and it is a joy to observe what a great job they are doing with their presentations.

The Meditation Teacher’s Community has many members who have trained with us; but is open to teachers who trained elsewhere.

Additional information is available via these links

The 2026 Meditation Teacher Trainings

The 2026 Meditation Retreat: Meditation in the Forest – The heart and essence of meditation

The Meditation Teacher’s Community

The Meditation Community

How to apply for either or both of the 2026 Meditation Teacher Trainings:

1.     The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.  

2.     Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you. 

3.     Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.

4.     Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.

 

 

The power and the potential of sacred places, objects and great teachers; what they offer and how to approach them

It was a remarkable and totally unexpected experience. Ruth and I travelled to Melbourne’s Western suburbs recently, to a wonderful Vietnamese Buddhist temple, Quang Minh. Our intention? To spend time in the presence of sacred relics of the Buddha touring Australia.

As described in the previous post, in doing so, we felt truly blessed. But what is a blessing? What benefit might a blessing have? Is a blessing all in the mind? In this case, how much does any blessing have to do with the relics? Or the Tibetan lama, Kalu Rinpoche, who actually offered us a direct blessing with the relics? Or again, is it simply all in our own minds??? Interested? Let us delve more deeply, but first

 

        Thought for the day

   The mind has no form, colour, or substance.


   It does not exist outside or inside the body, nor in between.


   Even if you search for it in every direction, it is unreal.


   It has no origin, location, or destination.


   It is not nothing; your mind is vividly lucid.


   It is not single, for it arises diversely as anything.


   It is not multiple, for everything has one essence.

                    Karma Chakme Rinpoche 17th C 

Matter is remarkable is it not. Take a brick. Seems so solid. 

Yet we know from even the most basic of modern day physics, it is not solid as in made of something indestructible. Quite the contrary. It is made up of tiny atoms – concentrated packets of energy whizzing around in space at very high speeds. Huge amounts of space between the very tiny atoms. 

Now, while we may know matter is made up of atoms, and we may know there was a time when atoms were thought of as being the fundamental, indestructible building blocks of all matter; these days we know that not to be the case. 

Einstein described matter as a function of energy and light: E=MC squared. 

Modern mystics have referred to matter as frozen light. 

Matter is clearly far more fluid, far more nebulous than we give it credit.

Yet hit yourself on your head with the brick (actually do not) – and you will be convinced there is something very real there. 

Many people these days seem to prefer to stay with the notion the brick – matter – is solid and real, and leave it at that.

But perhaps consider this. If matter is actually, scientifically, a function of energy and light; what does that mean? If matter contains energy, then what type of energy?
Consider this... Imagine someone awakens to the full potential of what it is to be a human being? Think Christ or Buddha or some other major spiritual figure. What sort of energy might their body have had? Hard to imagine it was ordinary? Easy to imagine it was extraordinary? Easy to imagine at least some of that energy may still reside in their relics after they die. And easy to imagine we might benefit from being in that energy...

Hence spending time in the company of relics.

Of course, for a non-believer, there is every chance their state of mind could block any potential benefit. 

And for someone who does believe, someone who is devoted, then the benefits could well be potentiated.

Same with living people. 

Clearly, some people we meet give us the creeps. 

Some we meet generate warmth, compassion, respect – and leaving us feeling all the better for being in their presence.

Ruth and I had just a cursory meeting with Kalu Rinpoche. 

However, his presence was palpable, and we were smiling quietly for some good time afterwards. 

From having met a great being like this in person, a connection is made. 

In times of need, one can bring them to mind for inspiration, solace, even a sense of guidance. This is their energy at work. And their light. They do have what appears as a physical body – as do we all – but clearly, there is more to this physical body than first meets the eye.

Pilgrimages, spending time in the presence of relics, sacred objects and realised beings. All make great sense to me. Over many years, there have been many blessings and benefits.

Worth contemplating...

And a final word from Melbourne, where more than 17,000 people lined up to respectfully worship and make offerings to the Buddha's relics:

Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan – Abbot of Quang Minh Pagoda, President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Australia – expressed deep gratitude to the French Buddhist Fellowship, primary custodians of these relics:  

“This is a rare opportunity for everyone, regardless of religion or culture, to venerate and feel the enlightened energy of the Buddha. The relics remind us of peace, compassion, and humanity.”

Relics are not merely material treasures, but the embodiment of a pure life and adherence to precepts. The Buddha was a flesh-and-blood human being who attained enlightenment through practice. Relics remind us that the Buddha is not far away. 

The Buddha, that enlightened energy, resides within the awakened mind of each and every one of us.

 COMING EVENTS

Meditation in the Forest – The Heart of Meditation; its wisdom and its experience

Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th June

Ruth and I have been presenting the annual 7 day meditation retreat Meditation in the Forest at the Yarra Valley Living Centre for many years. 

This year, the retreat focus will be the heart of meditation – the experience and the wisdom of Stillness. 

Highly experiential, we will delve into the theoretical structure that provides the knowledge and the wisdom that helps us to approach this profound inner experience.

Then together, we will practice the techniques that progressively lead us into the direct experience of our own stillness – our own inner essence. Joyful...

There will also be optional yoga sessions with the incomparable Melissa Borich, plus all the delights of the Upper Yarra environment along with the care and food provided by the Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Many do come regularly to this annual retreat, but we always welcome newcomers. Due to its fundamental simplicity, the retreat is accessible to those newer to meditation, as well as those more experienced.

To enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au. Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.

Meditation Teacher Trainings 

May and November 2026 

Having presented Meditation Teacher Trainings since 1988, it is fair to say these new trainings – to be frank – are much better developed than those earlier versions! 

We have developed 3 training modules: Meditation, Contemplation and Imagery. 

The Meditation module goes into how to present the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stillness program that is elaborated in my most recent meditation book – Blue Sky Mind. 

The other 2 modules, cover the very basics of meditation, but give most attention to these very important, but rarely taught aspects of meditation – Contemplation and Imagery.

We now have individual manuals for each training that are at least 180 pages each. 

The trainings are solid in theory, yet highly experiential. You will get to practice leading meditations and groups, while receiving measured feedback from the staff and peers. 

Many who have completed these trainings have now qualified for full membership of Meditation Australia, and have the knowledge and confidence to teach in their own right. 

As part of our commitment to provide ongoing support as you develop your skills and experience, we have established an online Meditation Teacher’s Community that does just that. There is peer support, ongoing professional development, a mass of resources, and opportunities to practice and develop your teaching skills with the audience of the closely allied Meditation Community.

Currently, I have a strong commitment to training and supporting the development of new meditation teachers, so if you are considering this as a possibility, and do meet the criteria, please do join us.

Each year we provide the basic Meditation Teacher Training, this year: 11 - 15 May 2026

Also, this year we will once more present the wonderful Contemplation Training: 31 October – 4 November 2026.

Next year, 2027, we are likely to present the Imagery Training once again; along with the basic Meditation module. 

Attending 2 of these trainings meets MA’s criteria for membership. While you can attend the 3 modules in whatever order that suits, and each module does stand in its own right, we do encourage everyone interested in our approach to complete the Meditation module at least.

You will be welcome; and be joining a group of amazing, like-minded peers.

As with the retreat, to enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au  Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.