Projects

The Group Retreat Facility (GRF) currently under construction is an important focus at De-Tong Ling retreat centre.  It has been part of the overall plan since the idea of starting a retreat centre emerged in 1991 when the land was offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and became an FPMT retreat centre.

Unlike other centres De-Tong Ling was dedicated as a retreat centre from the very start.  Since that auspicious beginning the intent has always stayed the same, to build individual retreat houses and to follow Rinpoche’s advice to build the holy objects that are now part of the landscape at the centre; while all the time keeping in mind the need to build a GRF, which would enable the centre to offer retreat space to groups of individuals and to support them with appropriate quality facilities.

The GRF is so important in so many ways and can offer so much in the coming years.  When it is up and running, De-Tong Ling will be able to offer many and varied group retreats to suit a much wider range of students at all levels of study and practice.  In addition, it is envisaged that the GRF, when not being used for traditional Buddhist retreats, will be available for hire by like-minded groups, such as those practising yoga and mindfulness.

The GRF will offer first-class facilities in a perfect environment for retreat.  Just imagine, the only sounds are those of birds and native animals, the wind in the vegetation, the prayer flags fluttering!  Besides the GRF offering peaceful and natural unspoiled surroundings, it is being constructed to high environmental and bushfire-protection standards and will be 100% solar-powered.

The 17-person accommodation block, along with an ablution block and laundry are now complete and have already been successfully used during several group retreats.  Currently the kitchen / dining / office block, five duplex units and the store-room are being constructed, and the workshop is almost complete.  The next stage of GRF construction will be the large meditation hall, once two new retreat houses are built.

In the future, the total capacity of the GRF will be 27 people in built accommodation, while an additional 12 people could be accommodated if the single rooms had two occupants.  At some distance away from the GRF buildings there will be a large campground with appropriate facilities able to comfortably host many more in a beautiful native bush setting.