Are there any deep Jhana meditation retreats in the country of Australia? In most countries, you may be surprised to learn, there are no Jhana or Deep Jhana meditation retreats available to learn how to reach the Jhanas.
There are meditation retreats along the lines of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, but when looking specifically for a Jhana retreat, there seem to be virtually none focusing solely on this topic.
Why Is Jhana Important?
Jhana represents a crucial milestone rather than the ultimate goal – it provides the serenity, mental sharpness, and concentration essential for perceiving reality accurately.
Across Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka, most monastics consider Jhana an essential component on the journey toward nibbana – enlightenment.
Traditional Theravada Practice in Thailand compared to Australia
Australia has emerged as a surprising center for Buddhist practices, featuring an increasing number of meditation facilities, monastic communities, and lay organizations exploring contemplative traditions. The landscape combines various lineages – predominantly Theravada and Tibetan – heavily influenced by Western mindfulness approaches.
Despite lacking a Buddhist heritage, Australia supports several notable Theravada institutions and practice centers. Establishments such as Bodhinyana Monastery near Perth (led by Ajahn Brahmavamso) and Wat Buddha Dhamma in the vicinity of Sydney adhere to rigorous Thai Forest Tradition methodologies, incorporating intensive samatha and jhana cultivation.
Differences from Southeast Asian Approaches
While Thailand’s meditation culture widely recognizes Jhana training as fundamental for dedicated practitioners, Australia’s contemplative community tends to prioritize insight (vipassana) practices. Nevertheless, a dedicated subset of practitioners is exploring absorption states as foundational elements for profound insight development.
Locating Intensive Jhana-Focused Retreats in Australia
Australia offers several quality options for immersive meditation experiences that might incorporate Jhana elements – though few explicitly market themselves as “Deep Jhana” retreats. Most programs emphasize insight development, but those featuring strong concentration components can help cultivate the mental stability necessary for accessing Jhana states.
Extended silent retreats at Bodhinyana and similar monastic centers occasionally guide experienced meditators toward Jhana-like experiences. However, structured and specialized Deep Jhana training remains relatively scarce.
The Buddhist Society of Western Australia – Ajahn Brahm’s Jhana Teaching
Well known forest monk, Ajahn Brahm, teaching in Western Australia teaches Jhana to meditators. You can find information about this monk here. is:
Jhana Retreats in Krabi, Thailand for Australian Meditators
For serious Australian meditation students seeking to develop Jhana mastery, consider joining our monthly Deep Jhana Meditation Retreats located a brief plane journey away in scenic Krabi, Thailand, where sessions unfold in a tranquil natural environment surrounded by jungle landscapes and dramatic limestone formations.
Travel Logistics from Australia to Krabi – A Straightforward Journey
Air Travel Options Major Australian metropolitan areas – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth – all maintain flight connections to Krabi, typically requiring a single connection. • Common Connection Points – Bangkok (BKK or DMK), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) • Carriers – Scoot, Jetstar, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, plus additional options.
Travel Duration • Departing from Sydney or Melbourne – approximately 11 to 13 hours total journey (connection included) • Departing from Perth – considerably faster, occasionally under 9 hours combined.
Reservation Suggestions • Explore Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak for competitive fares • Costs range from approximately $350 to $700 depending on seasonal factors and advance booking timeframes • Many travelers fly into Bangkok before connecting to Krabi via budget carriers (roughly 1.5 hour flight).
Benefits of Our Krabi Deep Jhana Retreats
We focus exclusively on substance over style. Our retreats cater to committed meditators aiming to experience authentic, definitive Jhana states – beyond mere relaxation techniques. Regardless of your current experience level with Jhana practice, our methodical approach, minimalist environment, and personalized guidance will help you overcome obstacles.
A Logical Progression – Those seeking profound absorption states and comprehensive immersion will find our nearby Thailand location ideal.
If you have any question about Ajahn Brahm’s ideas about Jhana and how they match my own, here’s an interesting article that examines Aj. Brahm’s approach.
Prepared for Deeper Practice?
Join our upcoming monthly Deep Jhana Meditation Retreat in Krabi
and elevate your meditation practice beyond previous limitations.