Finding Inner Peace and Contentment

Guided by Rigpa Teachers Dr Ian Gawler and Jane Gray

We invite you to spend five days immersing yourself in the the Tibetan Buddhist wisdom tradition.

Join us in our buddhist temple by the park to: 

• establish or deepen a daily meditation practice
• learn how to work with distractions and obstacles that may arise during your practice
• hear, contemplate and meditate on the essence of the Buddha’s teachings 
• create space to experience genuine inner peace and contentment 
• learn how to bring about lasting transformation in your life 
• enjoy breaks and walking meditation in Camperdown Memorial Rest park next to our centre

You will be supported by experienced meditation teachers Dr Ian Gawler and Jane Gray, as well as receiving video teachings from Sogyal Rinpoche, a renowned master of the Tibetan Nyingma lineage and Dzogchen, or “Great Perfection”, tradition. Through presenting the Dzogchen approach that cuts to the essence of Buddha’s teachings, Rinpoche shows us who we really are: this unchanging, fundamental goodness or Buddha nature.

Each day will feature a rich yet spacious program of teachings, guided meditation, and time for reflection and discussion.

The underlying goal of Rigpa’s path of study and practice is to support individuals of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, to travel this path and come to fully embody the wisdom and compassion that are the essence of the Buddha’s teachings

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is how professionals maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives. This course may be considered to be 30 hours of CPD for some professions. Please let us know if you would like Rigpa to provide you with a certificate as proof of attendance for your professional association.

Retreat Fees:

Rigpa Subscribers $265
Rigpa Subscribers Concession $195

Non-Subscribers $340
Non-Subscribers Concession $195

Student and 25 and younger $95

Benefactor: $480

Rigpa is a not-for-profit organisation. All proceeds from our courses go directly to covering the cost of running our centres. Rigpa’s policy is that financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to attending our courses. If this is an issue for you, please contact us.

About Dr Ian Gawler

Dr Ian Gawler is a retired veterinarian, long term cancer survivor and best-selling author who has taught widely on meditation for over 30 years. Ian has been a student of Sogyal Rinpoche since 1985 and from 2006 to 2013 trained in the study and practice of authentic Buddhist teachings on meditation, mind, compassion and wisdom via Rigpa’s Institute of Wisdom and Compassion. He has also received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many other teachers from across all traditions. Ian is closely involved with the Inter-Faith movement.

His books include the groundbreaking You Can Conquer Cancer and Blue Sky Mind. He co-founded the world’s first lifestyle-based self-help programs for both cancer and Multiple Sclerosis and worked at the Gawler Foundation as therapeutic director for nearly 30 years. More recently he has been involved in developing a therapeutic meditation app Allevi8, and in establishing Centres for Contemplative Studies at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Dr Gawler holds a Masters in Counselling and In 1987 he received the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the community.

About Jane Gray

Jane Gray is a student of Tibetan Buddhism and meditation teacher with Rigpa. She is also a non-Executive Director with health, education and charitable organisations in Australia. Until 2020, she was a senior executive in the Australian public health system, focusing on initiatives to cultivate more compassion and spiritual care and improve patient and family experience in the health system. 

Jane became a dharma student in 2000. From 2006-2013 she trained in the study and practice of authentic Buddhist teachings on meditation, mind, compassion and wisdom through the Institute of Wisdom and Compassion in France. This program was led by Sogyal Rinpoche and offered through Rigpa’s “Home Retreat” program.

Jane lives on the east coast of Australia with her husband Walter, also a student of the dharma. They have two adult children.