Seeing that Frees: a Path of Insight
A 7-day retreat with Victor von der Heyde and Megan Layton
This retreat will be a space to explore the deeper dharma teachings on how we see the world,
how we see ourselves, and how we might get caught up in particular perspectives that might not
be so helpful.
The retreat is based on the experiential approach of the highly respected English dharma teacher, Rob Burbea. His book, Seeing That Frees: Meditations on Emptiness and
Dependent Arising is now regarded as a classic.
The approach used in the retreat presents a variety of meditation practices and allows for people to gravitate to what works best for them.
We’ll start with mindfulness and samadhi practices to settle and move towards a sense of spaciousness and sensitivity.
There’ll be teachings to give an understanding of what the intentions are with different meditations, and how the different meditations can fit together as components of a path.
The term “seeing that frees” relates to the sense that particular ways of looking can lead to a felt sense of being less bound up, and in a sense more free.
There’ll also be a chance for experienced meditators to work with images that appear, either in meditation or outside meditation. There’ll be guidelines to for this and for what to look out for.
The teachings on the retreat are based on both the Buddhist Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
see through limiting perspectives
experience greater freedom and ease
deepen insight into self and reality
This was one of the most valuable experiences I have had.
RETREAT DATES:
Friday 25 September to Friday 2 October 2026.
Arrive between 3 and 5pm on Friday 25 for 6pm dinner.
Finishing after lunch on Friday 2 October.
Who this is for
Some experience in mindfulness meditation is required with at least a day-long program of meditation/retreat. This retreat is not recommended for absolute beginners. If you’d like to discuss whether this is suitable for you, feel free to contact us.
I experienced a re-awakening of joy and pleasure in my life.
RETREAT VENUE
The Gathering Place is a small retreat centre and garden oasis in the heart of inner north Canberra.
It features 12 simple, comfortable bedrooms, retreat facilities, and a large, beautiful garden. The centre is also close to the Dickson wetlands and the bushwalking areas of Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.
You can choose between residential or non-residential options—participate fully in the retreat and either stay overnight or go home each evening.
Campervans are welcome for the non-residential fee; please contact us to discuss arrangements.
Located in Dickson, Canberra, The Gathering Place is a former convent and a peaceful venue with two beautiful meditation rooms and comfortable, simple accommodation.
Each bedroom includes a single bed, cupboard, desk, chair, lamp, mirror, and sink. All beds are equipped with electric blankets, doonas, pillows, and two spare blankets. Bathrooms and toilets are shared and unisex.
Learn more about The Gathering Place here.
The retreat is amazing – allowing enough time to deeply slow down.
What does the 7 day retreat include?
Guided meditation practices
Daily sitting, walking, and guided meditations to deepen awareness and calm
Dharma teachings & talks
Clear, practical teachings on “seeing that frees” and the path to insight
Personalised teacher support
Group sessions and one-on-one meetings with experienced teachers.
Silence & deep retreat space
A week held mostly in silence to support reflection and inner clarity.
Yoga & gentle movement
Daily optional yoga and movement to support the body and mind.
Nourishing environment & rhythm
A peaceful setting with structured days, rest time, and shared mindful work.
Program
The retreat program consists of sitting, walking and guided meditations, meditation instruction and dharma talks, group and individual meetings with teachers and daily gentle yoga/exercise sessions and unscheduled time to meditate, rest, walk.
The retreat will be in silence apart from necessary communication.
There’ll also be a 45 minute work period each day to help with food preparation, washing up and general cleaning.
Daily Schedule
- Early morning yoga/exercise period, followed by silent sit
- Breakfast
- Work period (food prep, cleaning or gardening)
- Alternating sitting/walking
- Teacher interviews/groups on some days
- Lunch
- Rest/free time
- Alternating sitting/walking
- Possible short yoga before dinner
- Dinner & clean up
- Dharma talk and practice
In approximately 2 sitting periods each day there will be some instruction from Victor or Megan.
It was a powerful and valuable experience. The morning meditations and walking meditation particularly stood out and really connected with me.
Meet your teachers
Victor von der Heyde
Dharma teacher, co-founder of Sydney Insight Meditators and of the Bodhgaya Development Association
Victor von der Heyde has been practising meditation for thirty five years. He’s spent over two years in total in silent retreats and has taken dharma teaching roles since the mid 1990s.
He was co-founder of Sydney Insight Meditators and of the Bodhgaya Development Association. He was a student, friend and supporter of Rob Burbea (1965 – 2020) from 2012 to 2020.
Megan Layton first came across Rob Burbea’s teachings in 2022 when she attended a retreat with Victor. She found the Seeing that Frees teaching opened up a new chapter in her own practice.
She’s been practicing in the Insight Tradition for 17 years and is also an MBSR, Yoga, Self-compassion and Positive Neuroplasticity teacher and Mental Health Social Worker and the Director of Simply Mindful, the Canberra Mindfulness Centre and the Gathering Place.
Megan Layton
Director, Senior MBSR, PNT, Self-Compassion and Yoga teacher
I adored Megan’s grounded, loving and compassionate approach. — Simply Mindful program participant
Additional Cost: Dana
In keeping with a 2,500 year old tradition no fee is charged for the teachings. The cost does not include any payment to the teachers.
At the end of the retreat you are invited to give a dana to express your appreciation and to support the teachers to continue their work. The teachings can be seen as a gift and dana can be seen as a reciprocal gift.
reserve your spot at the 7 day retreat
Please note there is a $200 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking. If you have questions about the retreat, please contact us before registering.
Note: Residential spots are now fully booked.
We are delighted by the response to the retreat and our residential accommodation is now full.
Camping & campervan spots still available
You can still join us onsite by choosing to camp or bring a campervan. Both options are available at the non-residential rate.
To do this:
- Book a non-residential spot
- Let us know you would like to camp or bring a campervan
- Our team will get in touch to confirm arrangements and details
Waitlist for residential accommodation
If you would prefer a residential room, you can still join the waitlist. If a space becomes available, we will contact people in order.
Alternative nearby accommodation
If you are travelling from interstate or prefer more comfort, there are several accommodation options close to the retreat centre. We recommend choosing flexible bookings with a good cancellation policy. Please note we are unable to recommend specific providers, and any arrangements are made independently.