Activities, Events & Retreats

Activities and retreats take place at the monastery on weekends and throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend or observe as they feel comfortable. Some sessions are available online via Zoom.

Qi Gong during Chan Session at Gold Coast Dharma Realm

Weekend Activities

Our weekend activities are open to everyone and do not require registration. They take place most weekends and are in English unless otherwise noted.

Saturday

Dharma Service and Lecture

8:00 – 9:30 AM Avatamsaka Repentance

In Chinese

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9:30 – 10:30 AM Dharma Talk by Dharma Master Jin Fu

Chinese with English translation

Library Dharma Talk

Online year-round · In person when Rev. Heng Sure is at GCDR, usually from mid-spring to mid-autumn

12:30 – 1:30 PM Dharma talk by Rev. Heng Sure onA Pictorial Biography of the Venerable Master Hsu Yun (Master Empty Cloud)

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Afternoon Recitation

1:45 – 3:00 PM Shurangama Mantra Recitation & Transference of Merits

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Sunday

Yoga & Meditation

8:00 – 10:00 AM A guided session open to all. Sitting cushions, mats, and blankets are available.

More information →

Sunday Classes

Term-based — running through 29 March

9:00 – 11:00 AM Includes calligraphy and kids' Chinese culture classes.

Sutra Dharma Talk

Online year-round · In person when Rev. Heng Sure is at GCDR, usually from mid-spring to mid-autumn

12:30 – 3:00 PM Dharma talk by Rev. Heng Sure onAvatamsaka (Flower Adornment) Sūtra

Join via Zoom →
Guan Yin Bodhisattva at Gold Coast Dharma Realm

Featured Retreat

Listen to the Heart

Guan Yin Meditation Retreat

24–31 October 2026

When was the last time we really listened?

Slow down and explore the practice of deep listening. Listen to the body, the heart, the natural world, and the stillness within. A week of meditation, reflection, nature and Buddhist teachings at Gold Coast Dharma Realm.

Led by Rev. Heng Sure, Ven. Jin Chuan, Ven. Jin Wei & other monastics

View retreat →

2026 Events, Ceremonies & Retreats

Most ceremonies and retreats are conducted in Chinese unless otherwise noted. Events offered in English are identified in the schedule.

Community gathered at Gold Coast Dharma Realm

February

16 February

Medicine Buddha Blessing Ceremony & Candle Lighting

6:30 – 7:15 PM

16 February

Lunar New Year Eve Performance

7:30 – 9:00 PM

17 February

Medicine Buddha Repentance

8:00 – 10:15 AM

1:30 – 3:00 PM

April

18 – 19 April

Gold Coast Dharma Realm Kids Camp

Theme: Building Things Together. Ages 3–15. RSVP: gcdrkids@proton.me

Sat 3:00 PM – Sun 2:00 PM

May

2 – 9 May

Emperor Liang Jeweled Repentance

8:00 – 10:15 AM

Emperor Liang Jeweled Repentance

1:00 – 3:30 PM

Emperor Liang Jeweled Repentance & Transference of Merits

7:00 – 8:00 PM

Dharma Talks

5 May

Three Refuges & Five Precepts Transmission Ceremony

6:30 – 8:00 PM

11 – 17 May

Shurangama Mantra Recitation Retreat

Join on Zoom

24 May

Shakyamuni Buddha's Birthday Celebration

8:00 – 10:00 AM

June

13 June – 11 July

Flower Garland Sutra Recitation

Schedule details to be confirmed.

July

26 July – 1 August

Guan Yin Retreat (Chinese)

8:00 – 9:30 AM

1:30 – 3:30 PM

August

7 – 16 August

10-Day Meditation Retreat (In Canonese with Mandarin and English Translation)

22 August

Celebration of Ullambana

8:00 – 9:30 AM

23 August – 8 September

Earth Store Sutra Recitation

October

24 – 31 October

Guan Yin Recitation Retreat (English)

View retreat details →

December

5 – 11 December

Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat

8:00 – 10:00 AM

1:30 – 3:30 PM

January 2027

1 January 2027

Making Wishes and Ringing the Bell — 12-Hour Shurangama Mantra Recitation

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM