THE spirit is moving for many beliefs across Victoria, writes SARAH HUDSON
It wasn't so long ago that an Australian seeking spiritual sustenance was forced to make an arduous trek through Tibet, or negotiate the war-ravaged steps of a biblical pilgrimage.
However, Australia has come of age, with an array of spiritual and religious traditions on offer around our cities and country areas, from Catholic convents to Buddhist monasteries and Hindu retreats.
All offer a break from the noises and pressures of daily life, such as an easy-going half day class, an invigorating yoga retreat, or the silence of a monk's life - with most not-for-profit.
Here we explore a sample of spiritual and religious services available in rural Victoria.
And a word of advice: study up on facilities before heading out, to ensure your expectations are met.
Quakers
Quakerism, it seems, has taken off in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland and Horsham, with all these areas conducting regular Quaker meetings.
The Religious Society of Friends began in Britain in the 17th century.
Now called Quakers, followers share a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. Meetings take about an hour and involve followers sitting silently in a circle.
Details: www.quakers.org.au/
Buddhism
Rivalling only Christian centres in number, Buddhist monasteries are spread through regional Victoria.
This reflects the fact there are many different streams of Buddhism, including Tibetan, Kadampa, Theravada and Zen.
Probably the biggest in Victoria is the Atisha Buddhist Centre, 15 minutes' drive from Bendigo, which provides facilities for the study of Mahayana Buddhism and meditation.
Every Sunday at 10am the centre offers a free introduction to Buddhist meditation, a short introductory talk and "an informal cuppa".
For a taste of Japanese Zen Buddhism, head to the Ballarat group of the Jikishoan community.
The group meets for Sanzenkai, or meditation practice and service, on Sunday evenings from 5.30 to 7.30pm, at St Cuthbert's Hall, Ballarat West Uniting Church.
Across in East Gippsland, the SIBA Buddhist retreat centre offers a range of courses and events, from basic meditation to health and wellness residential retreats (which come at a cost).
The society is based outside Buchan, but on the third Sunday of every month in Bairnsdale at 25 Morgan St, from 4 to 6pm, they hold a free guided meditation afternoon.
Closer to Melbourne The Tibetan Buddhist Society is based on a 10 acre property at Yuroke.
The Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation Centre offers classes and discussion groups each week, as well as retreats, the annual Tibetan New Year Festival in February and March and the Buddhist Spring Festival in November.
Every fortnight the Vipassana Centre of Victoria runs intensive 10-day meditation courses, that include waking up at 4am and sitting in silence for long periods.
The courses are held at Dhamma Aloka, a three-bedroom house on 7ha at Woori Yallock.
Courses are run solely on a donation basis, with no charges for food or accommodation.
Details: www.aloka.dhamma.org/
www.tibetanbuddhistsociety.org/
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, but it is not a single doctrine and there is no single founder, prophet or teacher.
In Australia, probably the best known arm of Hinduism is the Hare Krishna movement. And in Victoria their main retreat centre is in Bambra, near Winchelsea. Visitors can get a taste of ashram life, attend classes and perform four hours of service per day for $25 per person.
Alternatively, head to Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, for the Shiva School of Meditation, which offers a wide range of courses and retreats, from basic meditation lessons to hatha yoga sessions and ashram living.
Also on the Mornington Peninsula is Brahma Kumaris, a global organisation with its headquarters in India.
Set amid 8ha of native bushland, Brahma Kumaris teaches raja yoga meditation courses, a method of relaxing, refreshing and clearing the mind.
All courses, seminars and workshops - and even accommodation - are offered to the public free of charge with a request for a donation.
Details: www.harekrishnavalley.com.au/
Christianity
It was Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music that made a nun's life seem romantic.
While churches of all denominations can be found in almost every town and village across the state, retreat centres open to the public are generally Catholic and give visitors a glimpse into Maria's life.
And you don't have to commit to being a nun - guests can stay for a day or an extended visit.
At the Tarrawarra Abbey in Yarra Glen, guests are invited to join the Cistercian Monks in prayer, which is held seven times a day, beginning at 4am.
Warburton's Sancta Sophia Meditation Community offers help with visitors' spiritual journeys through meditation and liturgy.
A hermitage is also available for a day or a longer stay.
The community is drawn from the Carmelite and the Dominican traditions of contemplative prayer.
Nestled in the foothills of Mt Donna Buang at Millgrove is the Pallotti College retreat centre.
You can join Eucharist and prayer, while priests are available by arrangement for the sacraments and spiritual direction and counselling.
Details: www.cathcomm.org/cathcomm/retreats/index.html
www.pallottine.org.au/pallotti_college.htm
Theosophy and spiritualism
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky with no common belief system, except for a search for "truth through freedom of thought".
In Wodonga on the first Tuesday of every month a group meets at Tower Place, High St, at 7.30pm for discussion.
With a focus on spiritual and physical health, the Gawler Foundation at Yarra Junction has worked with people challenged by serious illness. The foundation offers programs for anyone wanting to improve their physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing.
Details: www.austheos.org.au/
