Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation Day Retreat with Venerable Gavesi
Five days of Satipatthana Vipassana practice guided by Venerable Gavesi — a day retreat, suitable for beginners. Ten places, allocated by selection.
Five days of Satipatthana Vipassana practice at the BDFA Centre, guided by Venerable Gavesi. The retreat runs from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm each day from 3 to 7 November 2026 as a day retreat — participants go home each evening; there is no overnight stay. Lunch and tea breaks are provided daily.
The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced meditators. Noble silence is observed during designated periods, and the days combine sitting and walking meditation with guidance from the teacher.
About Venerable Gavesi
Venerable Gavesi is a Malaysian bhikkhu who was ordained in 2001 by the late Sayadaw U Pandita of Panditārama Forest Meditation Centre in Myanmar.
For over 20 years, Bhante Gavesi practised both Samatha and Vipassana bhāvanā under various teachers, including his late preceptor Sayadaw U Pandita, the late Sayadaw Nyanapurnik of Nepal and Ven. Sujiva. He now teaches mainly the Vipassana technique in Malaysia, as well as periodically in Europe, the USA and Indonesia. He is presently the Spiritual Adviser to Peace House in Penang.
Good to know
- Dates and hours: 3–7 November 2026, 8.00 am – 9.00 pm daily, at the BDFA Centre.
- Fee: RM 10 per person, inclusive of lunch and tea breaks each day.
- Places: limited to ten, allocated by selection. Priority goes to those who can commit to all five days.
- Registration closes on 15 October 2026.
- Beginners welcome — no previous retreat experience is needed. Chairs are available if you cannot sit on the floor; say so in the form.
- During the retreat: noble silence in designated periods; mobile phones switched off or handed in during retreat hours; please follow the centre’s guidance on dress, conduct and footwear.
- This event is strictly for non-Muslims.
Still have a question? The frequently asked questions at the foot of this page cover selection, the fee, meals, what to wear and bring, interviews with Bhante, and more.
How to register
- Fill in the registration formComplete the form on this page by 15 October 2026. It takes about ten minutes and asks about your meditation experience, health and availability, so the organisers can support you safely.
- SelectionPlaces are limited to ten and are not first-come, first-served. The organisers select participants from all registrations received, giving priority to those who can attend all five days. Every applicant is told the outcome after the closing date. No payment is needed to register.
- Confirmation and feeSelected participants receive a confirmation with the full schedule, what to bring, and how to pay the RM 10 fee, which covers lunch and tea breaks daily. The fee is only payable once your place is confirmed.
Registration form
Registration closed on 15 October 2026. Contact us if you have a question about the event.
Frequently asked questions
Registration & selection
How do I register?
Complete the registration form on this page by 15 October 2026. It takes about ten minutes and asks about your meditation experience, health and availability, so the organisers can support you safely.
Does it cost anything to register?
No. Registering is free, and no payment is asked for unless you are offered a place.
When does registration close?
15 October 2026.
How many places are there?
Ten. Places are deliberately limited so the teacher can give each participant proper attention.
Is it first-come, first-served?
No. Participants are selected from all registrations received, with priority given to those who can commit to all five days and are ready for the retreat format. Registering early does not improve your chances — registering thoughtfully does.
When will I know whether I have a place?
Every applicant is told the outcome — whether or not they are selected — by 18 October 2026.
I can't attend all five days — should I still apply?
You may, and the form asks which days you cannot attend. Priority goes to those who can complete the full retreat, so please only accept a place if you expect to attend all five days.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. If a selected participant withdraws, the place is offered to another applicant.
Can I register for someone else, or as a couple or group?
Each participant should submit their own form, as it asks personal questions about experience and health. Selection is individual.
Fee & payment
How much is the fee and what does it cover?
RM 10 per person for the whole retreat, which covers vegetarian lunch and tea breaks each day.
When and how do I pay?
Only after your place is confirmed. Selected participants receive a confirmation with the full schedule, what to bring, and payment instructions (bank transfer to the BDFA account, or in person). Your place is secured once the fee is received.
What if I need to cancel after confirming?
Tell the organisers as early as possible so your place can go to someone else. Cancelling seven or more days before the retreat gets a full refund; less than that, no refund, as meals will already be committed. If you must withdraw because of illness, bereavement or another serious circumstance, let us know — the committee may refund or carry the fee forward at its discretion. See the full cancellation and refund policy.
Can I make a donation?
Donations to BDFA are gratefully received and are non-refundable.
The retreat
Do I stay overnight?
No — this is a day retreat. The programme runs 8.00 am to 9.00 pm each day, and participants go home each evening.
Is dinner provided?
No. Vegetarian lunch and tea breaks are provided during the day; in the evening there is a light tea break only.
I've never meditated before — is this retreat for me?
Yes. The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced meditators, and no previous retreat experience is needed. The form asks about your experience only so the teacher can guide you appropriately.
What does a retreat day involve?
Days combine sitting and walking meditation in the Satipatthana Vipassana method, with guidance from Venerable Gavesi.
What is noble silence? Am I silent the whole time?
Noble silence — refraining from conversation to support continuous mindfulness — is observed during designated periods, not the entire day. You can always speak to the organisers or the teacher when you need to.
Can I keep my phone with me?
Phones are switched off or handed in during retreat hours, so that you and those around you can practise undisturbed.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable, white clothing.
What should I bring?
A water bottle, a light jacket, your own medication, and your own cushion if you prefer — the Centre has cushions available. Selected participants receive a full what-to-bring list with their confirmation.
I can't sit on the floor — can I use a chair?
Yes. Chairs are available; just say so in the registration form.
What language is the teaching in?
English and Hokkien.
Will I be able to speak with Bhante Gavesi?
Yes. Interviews are arranged by Bhante during the retreat, the briefing includes time for questions, and the Dhamma talk on the last day is expected to include a Q&A.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Only the Dhamma talks are recorded; meditation sessions are not.
Practical & eligibility
Where is the retreat held?
At the BDFA Centre — Buddha Dhamma Centre, No. 301, Lorong Keranji 4F4, Tabuan Desa, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak. A map is on the contact page.
Do I need to be Buddhist to attend?
No — anyone with a sincere interest in the practice is welcome. Please note this event is strictly for non-Muslims.
Is there a minimum age?
Participants should be 15 or older.
I have a health condition — can I still join?
Please describe any medical conditions, injuries or mental-health considerations in the form. This is kept confidential and used only to support you safely; it does not automatically exclude you.
Can I arrive late or leave early on some days?
The retreat is designed to be attended in full, and fees cannot be partially refunded for missed sessions. If your circumstances change after confirmation, please talk to the organisers.
Who do I contact with questions?
WhatsApp Sis Angela (+6017 430 6361), Bro Vong (+6019 858 7639) or Sis Jong (+6016 866 2226), or email contact@bdfa.org.my.