“In the practice of meditation, you step beyond your hope and fear. You develop trust in the strength of your being and in your ability to extend yourself to others, and you find you have tremendous willingness to do so.”

— Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

This dathün, for both new and experienced meditators, will follow the intensive group retreat style introduced by Trungpa Rinpoche. Each day consists of a full schedule of alternating sitting and walking meditation. Meals will be taken in the meditation hall using the traditional Zen contemplative eating practice of oryoki.

The dathün offers an experience of simplicity and clarity rarely found in modern daily life, and is a unique opportunity to develop a deep familiarity with the sitting practice of meditation taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. Shamatha-vipashyana meditation helps us to make friends with ourselves and our circumstances, and to re-discover our fundamental awake nature.

What to Expect

This style of dathün follows the traditional four-session schedule daily, beginning at 7am and ending around 9pm. Sitting sessions are alternated with walking meditation periods, and there are regular breaks for meals, tea, and a mid-day work period. Silence (functional talking) will also be practiced for parts of the program, and participants will have daily light cleaning and kitchen tasks as meditation in action.

Meals are likewise an opportunity to practice meditation in action, and will be taken in the meditation hall using the Zen contemplative eating practice of oryoki.

While this is primarily a practice retreat focused on deepening one’s shamatha-vipashyana meditation, there will be occasional dharma talks given by the senior teachers.

The program staff are instructors and teachers trained by Trungpa Rinpoche and his close students, all of whom have practised this form of meditation for between 20 to over 40 years.

Who Should Attend

The dathün is open and can be beneficial to both new and experienced meditators.

However, this is an intensive program not usually appropriate as a first introduction to meditation. Some familiarity with meditation practice is recommended, and newer meditators are advised to develop a regular daily practice before taking on an intensive, month-long meditation program such as dathün.

The dathün is also an excellent way for ngöndro or sadhana practitioners, or Mahamudra or Dzogchen students, to deepen their overall practice path by reinforcing its shamatha-vipashyana foundation.

If you have any question about the appropriateness of this intensive for you please email the Dorje Denma Ling Program Manager, and they will provide you with contact information for the Lead Teacher, Nancy Huszagh.

NOTE TO U.S. CITIZENS – You can easily arrange to vote early in the November 3 election, if you’re concerned about missing it. Contact your state election commission for an early ballot. It’s simple.

Costs

All prices listed include program tuition, food and accommodations (according to option selected). All prices listed are in $CDN.

$2810 for double room in Gyatso lodge

$2660 for double in cabin

$2510 for triple room in Gyatso lodge

An Early Bird Discount of $150 is offered until July 1, 2020

Off-site accommodation is not permitted. The retreat is limited to 28 participants.

Due to limited space, people who wish to attend the full month retreat are being given priority. A few two-week spots may be available, either for the first two or the last two weeks of the program. If you are interested in attending for two weeks, please contact Crane Stookey.

Scholarships and payment plans are available, including, through the generosity of the Pema Chodron Foundation. Scholarships provided through the Pema Chodron Foundation are specifically for practitioners under 40 or who are relatively new. More information when you register. For information about financial aid, please contact Crane Stookey.

Sponsor Dathün Participants

If you can offer any extra dollars to help someone join the dathün who needs financial aid, please make a donation here. Everything we can do to make this opportunity accessible for all is money well given. And your donation is tax deductible.

USEFUL LINKS

What to Bring & Expect at DDL

How to Get Here

Financial Aid Form