What do we mean by “retreat”?
A period of time devoted to looking inward, cultivating the discipline of meditation for the benefit of all sentient beings, is what we mean by “retreat”. One might, perhaps, better say “advance.” A retreat might be focussed on the development of a specific practice (such as the meditation on loving-kindness, or the completion of Vajrayana practice commitments) or might be more eclectic, with each day’s work evolving in dialogue between teacher and student. During retreat, we put aside our worldly concerns and slow down, entering a period of outer silence in which we practice. From this emerges increased calm, healing of emotional and mental distortions, loosening of attachment to unwholesome states of mind and ultimately, purification of consciousness.
What if I’ve never meditated before?
No problem! A short retreat is a wonderful opportunity to establish a meditation practice that you can take home with you. By working intensively for a few days (or weeks), you will see your practice develop much more clearly than you might in the bustle of daily life.
How can I prepare myself for retreat?
In the period before retreat, take care of personal business in order to allow the work to proceed without interruption. Pay the bills, make all the telephone calls. Let family, friends and colleagues know that you will not be available. Finish as many projects as you can.
Next consider the question of motivation. Why are you doing this retreat? What spiritual question animates you? Be honest. Allow responses to these questions to surface in the mind without censorship. Motivation or aspiration will limit, or expand, the range of possibilities for the retreat. Keep in mind that altruistic intent — to increase awareness, kindness and wisdom for the benefit of others — is the state of mind that determines the best possible retreat experience.
What should I bring with me?
Personal bedding unless your luggage capacity is limited by air travel. We supply pillows and have extra blankets on hand. In addition, your personal toiletries (for the sake of others, fragrance-free, please,) towel and face cloth, soft indoor shoes or slippers, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing in natural fabrics that can be layered and easily cleaned, will protect you from the elements and allow for movement. “Work” clothes for garden chores. Sturdy outdoor footwear. Rain gear. Perhaps a shawl to wrap up in if meditating outside. Personal meditation cushion if you have one. An alarm clock and/or meditation timer. A notebook and pen. Drawing paper and coloured pencils or crayons. A flashlight. Snacks you can’t live without.
What not to bring
Material which relates to your job. Letters and other personal business. Newspapers, books and magazines. Cellular phones, radio, TV, tape or CD players. Pets. Cosmetics. Recreational drugs or alcohol.
How are meals handled?
The meditators’ kitchen is stocked with food for breakfasts, snacks and one light meal each day. The main meal will be prepared in the kitchen upstairs and served in the meditators’ kitchen.
We can accommodate vegetarian (but not vegan) diets. People with allergies and other concerns about diet should discuss them with us before arrival. Occasionally meditators may be asked to prepare the meal as their karma yoga for the day.
Are there laundry facilities?
If your retreat is seven days or less, please bring sufficient clothing for the duration. For those in retreat for longer periods, laundry will be done once a week.
Karma yoga
Service is part of the practice at most meditation centres. Each resident will be asked to perform simple tasks — such as helping with food preparation, cleaning or gardening — of about an hour’s duration each day.
A culture of generosity (dana) – our policy about money
The only direct charge is for specific expenses (such as food for a retreat). Please bring an envelope containing $20 per day for food (cash, please) when you arrive to begin your retreat. We do not charge for accommodation, but rely on the maturity and generosity of students to contribute what they feel is a benevolent support for the Retreat House which must pay for heat, light, taxes, repairs and so on. As a guideline, The Dharma Centre of Canada’s members’ rate is currently $35 per day for accommodation, with reductions of up to 25 per cent for extended stays. The practice of generosity balances one’s individual financial circumstances with a perceived need. Those who can give more, should give more, and those who are in low or fixed-income situations should give to the best of their ability. Generosity is the first of the perfections, or trainings, on the path of altruism. How we approach this always presents challenges, especially in a “price tag” society. Please discuss this with us if you have questions.
Please note that our bank will no longer allow us to deposit Travelers’ Cheques that have been countersigned. If you prefer the security of using these, please let us know when you arrive so that we can make arrangements for you to visit a bank in person to cash them before your
retreat begins.
Dana for the teacher should be separate… and placed in the bowl provided in the teaching room. Please keep in mind that the generosity of students and friends is Bonni’s only source of livelihood and give as generously as you can.
Traditionally all money-business (including presentation of Dana) is done before a retreat begins. If, by the end of your retreat, you feel you wish to give more that is also fine!