Introduction to Solitary Retreat

Are you intrigued by the idea of solitary retreat, but uncertain whether it’s the right practice for you? This program is designed to help you find your confidence in a solitary retreat environment, without having to commit to a week alone in a cabin.

Introduction to Solitary Retreat includes three nights in a retreat cabin at Karmê Chöling, an optional visit from a meditation instructor and talks before and after your cabin retreat by a seasoned solitary practitioner.

It is led by Dana Fabbro, a lifelong student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and an accomplished solitary retreatant.

At his Friday afternoon talk, titled “The Art and Science of Meditation: Or, How to Not Freak Yourself Out,” Dana will share his experience in creating a strong practice container, in which practitioners can more fully experience themselves in meditation.

Dana Will Also Cover:

• The heightened nature of thoughts and feelings in a solitary practice container;
• A review of the shamatha-vipashana meditation technique taught to him by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche;
• Practical allies for your meditation;
• The unique ways in which solitary retreat deepens one’s practice, and what a participant can expect; and
• Steps for getting back on the cushion if they begin to feel overwhelmed.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A — and then a walk to the cabin to begin a three-night stay making friends with your mind.

Before the program begins:

Participants will meet online with the retreat master as soon as possible before arrival to:

• Talk about the importance of writing down a realistic meditation schedule;
• Explain how we support solitary practitioners without being intrusive;
• Setting and respecting the retreat boundaries; and
• Setting an intention for your retreat.

If a participant does not have access to a meditation instructor familiar with solitary retreat before the program, KCL will arrange a Zoom meeting with an MI from our neighborhood, free of charge, so they can arrive at Karmê Chöling as prepared as possible.

At the end of their three-night retreat, participants will gather once more for a closing talk about gently folding back into one’s day-to-day life, as well as share their experiences with each other.

Successful completion of this program fulfills the requirements for future solitary retreats at Karmê Chöling.

Arrival & Departure:

On Friday, Sep. 27, please arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for registration. Lunch is served at 12:30. The program officially begins at 3.

The program ends Monday, Sep. 30, at 12:30 p.m., or after the closing talk. participants are welcome to join the Karmê Chöling household for lunch.

Prerequisites:
An established meditation practice.

Pricing Special To This Program;

For a modest price, Karmê Chöling will provide food that you can prepare in your cabin. Otherwise, please arrive with enough food for your three night stay (3 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners).

3-Day cabin retreat with food provided: $250

3-Day cabin retreat with food that you bring: $175

PLEASE NOTE: If you are opting to bring your own food, please choose the "Tuition" option under pricing. If you would like us to provide food, please choose the "Generosity Price".

Please ignore the part below about accomodations. Your accommodations will be in a retreat cabin, and is included in the price.