Summer Art & Meditation: Weekthun 1

In this anxious age of turmoil and uncertainty, our attention is increasingly and skillfully manipulated, monetized, and exploited in myriad ways, while artificial intelligence threatens our capacity to think critically and creatively. An intensive meditation retreat—away from screens and everyday distractions—can offer a powerful reset and support the cultivation of health and sanity on the levels of body, speech, and mind.

This is an immersive meditation retreat that weaves in contemplative art exercises. It is based on a dathün, which is a retreat style created by Tibetan meditation teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Literally meaning “moon of meditation” in Tibetan, a dathün is a full four weeks of practice intensive. This program is a Half Dathün, which follows the same structure and intention. It in turn is made up of two consecutive one-week retreats (Weekthüns). Besides this half-dathün, either of the two weekthüns is also available as a retreat option. (See "Retreat Options" below.)

This particular half-dathün weaves contemplative, or “Dharma,” art exercises into the retreat. Trungpa Rinpoche presented courses on creativity and the arts to demonstrate how meditative awareness can be taken off the cushion and put into action—informing and enriching our everyday life. He envisioned Dharma Art as a path of direct perception beyond concept. This direct perception enables us to experience the phenomenal world as "sacred" and it is the ground of enlightened society.

Art exercises to be explored include:

• Contemplative movement
• Space awareness
• Deep Listening
• Calligraphy
• Poetry

These contemplative practices or "meditation-in-action' can help us move through the world with greater ease, grace, and humor.

Each day follows a simple, steady rhythm designed to help the mind settle and awareness deepen.

The schedule includes:

• Alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation
• Talks and guided study
• A short daily work period
• Periodic contemplative art exercises

The emphasis is on direct experience—learning through practice rather than theory.

This program is open to anyone—artists and non-artists alike—who feel ready for an intensive and immersive meditation retreat experience. Participants may attend for a minimum of one full Weekthün (one week). If you have not previously attended a Dathün, Weekthün, or other meditation intensive, you are encouraged to contact the director (Lance Brunner) and attend the first full week when a full orientation and initial meditation instruction will be given.

• Practices in this retreat
• Daily Schedule
• Retreat Options
• Cost for program
• Policies
• Instructor information
• Register for Program

• Silence and functional speech will be observed during the retreat
• Sitting Meditation: The basic sitting meditation practice of shamatha ("peaceful abiding") allows us to experience the present moment with a light and intimate touch.
• Walking Meditation: Mindful walking practices are incorporated into the daily schedule, cultivating a sense of presence while in motion.
• Individual Meditation Instruction: Each person receives guidance and support from an experienced Meditation Instructor. Questions and issues about your individual practice can be addressed during these meetings.
• Contemplative meals: Meals are taken in the meditation hall while maintaining silence and mindfulness.
• Contemplative Art Exercises: Art exercises to be explored include contemplative movement, space awareness, Deep Listening, calligraphy, and poetry.
• Talks given by Senior Teachers: The senior teachers will share their understanding and insight of the view and path of meditation followed by questions and discussion.
• Morning Walks and Exercise: After the daily opening sitting session we have a traditional Dathün walk, followed by physical exercise (yoga, lujong, etc.).
• Study Periods and Group Discussions: Time is set aside for study and contemplation, allowing participants to reflect upon their experience of mindfulness-awareness meditation and the nature of the path. Group discussions are held in order to share experience and learn from one another.
• Connecting with the Natural World: Karmê Chöling is spectacular in the summer. Much time is spent outdoors, experiencing and appreciating the natural beauty and bringing that into the various art projects.
• Open time: Get ready for garden walks, singing frogs, ‘looking and seeing’, object arrangement, open hearts and much more. Come play, dance, and create!

Dathüns generally follow this form.
Details may change as we get closer to the date.

• 6:30am Wake up
• 7:00am Early Morning Practice
• 8:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am Mid-Morning Practice
• 12:30pm Lunch (Contemplative)
• 1:30pm Work Period
• 3:00pm Afternoon Practice
• 5:00pm Tea Break
• 6:30pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Evening Practice Talk & Sitting
• 9:00pm End of Day

• Half-Dathün: June 26 - July 10
• Weekthün 1: June 26 - July 3 (register on this page)
• Weekthün 2: July 3 - July 10 

Visit our Directions and Transportation page to see different options for traveling to Karmê Chöling.