2026 Shravasti Retreat Pilgrim Lodge Gardner, Maine
This retreat is an invitation to experience meditation just as Buddha practiced and taught to his students. The purpose of the retreat is to learn how to stabilize, observe and eventually recognize your mind. You will experience authentic meditation guidance and how to meditate within a sequential structure that enables you to compose your own practice as you progress over time.
His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche designed this course specifically with 21st century Western practitioners in mind as a complete practice path leading to enlightenment. Learning how to still the mind allows participants at any level to deepen their spiritual understanding and practice. Pilgrim Lodge on the shores of Lake Cobboseecontee provides a beautiful spot for this silent retreat. The classic elements of a Maine summer camp including cabin living and meals in the dining hall, the camp lodge turned into a temple for deep meditation, the calls of the loons around the lake all provide a rich natural setting for Khenmo Drolma’s skillful teaching.
What is the 10 Day Shravasti Curriculum?
The 10 Day Shravasti Curriculum is suitable for beginners as well as advanced students of meditation The curriculum was designed by H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche as a nonsectarian introduction to meditation, particularly for 21st century practitioners to develop the lifelong practice of calm abiding meditation and insight with an intensive
immersion into practice. The curriculum combines His Holinesses personal commentary on the 16 steps of mindfulness of breathing from the Anapanasati Sutra, through mindfulness practice in sitting, somatic learning in Tibetan yogas, and walking meditation.
What is the 1 Day Shravasti Curriculum?
For the first time, Ven. Khenmo is inviting new students and those unable to commit to 10 days to join our first day of practice. You will experience a traditional introduction to sitting and walking meditation.
Early registration is important because it allows VDN to confirm our use of Pilgrim Lodge. Please register as soon as possible so we can reserve Pilgrim Lodge and you can reserve your spot for this opportunity to deepen your meditation practice.
Payment Information
Registration cost includes Pilgrim Lodge room and board, VDN administrative costs and supplies for the retreat. It does not cover any compensation for the teacher’s time and expertise. Buddha taught the practice of Dana by showing us that those who share the teachings are interdependent with those who receive the teachings. Thus, we create a circle of gratitude with our teachers by providing their necessities for sustaining life – food, shelter, and funds needed to meet their obligations as Buddhist scholars and teachers in our world. For an onsite retreat we suggest a range of $30 – $100 a day. This amount is merely a guideline and suggestion. The appropriate amount of dana is dictated by your heart and is whatever you can give freely. See more about Dana here.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due by February 20. Your application is not complete until your deposit of $250 is received. For those using PayPal please include the cost of the PayPal deduction and make the deposit $258. Please add the note May Retreat.
Payment can also be made via check made payable to Vajra Dakini Nunney and sent to P.O. Box 6135 Falmouth, ME 04105
The balance is due May 1st by using PayPal or check with the note May retreat.
We want all who are interested to be able to attend. We have a limited number of scholarships available. To inquire email: admin@vajradakininunnery.org
Thank You for Supporting Vajra Dakini
We offer all our live-stream Dharma programs freely. We trust our generosity will be matched by yours. All donations are used to help support future offerings and activities for the benefit of all beings.