Program Listings

  • Lodge: Single Occupancy Room – CAD $4,625.00
  • Lodge: Double Occupancy – CAD $3,175.00
  • Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $3,030.00
  • Large White Tent: Single Occupancy – CAD $4,045.00
  • Large White Tent: Double Occupancy – CAD $2,740.00
  • Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy – CAD $4,045.00
  • Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $2,740.00

Location: Dorje Denma Ling

Address: 2280 Balmoral Rd, Tatamagouche, NS, B0K 1V0

FINANCE CONTACT: Suzy Ulrich [email protected]

GUEST SERVICES: [email protected]

Shamatha-Vipashyana Dathün

with Gaylon Ferguson

June 28 - July 27, 2022

“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

Dathün is a month-long, group meditation retreat. If you cannot make the full four-week retreat, you can choose to do either the first two (June 27 – July 13) or last two weeks July 13 – July 27).

The retreat is supported by an experienced staff of senior teachers and meditation instructors.

This dathün provides an opportunity to develop a deep familiarity with the form of shamatha-vipashyana meditation taught by Shakyamuni Buddha – often referred to as “sitting practice.” Shamatha-vipashyana meditation helps us make friends with ourselves and our circumstances, and to re-discover our fundamental awake nature.

Although there is not much talking, group practice creates a shared atmosphere of wakefulness. This mutual support, inspiration and awareness is at the heart of the journey that all the participants at dathün take together.

What to Expect

This dathün follows the intensive group retreat style introduced by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

The traditional four-session daily schedule begins at 7am and ends around 9pm most evenings. Sitting sessions are alternated with walking meditation periods, and there are regular breaks for meals, tea and a mid-day work period. Silence or “functional talking” is  practised for much of the retreat, and participants are assigned light cleaning and kitchen tasks as meditation in action. Meals are served 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, and opportunities to ask questions about your practice when you meet with a meditation instructor.

Who Should Attend

The dathün is open to all and can be beneficial to both new and experienced meditators. Practitioners at all levels will deepen their meditation by reinforcing the foundational shamatha-vipashyana practice.

Some familiarity with meditation practice is recommended. Newer meditators are advised to develop a regular daily practice before taking on this intensive,
month-long retreat.

Meet the Teacher

For More Information 

If you have any question about the appropriateness of this dathün for you, or any other questions about practice or the program content, please email the Program Manager, Dan Schreibman.

If you have questions about accommodations, costs, travel, Covid-19 protocols or other logistical issues, please email Guest Services for Dorje Denma Ling.

Costs

Tuition: CAD $1,000
Meals: CAD $435
Accommodations: Varies by selection. (Options can be viewed on the Registration Page.)

Scholarships and Payment Plans

For relatively new practitioners, BIPOC practitioners, and those under 40, scholarships are available through the generosity of the Pema Chodron Foundation. These scholarship funds are limited and on a first come, first serve basis, so please apply promptly by contacting Suzy Ulrich, Finance Manager.

For all other practitioners, please fill out and return the financial aid form or contact Suzy Ulrich.

Useful Links

What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here

Leader

Gaylon Ferguson
GF has led month-long mindfulness-awareness meditation retreats since 1976. He taught Religious Studies at Naropa University for fifteen years. He is the author of two books, Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness as taught by Trungpa RInpoche) and Natural Bravery.
Learn more about Gaylon Ferguson