Shamatha-Vipashyana Half-Dathün 2
with Gaylon Ferguson
July 13 - 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
We are now accepting applications for a Half-Dathün (two-week) retreat. We may also offer a Weekthün option if space permits. If interested, please email Dan Scheibman at [email protected].
Dathün is a month-long, group meditation retreat. 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.
For More Information
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 $600
Meals: CAD $225
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
Leader
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
