Enjoy the quiet of the Nova Scotia winter and the blessings of the DDL land with an individual retreat. Practicing at DDL when the center is closed for the winter season is a perfect opportunity. Retreatants are welcome to enjoy the land and its walking trails while settling into their established dharma practice.

Retreats are offered in Gyatso Lodge which has plumbing, electricity and adjustable heat. Retreatants have a two-room “suite” with a bedroom and a practice room. There is also a shared kitchenette in the lodge. DDL staff are nearby and support retreatants with supplemental shopping and other things as needed.

Please note that during the winter months, there are no meditation instructors on the land. Your practice must be self-guided.

Details about Winter Retreats:

• Retreatants bring and prepare their own food.  The Lodge’s mini-kitchen has a refrigerator, toaster-oven, hot plate, electric kettle and microwave oven.
• The shower and bathroom are located down the hall.
• Retreatant will have a shrine box or a table appropriate for a shrine. Shrine set-up is the responsibility of the retreatant.
• Retreat supplies (e.g., incense, candles, etc.) are the responsibility of the retreatant. DDL has bowls (including sand or rice) and votive holders to lend.
• Internet access is free and available for retreatant use. 
• Unless otherwise arranged, retreats are set up for individual practitioners. No outside visitors are permitted. 
• Retreats will be available January 1 through April 15, 2024. Retreats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are managed through our booking software.
• The cost is $75 per day (per person) with a three-night minimum stay.  For stays of 14 nights or more, a 15% discount is applied. 

For general questions or queries about group retreats in winter, please contact the Program Director at [email protected].