Design your own retreat

Whether you are looking for time to settle into a personal retreat, deepen your existing practice, or simply enjoy quiet days of contemplative activity, this retreat offers the structure, space and flexibility to meet you where you are. 

You will not be alone. Eve Rosenthal, the teacher in residence, will be available to support you with one-on-one meetings and  practice guidance Whether you are seeking meditation instruction, conversation, clarification, or just knowing someone is there, Eve brings years of retreat experience and a steady presence.

This is a structured retreat environment offering flexibility. Each day offers a simple rhythm: opportunities to join in group chants, sitting, and tai chi exercises, time for your own study and practice, and nutritious prepared meals taken on your own or with others. A light daily rota helps support the container. 

A variety of practice spaces: your own room, the main shrine room for silent practice in the presence of others, small shrine rooms for small groups doing the same practice.

• Optional one-on-one meetings with teacher in residence, Eve Rosenthal
• Morning and evening group practice (chanting, sitting, Tai Chi)
• Three meals daily featuring locally sourced foods
• Daily rota (30–60 minutes) to help support the space

Prerequisite

Regular meditation practice and/or having completed a weekend group retreat is a requirement to attend. If you would like to discuss your ability to attend, please contact [email protected].

DDL has many other retreat options for newer meditators or those curious about retreat. Please reach out to [email protected] or visit our programs page to explore possibilities.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:00–8:00 Opening chants, sitting, tai chi exercises (optional)

8:00–9:00 Breakfast

9:00–12:30 Personal practice (option to join staff container from 9:00–9:45)

12:30–2:00 Lunch, rota, rest

2:00–5:00 Personal practice.  Meetings with Eve available.

5:00–5:30 Tai Chi or silent group walk (optional)

5:30–6:30 Sitting and Protector Chants (optional)

6:30–7:30 Dinner

7:30–8:30 Evening group sitting, tonglen, and closing chants (optional)

Other Options

We also welcome you to volunteer at DDL. Our resident community is a wonderful mix of seasoned and beginner meditators that live, work, and share meals while supporting the programs that are offered. We meditate twice a day together making this a great option for those wanting to start a regular practice schedule.

Attendance

Participants are welcome to attend the full retreat or join for a minimum stay of two nights. Consider coming with a friend or group of friends so that you can practice together. 

Additional Notes

Please bring anything essential for your daily practice, including texts, tormas, or shrine items if applicable.

Costs

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

This retreat is supported by scholarship. The cost is $108/night including lodging, meals, and fees.  

You will have an option on the registration page to pay more if your budget allows. This will help keep our scholarship fund available for future practitioners.

You may visit this page  for a list of typical lodging pricing.

Generosity Policy

We also offer a “pay what you can” option and scholarships if you are in need of additional financial support.