Registration, Finance and Cancellation

Shambhala Code of Conduct

• Everyone who comes to DDL — including staff, volunteers, participants and teachers — are expected to uphold the new Shambhala Code of Conduct. The Code, which became effective Shambhala Day, February 2021, provides the view and guidelines for how we create a sane, respectful and safe environment for everyone.
• When you register for a program or join our staff, you will be asked to commit to following the Code of Conduct.

Registration Information

• Registrations for DDL programs can be made online through our website. If you are not able to register via the website, you can request assistance from Guest Services by email ([email protected]) or phone 902-657-9085. We will call you back to complete your registration during office hours.
• Your registration is complete only after we have received payment. To hold your spot in a program and secure your housing assignment, a deposit or full payment is required. For weekend programs (three nights or fewer), full payment of the total program cost is required at the time of registration; for programs of 4 to 13 nights, a 50% deposit of the total program cost is required; for programs of two weeks or more, a 30% deposit is required. Anyone requiring other payment arrangements should contact DDL’s Finance Director at [email protected].
• At the bottom of the registration form, you can indicate how you would like to pay. We accept Visa and Mastercard; we also accept e-transfer (for those with Canadian banking only) and cheques. If you indicate that you will pay by cheque or e-transfer, your registration remains in a pending mode until the payment is received. DDL must receive your cheque or e-transfer within two-weeks from your registration date or the pending registration will be deleted.
• Full payment is due three weeks before the program start date unless you have made other arrangements with our Finance Director. Four weeks before the program start date, you will receive an automated reminder that payment is due should you still have a balance.

Cancellation Policy

1. Cancellations Two Weeks or More Before Arrival

• A cancellation fee of 10% of the total program cost will be charged, with a $250 cap.
• The remainder of the deposit and any other payments will be refunded to you.

2. Cancellations Two Weeks of Arrival Date up to the Day Before Arrival

• A cancellation fee of 20% of the total program cost will be charged, with a $500 cap.
• The remainder of the deposit and other payments will be retained as Program Credit for future use at DDL. Program credits will expire after five years if not used.
• Cancellations due to Covid are handled differently. Please see our Covid policy.

3. Cancellations the Day Before Arrival or Less

• No refund or program credit will be issued if you cancel the day before or on the arrival day, or if you do not show up for the program.
• Similarly, no refund or program credit will be issued if you leave the program early or are dissatisfied with the content.
• Cancellations due to Covid are handled differently. Please see our Covid policy.

4. Cancellations by Dorje Denma Ling

• It is not often that DDL has to cancel programs, but when forced to, we provide as much notice as we can, with at least a week’s notice if possible.
• In such circumstances, your deposits and payments are refunded in full. We will happily transfer your registration and payments to another program on our current schedule if you so choose.
• DDL cannot be responsible for travel bookings that you have made in anticipation of your retreat. We recommend you make travel arrangements that can accommodate unforeseen changes.

Financial Assistance

• DDL would like to ensure that committed practitioners of the dharma have access to our programs. To this end, DDL provides various methods of financial assistance including payment plans, staffing opportunities, matching funds, and scholarships. Visit this page for a complete list of options available.