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The Hermitage: Meditation Retreats

If you are interested in participating in a meditation retreat at the Hermitage, please check the schedule below for upcoming retreat dates and then contact us. We offer three different types of meditation retreats to our visitors:

Five Day Calm-abiding Retreat

This basic five day Calm-abiding (samatha) retreat is ideal for beginner meditators but also eminently suitable for experienced meditators as well. It consists of a program of silent calm-abiding meditation with daily group instruction. A private interview with the meditation teacher each morning aids and supports the practice. In an extremely gentle manner, one is taught to sit in meditation for longer and longer lengths of time, without undue discomfort.

Ten Day Calm-abiding and Insight-practice Retreat

The ten day Calm-abiding and Insight-practice (samatha-vipasyana) retreat begins with several days of preliminary concentration practice to attain balance, calm and depth in meditation, and then evolves into insight-practice. Following the ancient maxim—"No insight without first attaining calm"—we believe that authentic Insight-practice requires a proper basis before it is able to lead to Enlightenment. We therefore tend to emphasize the need for Calm-abiding as a thorough foundation. The aim that is developed in this retreat is direct insight into the nature of one's mind. Depending on the prior experience of the meditator, it is possible to make significant breakthroughs, both in understanding the psychological functioning of one's own mental processes and directly into the nature of mind itself. The routine of the retreat is the same as for the five days, described above. Silence is maintained throughout the complete ten days.

Ten Day Mahamudra Retreat

The famous Mahamudra retreat is quite special. It is however, only open to those who have already done at least one Calm and Insight session at the Hermitage. We feel that to get the full benefit of the Mahamudra retreat, it is necessary to be familiar with Hermitage routine and to have a solid foundation in Calm and Insight Meditation practice.

The instruction at the Mahamudra is graded, in the sense that each day is a step in coming to experience the intrinsic nature of mind directly. The purpose of the retreat is to impart—through direct experience—this true nature of mind. Both through intensive meditation practice, daily question-and-answer sessions with the Lama, and the unique Kagyu "pointing out" instructions that are incorporated in the Mahamudra technique, the fortunate meditator is guided toward a direct confrontation with the ultimate nature of mind.

2009 Summer Schedule

Last updated March 10, 2009. If you wish to be added to our mailing list and be notified of changes directly, please email the retreat registrar at info@dharmafellowship.org.

May
Fri, May 29 Sun, May 31	Silent Shamatha Calm-abiding Meditation Retreat Led by Lama Rodney Devenish, with a Special Lecture by the visiting Western Lama, Lodroe Rabsal. Ideal for beginners as well as practiced meditators. Learn through quiet practice to focus the mind, develop inner calm, and discover one’s own inner peace. Attend the Special Lecture. At 2:00 PM Sunday: Special Lecture by Lama Lodroe Rabsal (Sidney McQueen-Smith) on the subject: How to Make Sure Your Meditation Practice Works! A great master said recently that many individuals are naïve about what it takes to awaken. Many beings practice 30 years or more with no significant results. In this talk by Lama Lodroe Rabsal, you will receive many specific teachings, pearls of wisdom and tips, so that you can ensure that your meditation practice is effective and your effort is not wasted.	3 days
June
Fri, June 5 - Tues, June 9	Shamatha and Hatha Yoga Lessons on Shamatha Meditation Practice in the morning, led by Lama Rodney Devenish. Hatha Yoga instruction and exercises each afternoon in the Iyengar tradition, led by Alison Yarwood (Certified IYAC Teacher.) Alison Yarwood will focus on teaching pranayama (breath work) and methods of sitting especially helpful for meditation.	6 days
Fri, June 12 - Wed, June 17	Special Kundalini Meditation Retreat: Awakening the Kundalini at the Cusp of the New Age Using the ancient and sacred science of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan in the sublime Sikh Tradition, we will explore self-healing yogic techniques to awaken the consciousness and potential of the individual. Through the daily practice of powerful Kundalini Yoga Kriyas, Meditations, Mantras and Pranayama (breathwork) we open the heart and awaken the spirit within. Practical teachings and tips of the Yogic Lifestyle, such as healing foods and herbal teas, hydrotherapy, optional early morning sadhana practice, and special tips for women and men will be offered. We are entering a fundamental shift in consciousness as a planet, and this will be discussed in the light of Yoga and what it means for us as individuals. This class is open to beginners as well as advanced students of Meditation and Yoga. Led by Devmurti and Hari Amrit Khalsa. Devamurti and Hari Amrit are KRI-Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructors and have taught yoga and meditation professionally for over 30 years. They also had the good fortune to study and live with the great Kundalini Yoga master, Yogi Bhajan, for over 25 years.	5 days
Sat, June 20 - Tues, June 23	Profound Calm-abiding in the Midst of Nature Guidance and practice of Shamatha Meditation particularly for the Summer Solstice. Learn through quiet practice to focus the mind, develop inner calm, and discover's one's own inner peace. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	3 days
Fri, June 26 Tues, June 30	Beginner Meditation! A blissful five days of stress-free meditation under the compassionate guidance of Alison Yarwood. In particular, Alison will give guidance in sitting posture, help each student with their ability to sit, and she will also teach Pranayama (breath work). Find the meditation that works for you. Meditation practice in silence and in the midst of nature each day. Each student can proceed at their own pace.	5 days
July
Fri, July 3 - Sun, July 12	Sublime Path of Cutting the Ego A beginner level ten day Chöd retreat using chant, drum and bell. This is a unique opportunity to learn the mystical practice of Chod through direct experience under the guidance of a skilled Tibetan yogi. An extremely special meditation practice, the tradition of Chod was originally founded by the Tibetan woman Machik Labdron as a uniquely potent way of transcending the self and attaining direct realization of the awakened state. Led by Ngakpa Kalsang Dorje. The yogi and Ngakpa-Lama Kalzang Dorje comes from Rekong in Amdo, far eastern Tibet. He grew up studying Buddhist philosophy, psychology and Dzogchen under the guidance of many wonderful practitioners, and became the chosen disciple of a number of very famous Lamas, one of whom included the great Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. In 1992 he entered Shedrup Dojo Ling monastery in Nepal where he was the student of the Venerable Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche. In 2004 he came to Canada and now is head-Lama of Thubten Choling in the Cowichan Valley.	10 days
Fri, July 17 - Sun, July 26	Disciplined Calm-abiding Silent Meditation Retreat Focusing the mind. Developing concentration. Entering into the Deep State of Being. This meditation retreat is for the seeker who wishes to make real breakthroughs in meditation. By means of hard work, individual practice in the midst of Nature, in the fields and forests of the Hermitage, to be practiced with real determination, those who attend this retreat shall aim to attain profound states of Samadhi. A truly transformative experience blessed by the fruits of inner work on oneself. Instruction is given each morning, followed by private interviews face to face with the meditation master. This retreat is led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	10 days
Fri, July 31 - Sun, August 2	Long Weekend Learning Experience based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead The most certain thing about life is that death is coming! Yet many are unprepared for and unfamiliar with what that means. The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a sacred and ancient teaching on what happens at the time of death and afterwards in the intermediate states. It contains instructions and information for your direct benefit, in preparation of death, and to expand your understanding of death and the intermediate states that follow. These instructions can also be used by the living to help those who have recently died and to give guidance through the intermediate states, so as to lead to a good outcome. The Tibetan Book of the Dead contains teachings that can also help you right now in your life and on your personal spiritual path. In these sessions the teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead will be presented in a clear and simple way. In addition, detailed instruction on how to read the text for a dying or deceased person will be given. Led by Lama Lodroe Rabsal.	3 days
August
Sat, August 8 - Mon, August 17	Calm-Abiding Silent Retreat in Preparation for Mahamudra This is a strict, silent retreat in which practitioners immerse themselves in deep concentration. Meditators will practice individually, in silence and isolation, in the midst of Nature. Minimal preparatory instruction will be given, to allow for a maximum amount of direct practice. Each practitioner will however meet the meditation master once a day in a private interview to examine how their progress is developing and to allow the student to ask questions. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	10 days
Thurs New Moon, August 20 - Thurs, September 3	The Special Annual Hermitage Profound Essence-Mahamudra Retreat Directly pointing to the true nature of mind! This is a strictly silent meditation retreat with daily instruction each morning and private interviews face to face with the Lama, carried out in a traditional manner based on the spiritual lineage of Namgyal Rinpoche. “Essence Mahamudra” involves direct looking into the mind’s deepest nature, eliminating the darkness of ignorance and leading toward the attainment of highest insight through the four mystical yogas of One-pointedness, Non-proliferation, Single Taste, and ultimately the profound experience beyond either Meditation or Non-meditation. “Mahamudra” is considered by some to be the clearest, most direct path of awakening, since its focus is on an immediate recognition of one’s own mind, without recourse to anything artificial. Since the profound practice of Mahamudra, when it is properly taught in a retreat environment, is itself a “pointing-out instruction,” directly introducing the seeker to the true nature of his or her own mind, this practice-retreat has led many to self-realization in a surprisingly short length of time – hence, it is called the “rapid path” of awakening. The retreat is held in silence and many, many hours of disciplined meditation practice is expected from each attendee. This retreat is only open to individuals who have accomplished at least one preliminary ten-day Samatha-retreat at the Hermitage. It is essential that participants be prepared and knowledgeable in Hermitage routine, the meditation program, and the Lama’s particular method of meditation guidance, prior to starting on this unique and special path of direct self-discovery. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish, with the Buddhist monk Gelong Karma Tinley assisting.	14 days

*Lama Lodroe Rabsal (Sidney McQueen-Smith) has been a Dharma practitioner for over forty years, both in the world and as a monk. His principal teachers include His Holiness the 16th and 17th Karmapa, His Eminence Situ Rinpoche, and first and foremost the great Canadian master Namgyal Rinpoche. His specialty includes the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and particularly the path and method of Awakening while living in the world.

Marsh on the Hermitage property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Hermitage?
How much does it cost?
What kind of accommodations are available?
What about food?
Do I have to be a Buddhist?
How can I be sure I am capable of doing meditation?
Where can I find instruction on meditation?

How do I get to the Hermitage?

The Hermitage is located on Denman Island, off the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. There are ferries from the city of Vancouver to Vancouver Island, arriving at the port cities of Victoria and Nanaimo. Buckley Bay, where you catch the 10 minute ferry to Denman Island, is about 1 hour and 15 minutes north from Nanaimo and about 2 1/2 North from Victoria by car. In both cases, the drive is a pleasant one up the inland coast of Vancouver Island. Alternatively, you can fly into Comox, which is located a 20 minute drive north from the Buckley Bay ferry. Many visitors arriving from the United States have found this extremely convenient, especially in the summer when ferries can be very busy.

How much does it cost?

Spirituality may not be bought or sold as if it were a commodity. Didn't Jesus overturn the tables of the money-changers in the Temple? So too, there has never been any charge for the Buddha's precious meditation teachings. All retreats are run on a private donation basis--donations are all that we ask for. Your donations cover the cost of food, heat and light, etc. The level of suggested donation should vary from individual to individual, those with wealth benefiting the Hermitage more, and those without being benefited in turn. Please make your personal donation one that truly reflects your support for the centre.

What kind of accommodations are available?

Accommodations are limited. We are able to provide accommodations at the Hermitage on a limited first come, first served basis. If you can supply your own tent and bedding, there is ample space for camping on the Hermitage land. Beyond this, potential retreat participants can seek out lodging at one of the comfortable Bed & Breakfasts located on Denman Island.

What about food?

We believe that delicious and wholesome food makes the retreat a thoroughly enjoyable, nurturing experience. The food is vegetarian fare (but not vegan) with two main meals per day (breakfast and lunch) and a light soup in the evening, in the tradition in most Buddhist retreat centres. Meals are eaten in common per day, in relative silence.

Do I have to be a Buddhist?

Certainly not! People from many religions, or with no religious adherence, have equally found meditation helpful and beneficial in their day-to-day lives.

How can I be sure I am capable of doing meditation?

For a person who is genuinely interested, meditation is not difficult. If one follows the instructions patiently and diligently, one can be sure of tangible results. The day's schedule is neither too severe nor too relaxed, but follows a comfortable Middle Path founded on moderation in all things. Lama Kunzang teaches that meditation should be pleasant and easy, if we want our body and mind to adapt rapidly to the practice.

Where can I find instruction on meditation?

To start with, read the Dharma Fellowship Meditation Manual. This gives you a very basic outline of the concentration practice that we teach at the Hermitage.

In this section:

Highlights: