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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.

2010 Summer Schedule

Last updated February 19, 2010. 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
Friday, May 28 - Tuesday, June 1	Beginner’s Introduction to Shamatha Meditation practice in the mornings, followed by afternoon instruction and practice of Hatha Yoga in the Ivengar tradition. Taught by Alison Yarwood, certified IYAC teacher. Alison has previously taught Beginner Meditation at the Hermitage.	5 days
June
Saturday, June 5 - Sunday, June 6	Green Tara Empowerment and Teachings The venerable Jetsun Kushok has devoted herself to Buddhist practice from an early age, completing her first retreat at age 10. Many more important retreats were to follow, enabling her to become one of fewer than a dozen masters who are qualified to transmit the Lam Dre or “The Path that Includes the Results.” Jetsun Kushok gave her first transmission of the Lam Dre, along with all the necessary empowerments, at age 17. After leaving Tibet in exile in 1959 and, and years in India, she eventually settled in Vancouver, Canada, with her family in 1971, struggling to care for her children, make a living in a new country, and keep up her meditation practices. At the repeated request of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, Jetsun Kushok started to teach in Vancouver in the early 1980’s and now all over the world. She had close ties to Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche and both were asked by Sakya Trizin to impart Vajrayogini transmissions in Canada. Beloved by all her disciples, Jetsun Kushok is both strict and warm, teaching genuine Buddhadharma in the traditional way. Jetsun Kushok is an inspiration for all Buddhists, both male and female, who are looking to integrate the Dharma with their daily lives. Please note that the empowerment will be given on Saturday morning at 9:00 and teachings will be given on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. If coming from afar you may wish to arrive at the Hermitage by Friday night and plan to leave on Monday morning.	2 days
Friday, June 11 - Wednesday, June 15	Kundalini Meditation Retreat 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 will be offered. This class is open to both beginners as well as advanced students of Meditation and Yoga. Led by the yogi Devmurti and the yogini Hari Amrit Khalsa. Devmurti and Hari Amrit are KRI-Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructors and have taught yoga and meditation 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
Friday, June 18 - Tuesday, June 22	Summer Solstice Retreat Focusing the mind. Developing concentration. Entering into the Deep State of Being. Group Instruction is given each morning, followed by private interviews with the meditation master and solitary afternoon meditation in the midst of nature. The duration of meditation sittings is determined by the ability of the individual. Emphasis on Maitri-bhavana, the development of love. This has been proven to result in greater relaxation and more rapid progress. Excellent for both the complete beginner and the long time meditator. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	5 days
Friday, June 25 - Tuesday, June 29	Tibetan Book of the Dead This teaching retreat will include the empowerments of Guru Rinpoche and Amitabha Buddha, with an outline of associated practices that enhance one’s awakening. Teachings cover the intermeditate awakening-states (bardos) experienced while dying and in the immediate after-death state. Emphasis on guiding others through the death experience. Led by Lama Sidney McQueen-Smith.	5 days
July
Friday, July 2 - Tuesday, July 6	Profound Calm-abiding in the Midst of Nature Guided practice of Shamatha Meditation. Learn to focus the mind, develop inner calm, and discover one’s own inner peace. Since meditation is performed alone in the midst of nature, the duration of meditation sittings are determined according to the ability of the individual. Morning group instruction and private interviews with the meditation master are given each day. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	5 days
Friday, July 9 - Tuesday, July 18	Anapanasati Meditation Retreat Mindfulness of Respiration is the core method of meditation originally taught by the Buddha and is said to be the direct way by which the Buddha attained awakening. The instructor—with many years of experience in this very special form of meditation—is in the direct lineage of Namgyal Rinpoche. During the retreat he will be guiding each individual step by step in the practice. The aim for those attending this retreat is to make a direct breakthrough, thanks to the unique discipline of the method. Led by Lama Gerry Kopelow.	10 days
Wednesday, July 21 - Tuesday, July 27	Dzogchen Foundations and the sublime Path of Cutting the Ego This consists of detailed instruction on the fourfold practice of the ‘foundations’ (ngondro) that prepare one for advanced Dzogchen Meditation, conducted along with a beginner level seven day ‘Chöd’ (cutting the ego) retreat, using chant, drum and bell. This is a unique opportunity to experience the mystical practice of Chod under the guidance of a skilled Tibetan yogi. An extremely special meditation practice, the tradition of Chöd 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.	7 days
Friday, July 30 - Tuesday, August 3	White Tara Empowerment The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattvas. Receiving the Bodhisattva Vow, dedicating oneself to making the world a better place for all, along with wise instruction on how to live as a more enlightened being. These teachings are given within the context of finding a path for oneself, with the aim of awakening in the present lifetime. Open discussion and personalized instruction. Led by Lama Sidney McQueen-Smith.	5 days
August
Friday, August 6 - Tuesday, August 17	Mahamudra Retreat This is a strictly silent meditation retreat with daily instruction each morning and private interviews with the Lama, carried out in a traditional manner based on the meditation lineage of Namgyal Rinpoche. The method of “Mahamudra” involves direct looking into the mind’s own nature, free of dogma or pre-supposition, so as to directly eliminate the darkness of ignorance and attain highest insight. Enquiry into oneself is conducted through a combination of deep meditation and pointed questioning, guided by the teacher. Many, many hours of disciplined meditation practice are expected from each attendee. This retreat IS ONLY OPEN to individuals who have already accomplished at least one preliminary meditation 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. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish.	12 days
Friday, August 20 - Monday, August 30	Chenrezi Avalokitesvara Empowerment With instruction on the Way of the Bodhisattva and the Perfection of Wisdom. Avalokitesvara saddana practice, talks on Bodhicitta, silent Meditation and the Diamond Sutra. Here the aim is to forge a balance between love and knowledge, compassion and understanding. This retreat will especially focus on the profound teachings of the longer Diamond Sutra, which gives one the insight to awaken to the deeper reality of one’s own nature. Led by Lama Sidney McQueen-Smith.	11 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.

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