Releasing and Greeting the New Year with Dhamma

This retreat marks the transition from the old year into the new in the quiet beauty of Cloud Mountain, a secure refuge while much of the world moves through the holiday season with noise and excess. Dhamma teachings will support the cultivation of mindfulness through the changing rhythms of breath, body energy, sensation, and mind. Special emphasis will be placed on mindfulness of breathing as a way to develop inner steadiness and clarity, and to explore the nature of mind and body. Reflections on change, time, life, death, renewal, letting go, compassion, and selflessness will guide the practice. For those who wish, group reflection circles will offer a space to explore the retreat themes together.

Each day will center on sitting and walking meditation, along with talks and periods for reflection. Noble Silence will be observed, with time also set aside for Q&A, reflection circles, and individual practice interviews. Qigong and posture work will be available for participants who are interested. This retreat welcomes both beginning and experienced students.

Partial attendance is not available. Please also consider joining only if your current life circumstances allow you to take part in an important modern renunciation practice: remaining offline and avoiding phone and text use for the full duration of the retreat, with limited exceptions for urgent family matters.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

Cloud Mountain continues to maintain public health and safety measures. Requirements vary by season, but masking remains part of the retreat guidelines.

Please refer to the updated information about our health and safety protocols.

SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Scholarship funds are available for all retreats to help those facing financial hardship. For details, please see the Scholarship section of our overview information.