Silent Meditation Intensive: The Cradle of Loving-Kindness

In a world that moves quickly, this weekend offers a rare invitation to slow down and meet yourself with gentleness. Designed for meditators who want to deepen an established practice, this two-day intensive takes place in silence on the sacred land of Drala Mountain Center, guided by an experienced teacher. The atmosphere supports settling, reflection, and the discovery of our own basic goodness.

About the Retreat

Friday is the arrival day, giving participants time to settle in before two full days of practice on Saturday and Sunday. The program includes minimal instruction in sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating, allowing the silence and structure of the retreat to do much of the work.

Because the container is largely silent and the guidance is intentionally limited, this retreat is not intended as a first introduction to meditation.

Please Note

The program concludes at 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 15th, though you may choose to continue with an optional meditation at the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm.

If you would like a gentler transition, you may wish to book lodging at DMC through Sunday evening. You are also welcome to leave after the closing circle and before dinner.

To arrange an extra night, select “add extra night- 25% off” in the upper right-hand corner of the registration page.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1
November 13th – Welcome to the Land
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Arrival
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Orientation, Welcome
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm – 8:15 pm Opening Session

Day 2
November 14th – Welcome to the Retreat
7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Meditation
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Rest/ROTA
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Meditation
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm – 8:15 pm Meditation

Day 3
November 15th
7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Meditation
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Rest/ROTA
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Meditation and Concluding Circle (Circle's at 5pm)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm – 8:15 pm Optional Meditation in the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya

FAQs

Q: How much meditation experience do I need to attend this retreat? Is instruction offered?
A: Instruction is offered on Friday evening, and on Saturday there are optional one-on-one meditation interviews with the teacher, along with an optional talk that night. Since the retreat is primarily silent practice with only the guidance described here, it is not designed as a first meditation experience. Participants have included people with a wide range of backgrounds, from those who have only meditated briefly and want to go further, to long-time practitioners seeking reconnection through a weekend retreat.

Q: What kind of meditation is practiced? Is it a formal loving-kindness meditation?
A: This is not a formal loving-kindness practice. The retreat centers on shamatha, or “calm abiding,” a basic sitting meditation that primarily uses the breath as support. The heart of the practice is to welcome whatever arises exactly as it is, which becomes a profound expression of loving-kindness toward ourselves and, in time, toward others.

Q: Where can I read more about this approach to meditation here?
A: Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s book Mindfulness in Action: Making Friends with Yourself Through Meditation and Everyday Awareness is an excellent resource, and copies will also be available during the retreat.

Q: How long are the meditation sessions? Do I have to sit for three hours straight?
A: Sitting meditation is practiced in thirty-minute periods, with ten-minute walking meditation breaks in between. For example, the morning session from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm alternates thirty minutes of sitting with ten minutes of walking throughout the session. Resting postures may also be used at any point.

Q: Can I sit in a chair?
A: Absolutely. The teacher can help you find a posture that works for your body or make adjustments if discomfort arises.

Q: What is Drala Mountain Center's position on sexual misconduct issues in Shambhala?
A: DMC is firmly committed to creating a safe and responsive environment and considers sexual misconduct completely contrary to its teachings and values. The Code of Ethics and institutional responses in the Misconduct in Shambhala section are available under the “About” tab.

Lodging

Several accommodation options are available during checkout. All include healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. These are gender-segregated, with men in one dorm and women in another. Shared bathrooms are located down the hall and include shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A budget-friendly choice for those seeking private indoor lodging and who are comfortable using a shared bathroom. Located in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, these rooms offer more privacy than the dorms, along with a bed, bedding, private room, closet, large window, desk, and desk chair.

Single and Double Rooms
Ideal for those who want both personal space and a private bathroom. Each room includes a little extra space, a dresser, closet, and an attached 3/4 bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.

Junior Suite
The Lodge Junior Suites feature a queen-size bed with a cozy comforter, desk, dresser, closet, private bath with bathtub, and a sitting area.

Retreat Faculty

Loden Nyima
Gelong Loden Nyima has been a Buddhist monk for more than fifteen years. From 2009 to 2017, he lived at Gampo Abbey, where he practiced intensively, completed a cycle of advanced studies (shedra), received empowerment, and served as a senior teacher. He then lived at Drala Mountain Center from 2017 to 2023, where he served as a teacher.