Summer Half Dathun Week 1

This intensive meditation retreat was developed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche to unite the Kagyu and Nyingma meditation style with the Zen practice of silent group meditation. While this approach is less common in the West, Trungpa Rinpoche saw a strong foundation in sitting meditation as essential for Western practitioners.

About the Retreat

Dathun, meaning “moon session,” was traditionally held for a full month. In this two-week format, the retreat preserves the forms and traditions that have long been part of Dathun, treating them as an integral part of the experience alongside the meditation itself.

Historically, Dathun served as a prerequisite for Vajradhatu Seminary, the program that formally introduced students to Vajrayana practice. Today, 3 Yanas: Entering the Vajra World continues that lineage. At the same time, Dathun remains a tradition in its own right and is considered one of the most significant innovations the Vidyadhara contributed to establishing the dharma in the West.

What to Expect

Most of the retreat is held in silence, with “functional talking” used when needed. Silence is understood not as withdrawal, but as a powerful way to deepen awareness and open the senses to both inner experience and the surrounding world. The retreat will be led by Gaylon Ferguson, a senior practitioner in Trungpa Rinpoche’s lineage, with support from experienced meditation instructors. Participants will also receive regular dharma talks and individual meetings with an instructor throughout the retreat.

Who Is This Retreat For?

This two-week retreat is best suited for those who already have some meditation experience or a basic understanding of Buddhism. For newcomers to Buddhist practice, the retreat offers a rigorous and structured environment with ongoing instruction in both sitting and walking meditation. Talks, video teachings, and a short daily movement period support the practice of sitting meditation. Meditation sessions are divided into four sittings each day, for a total of 8.5 hours of practice.

What Participants May Gain

Dathun can be a meaningful part of one’s Buddhist path, offering a way to deepen or broaden a mindfulness practice. For some, it becomes a complete path in itself. At its heart, it is an expression of Buddhadharma meeting the Western mind, and although it is rooted in Buddhist tradition, it is offered here as an invitation to anyone seeking greater sanity and wakefulness in life.

Recommended Reading

• The Heart of the Buddha: Entering the Tibetan Buddhist Path, by Chögyam Trungpa
• The Path Is the Goal: A Basic Handbook of Buddhist Meditation by Chögyam Trungpa
• The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness, by Pema Chödrön
• Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment and Other Destructive Emotions, by Pema Chödrön

Retreat Faculty

Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, has led mindfulness meditation retreats since 1976. He has taught at Stanford, the University of Washington, and Naropa University. He is the author of three books: Welcoming Beginner’s Mind: Zen and Tibetan Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature; Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness); and Natural Bravery (on fear and ...).

Lodging

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

• Off Land: Participants who prefer to commute from home or arrange their own off-campus lodging, such as a bed and breakfast or nearby camping, pay tuition plus $40 per night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of the facilities.
• Car Camping: Five primitive parking spaces are available in the Rigden parking lot for sleeping in your vehicle. This includes food and access to the bathhouses in Rigden Lodge. Note: there are no water or electric hookups for RVs.
• Single and Double Tents: Located in campgrounds across the property, these 12′ x 14′ tents include two twin beds, two bookcases, and a hanging clothes rack. Each campground has a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. Tents may be rented as singles or doubles. Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire, and signs of this may still be visible this summer, but the areas are safe to use. Bedding is not provided; please bring twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow, and towels.
• Dormitories: Rooms accommodate up to 7–8 people and are gender-segregated, with men and women housed separately. Bathrooms are shared down the hall and include shower stalls.
• Monk Rooms: A budget-friendly indoor option for those who want a private room but are comfortable using a shared bathroom. These rooms are in the same hall as the Rigden Dormitories and offer more privacy, along with a bed, bedding, closet, large window, desk, and desk chair.
• Single and Double Rooms: Ideal for those seeking both privacy and a private bathroom. Each room includes a little extra space, a dresser, a closet, and an attached 3/4 bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.
• Junior Suite: Lodge Junior Suites feature a queen-size bed with a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet, private bath with bathtub, and a sitting area.

Program Details

• Dates: June 21–28, 2026
• Tuition: Tuition $0 + 7 nights lodging
• Faculty: Gaylon Ferguson

Check-in Instructions

All participants must check in at the Guest Services Cabin. Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the program start date. Guests arriving after hours will find a packet next to the door. The program begins with orientation, followed by dinner. Please refer to the retreat registration page for program content, scheduling, and other details. Additional schedule information will be provided upon arrival.