June 28 - July 5, 2026
This two-week retreat offers a rare opportunity to enter a structured period of intensive meditation practice in the Dathun tradition. Developed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Dathun brings together the Kagyu and Nyingma style of meditation with the Zen approach of silent group practice. While silent group meditation was not a prominent feature of the Tibetan system, Trungpa Rinpoche recognized the importance of establishing a strong foundation in sitting meditation for Western practitioners.
Although Dathun was traditionally a month-long program, this retreat preserves the forms and traditions that make it such a meaningful practice environment. These rituals and structures are considered an essential part of the retreat experience, just as important as the meditation itself. Dathun also 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, while Dathun remains a tradition in its own right and one of the most significant contributions the Vidyadhara made to establishing the dharma in the West.
Most of the retreat is held in silence, with some “functional talking” as needed. Rather than creating distance, silence is treated as a way to deepen awareness and open the senses to both inner experience and the world around us. The retreat will be led by Gaylon Ferguson, a senior practitioner in Trungpa Rinpoche’s lineage, with support from a team of experienced meditation instructors.
Participants will receive regular dharma talks and individual meetings with a meditation instructor throughout the retreat to discuss practice and receive guidance. The schedule includes sitting and walking meditation, video teachings, and a short period of daily movement to support the sitting practice. Meditation sessions are divided into four sittings each day, totaling 8.5 hours of practice.
This retreat is especially well suited to those who have meditated before or who already have some familiarity with Buddhism. At the same time, it offers clear and ongoing instruction for newcomers as well, including both sitting and walking meditation. Its structured format provides a supportive container for deepening practice over two weeks.
Dathun can serve as one stage on the Buddhist path, a way to deepen mindfulness practice, or even a complete path in itself. More broadly, it is an expression of Buddhadharma meeting the Western mind, offered here to anyone seeking greater sanity and wakefulness in daily life.
Tuition is $0 plus 7 nights lodging, combined at checkout. Meals and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Additional nights may be added at 50% off.
Accommodation options include off-campus lodging, car camping, single and double tents, dormitories, monk rooms, single and double rooms, and junior suites. Bedding is not provided for tents, so guests should bring their own twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, and towels. Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire, and signs of that impact may still be visible this summer, though the areas remain safe to use.
Arrival: June 28th, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Departure: July 5th, 12:30 PM
Drala Mountain Center
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Sun, Jun 28 – Mon, Jul 6