Triratna NY-NJ Sangha Retreat
Description
Inspired by Ratnasambhava, the Wisdom Buddha associated with the earth element and the Wisdom of Equality, this retreat invites participants to explore a healing and generous abundance. Together, we will cultivate both inner and outer worlds of generosity, strengthen our recognition of the inherent value and potential in all beings, and work with the suffering that can arise through divisiveness, superiority, and inferiority.
Guided by Viveka and Silasiddhi, the retreat will weave together imagination and creativity, meditation, warm-hearted connection, embodied practice, music, ritual, and movement. Quiet periods will be balanced with opportunities for mindful conversation, creating space for both reflection and community.
Event Highlights
- Instruction and support from experienced teachers
- A balanced schedule of meditation, contemplation, ritual, and rest
- A friendly and supportive community of practitioners
- Individual meditation support available if needed
- Q&A with teachers
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals made with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend your stay on Personal Retreat
- An extensive library of dharma books
- Beautiful wooded grounds with walking paths, flora, and fauna
- Single rooms for all, with an option for couples to share
Open to All
This retreat is suitable for people with any level of meditation experience, including complete beginners. Beginner instruction will be offered as needed throughout the retreat. Mindful Movement is optional and very accessible, with no experience required.
Scholarships are available on a limited basis. Those interested in financial assistance to attend are invited to express their interest to the Triratna New York New Jersey sangha.
Schedule (subject to change)
Friday, October 2
- 3:00 PM – Check-in begins
- 5:00–5:45 PM – Pre-retreat Meeting (Library)
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Dinner (Dining Room)
- 7:15–7:30 PM – Welcome (Library)
- 7:30–8:00 PM – Large Group Introduction (Milarepa Hall)
- 8:00–9:00 PM – Evening Practice (Milarepa Hall)
- 9:00 PM – Silence until after breakfast
Saturday, October 3–Sunday, October 4
- 6:30–6:50 AM – Movement (Practice Pavilion or Milarepa Hall, weather dependent)
- 7:00–8:30 AM – Morning Practice (Milarepa Hall)
- 8:30–9:30 AM – Breakfast (Dining Hall)
- 10:00 AM–12:15 PM – Morning Dharma Teaching & Practice
- 12:30–1:30 PM – Lunch (Dining Hall)
- 2:30–3:30 PM – Free time, Group Healing, Movement (Milarepa Hall)
- 3:30–5:45 PM – Community Dharma & Small Group Sharing (Milarepa Hall)
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:30–9:00 PM – Evening Practice (Milarepa Hall)
- 9:00 PM – Silence until after breakfast
Monday, October 5
- 6:30–6:50 AM – Movement (Practice Pavilion or Milarepa Hall, weather dependent)
- 7:00–8:30 AM – Morning Practice (Milarepa Hall)
- 8:30–9:30 AM – Breakfast (Dining Hall)
- 9:30–10:00 AM – Packing
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Morning Dharma Teaching & Practice (Practice Pavilion or Milarepa Hall, weather dependent)
- Intention Setting
- Closing Circle
- 12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 PM – Checkout and Departure
Teachers
Viveka serves as President of the Triratna NY-NJ sangha. Her teaching centers on awakening in the present moment, grounded in the body and approached with spaciousness, appreciation, and curiosity. With more than 20 years of dharma practice, long silent retreats, exposure to a wide range of Buddhist teachers and practitioners, and experience as a certified coach, facilitator, and trainer supporting social change movements, she brings a deep commitment to lasting transformation. She lives in San Francisco, California.
Silasiddhi has spent more than 20 years developing two closely connected practices: meditation and photography. A student of Buddhism and an Order member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, he also works as a professor of photography. Over time, these two paths have shaped both how he sees the world and how he teaches.
Event Schedule
Oct 2-5, 2026
3 day event
Daily Schedule:
Accommodation Options
Private Room: Couple
This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.
Junior Suite: Single
These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.
Junior Suite: Couple
This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.
Teachers
Viveka serves as President of the Triratna NY-NJ sangha and brings a grounded, contemporary approach to Buddhist teaching. Her work centers on the possibility of awakening in the present moment—through the body, and through a spacious mindset shaped by appreciation and curiosity. Rather than treating practice as something distant or abstract, she invites students to meet experience directly, with openness...
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With more than 20 years devoted to both meditation and photography, Silasiddhi brings a rare blend of contemplative depth and artistic vision to his work. As a student of Buddhism and a member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, he has cultivated a practice rooted in mindfulness, presence, and insight. At the same time, his role as a professor of photography...
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191 Cragsmoor Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Pine Bush