It really is rare and precious to be able to take the time to do the practice, study, practice, sing and dance, and eat with your dharma sangha…. and with Acharya Mermelstein. So join us at Sky Lake, the perfect small, dedicated container for this retreat, and help make it an annual tradition! Restricted retreat for those who have completed Vajradhatu Chakrasamvara Abisheka.
Program prices all include 3 meals a day. David Rome will guide participants in a series of contemplative exercises designed first to access the felt sense and then to create fresh, genuinely expressive work from this precious inner place. Simple haiku poetry will be the medium of expression. Working with brushes and ink, pencils and pens, Barbara Bash will offer ways to land on the page of our life. Guided by the ancient Chinese principles of heaven, earth and human we will connect with the open space, the stable ground, and our intimate connection to it all. All these practices will explore the nature of creative expression and can be applied to many aspects of one’s life.

New to meditation? Shambhala Meditation is based on the premise that the natural state of the mind is calm and clear. It’s a practice that anyone can do. Learn to meditate and develop mindfulness awareness by attending one of our many public meditation periods.

Daily Schedule

• 5:00-6:00 am: Wakeup/Exercise
• 6:00-6:15 am: 108 Prostrations
• 6:15-8:30 am: Meditation (3 sitting and 1 walking)
• 8:30 am: Breakfast
• 9:00-10:30 am: Cleaning/Rest
• 10:30 am-1:30 pm: Meditation/Interview
• 1:30 pm: Dharma Meal
• 2:00-3:00 pm: Rest
• 3:00-5:45 pm: Work Practice
• 6:00-7:00 pm: Snack/Rest
• 7:00-10:00 pm: Meditation/Interview
• 10:00 pm: Retire