Compassionate action plays a central role in many of the great wisdom traditions. In this retreat, we’ll practice sitting and walking meditation in Noble Silence to quiet our minds and open our hearts. There will be meditation instruction and dharma talks on the retreat theme. We will also do some guided meditations, interactive exercises, and discussions designed to deepen our understanding of the joys and challenges of working to benefit living beings and our planet. Together we’ll create a supportive learning community and remember why the Buddha wisely chose to make the sangha, the community, one of the three refuges.

Teacher Payment and the Practice of Dāna

As a teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, David is accustomed to being paid in accordance with the traditional Buddhist practice of dāna, a Pali term meaning “generosity freely given.” His intention is for all registration income for this retreat to go to Drala Mountain Center, which is currently in great need of financial support. At the end of the retreat, participants will be invited to offer a free-will financial contribution to David as an expression of appreciation for the teachings and to support the teacher. In that every participant’s situation is unique, there is no suggested amount and offerings of any size will be gratefully accepted. Drala Mountain Center understands that dharma teachers in the West need to make a living and that these are difficult times for many of us. Drala Mountain Center has therefore offered to supplement David’s compensation if it doesn’t reach an agreed upon minimum so that he can continue offering the dharma for all of us.

Other Things to Note

• There is a significant lodging price reduction for this program. As such, additional discounts such as senior or student are not available for this program. If the cost remains prohibitive, you may contact David Chernikoff at davidchernikoff@icloud.com. Scholarship funding may be available through the Insight Meditation Community.
• This program takes place at our Red Feather Campus. Those interested in staying near the majority of retreat activities may wish to book a tent or Red Feather Cabin.
• Attending from the beginning of this retreat through the end is expected. Partial attendance is not allowed without prior authorization from the teacher.

To get to know David and his style of teaching, visit his website with free dharma talks here.

Please review our current COVID-19 policy before visiting DMC.