Summer Half Dathun

June 21 - July 5, 2026

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Arrival: June 21st, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Departure: July 5th, 12:30 PM

Tuition:
$0 + 14 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
$0 + 14 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

Dathun was developed by the Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to bring together the Kagyu and Nyingma meditation style with the Zen approach of silent group meditation intensives. It is not widely known in the west that silent group meditation was not particularly a feature of the Tibetan system. Chogyam Trungpa felt that for westerners, a solid ground of sitting meditation was important.

Dathun (meaning moon session) was traditionally a month long. Although this retreat will be two weeks, we will maintain the forms and traditions developed for Dathun, which are as much a part of the retreat as the meditation itself.

Dathun was a prerequisite for Vajradhatu Seminary, the program formally introducing students to Vajrayana practice. 3 Yanas: Entering the Vajra World is the current iteration of this. However, Dathun is a tradition unto itself and is regarded as one of the most important innovations the Vidyadhara contributed to establishing the dharma in the west.

What to Expect

Silence or “functional talking” is practised most of the time. Silence is not regarded as cutting off or isolating ourselves, but as a profound way to open our awareness and senses to ourselves and our world. The retreat will be led by Gaylon Ferguson, a senior practitioner in Trungpa Rinpoche’s lineage. He will be supported by a staff of experienced meditation instructors. There will be regular dharma talks and individual meetings with a meditation instructor to talk with about your practice throughout the retreat.

Who is this retreat for?

This two week retreat is well-suited for those who have practiced meditation in the past or have some knowledge of Buddhism. For those who are new to Buddhist practice, this rigorous and structured retreat provides on-going meditation instruction in both sitting and walking meditation. Talks and video teachings along with a short period of daily movement will support the practice of sitting meditation. Meditation sessions are divided into four different sittings, with a total of 8.5 hours of practice a day.

What will participants get out of this retreat?

Dathun could be a leg of one’s journey on the Buddhist path. It could be a means to deepen or expand one’s mindfulness practice. For many, Dathun becomes a complete path. Ultimately it is an expression of the wisdom of the Buddhadharma coming into contact with the western mind, and though it is born of the Buddhist traditions, it is presented here as an offering to anyone who wants to cultivate sanity and wakefulness in their lives.

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

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

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Off Land
Participants who wish to commute from home or arrange their own accommodations off-campus (for example, a bed and breakfast, camping nearby)  pay tuition, plus $54/night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of our facilities.

Car Camping
We have 5 primitive parking spots in the Rigden parking lot, for simply parking and sleeping. This includes food and access our bathhouses in Rigden Lodge
Note: We don’t have any water or electric hook ups for RV’s.

Single and Double Tents

Located in campgrounds throughout the property, these 12′ x 14′ tents have two twin beds, two bookcases and a hanging clothes rack.* Each campground offers a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. A tent can be rented as a single (without a roommate) or a double (with a roommate).

Some of our campgrounds were impacted by a recent wildfire and the affects may still be visible this summer, however, they are safe to use.

Bedding is not provided. Please bring your own twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow and towels.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Junior Suite
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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The Drala GarFoundations of Meditation