Silent Meditation Intensive: Cradle of Loving Kindness

Loden Nyima

In today’s speedy world, we are all in need of kindness to ourselves. This two-day practice intensive is designed for meditators looking to take a deep dive into their practice. This weekend is spent in silence to offer ourselves space to settle, on the sacred land of Drala Mountain Center and with an experienced instructor. This way, we practice befriending ourselves and uncovering our natural basic goodness.

With Friday as the arrival day to settle in, this retreat offers full days of meditation on both Saturday and Sunday. Minimal instruction on the practice of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating will be offered.

Due to the largely silent container and minimal talks and instruction, this retreat is not intended as an initial introduction to meditation practice.

Please Note

This program ends at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday.

We suggest extending your stay through Sunday evening to allow you to enjoy the evening and make a gentle transition. To book extra lodging, select “add extra night” in the upper right-hand corner of the accommodations section of the registration page

Please look at the FAQs I’ve included below for more information.

Tentative Schedule

Arrival Day (Friday)

• 2:00-5:00 pm   Arrival
• 5:00 pm   Orientation, Welcome
• 6:00-7:00 pm   Dinner
• 7:00-8:15 pm  Opening Session

Program Day (Saturday)

• 7:30 – 8:30 am   Breakfast
• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm   Meditation
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm  Lunch
• 1:30 – 3:00 pm   Rest/ROTA
• 3:00 – 6:00 pm   Meditation
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm   Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:15 pm   Mediation

Final Program Day (Sunday)

• 7:30 – 8:30 am   Breakfast
• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm   Meditation
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm   Lunch
• 1:30 – 3:00 pm   Rest/ROTA
• 3:00 – 6:00 pm   Meditation and Concluding Circle (at 5pm)*
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm   Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:15 pm   Optional Meditation in the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya*

FAQs About This Retreat

Q: How much meditation experience do I need to attend this retreat? Is instruction offered?

A: Meditation instruction is offered on Friday night, and on Saturday, there are optional one-on-one meditation interviews with the instructor and an optional talk on Saturday night. This retreat is not designed to be a first introduction to meditation because it is primarily silent practice, with the only guidance being what was just mentioned. We’ve had participants from quite a range of backgrounds enjoy the retreat, from people who have meditated briefly before and are looking to go further to long-time practitioners seeking to reconnect through a weekend retreat.

Q: What kind of meditation is practiced? Is it a formal loving-kindness meditation?

A: It is not a formal loving-kindness practice. We will practice a basic sitting meditation called shamatha or “calm abiding”, primarily using our breathing as the support. The spirit of the practice is that we totally welcome everything in our experience just the way it is, and that itself is a profound act of loving-kindness to ourselves and eventually to others. Taking time out of our lives to settle into silence and practice this way is the cradle of loving-kindness we’re referring to.

Q: Where can I read more about this approach to meditation here?

A: Our founder Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s book Mindfulness in Action: Making Friends with Yourself Through Meditation and Everyday Awareness, is a great source, and copies will be available during the retreat as well.

Q: How long are the meditation sessions? Do I have to sit for three hours straight?

A: We practice sitting meditation for thirty minutes at a time, with a ten-minute walking meditation in between. So, for example, in the morning session from 9am – 12pm, we alternate thirty-minute sitting meditations and ten-minute walking meditations that entire time. There are also resting postures that can be used at any point during the sessions.

Q: Can I sit in a chair?

A: Absolutely! The instructor can assist you in finding the right posture for your body or making adjustments due to discomfort.