Grief, Joy and Awakening: An Insight Meditation Retreat with David Chernikoff

May 29-31, 2026

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Arrival: May 29th, 2-5 PM

Departure: May 31st, 12:30 PM

Tuition:
Dana Based $0 + 2 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Program Details:

Dates: May 29th – May 31st

Tuition:
Dana Based $0 + 2 nights lodging

Meals included

About the Retreat

When I was living in Nepal in the 1980s, I heard it said that “Life is like a grinding stone. It will either grind you up or it will turn you into something beautiful.” This retreat is a golden opportunity to learn Buddhist practices and perspectives that will help you to become something beautiful in the midst of a world in turmoil.

Much of our time will be spent practicing sitting and walking meditation in Noble Silence. In a caring, supportive community, there will also be dharma talks, meditation instruction, experiential exercises and opportunities for heart-felt discussions.

Together, we will learn to fully embrace life’s 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows as we cultivate what Sharon Salzberg calls “a heart as wide as the world.” We will come to know in our own experience the “abiding happiness” described in the Buddhist teachings as we also become greater instruments of happiness and well-being in the world.

What This Retreat Offers:

  • Opening your heart, you will leave this retreat with more compassion for yourself and others.

  • Quieting your mind, you will understand why equanimity plays a central role in an awakened life and how it can be systematically cultivated with committed practice.

  • Deepening your meditation practice, you will return home with a fresh, strong commitment to regular practice…not because you “should” but because you want to meditate.

  • Connecting with others who share your core values, you will feel inspired to continue connecting with like-minded dharma friends after you return home.

  • As the Buddha put it in the Dhammapada, the sayings of the Buddha, you will “know the sweet joy of the Way.”

  • For Beginners

    For fairly new meditators, there will be clear instructions in the practice of insight meditation.

  • For Experienced Meditators

    For highly experienced meditators, this will be an opportunity to deepen your practice in a beautiful and inspiring natural environment.

  • For Everyone

    For all participants, this retreat is an invitation to embrace truly authentic living, what in Zen is called “strong back, soft front, wild heart.”

  • Why Here?

    The sacred valley of Drala Mountain Center offers a nurturing and supportive container for meditation, authentic living, and building contemplative habits for a lifetime. 

Why Did Past Participants Love this
Retreat?

“David Chernikoff is the real deal. He’s a true master of the craft of teaching. I’ m so very grateful for David’s teaching. I could feel his presence and hard-earned wisdom. This retreat nourished my soul, heart, knowledge of the dharma and peace of mind. David created a field of love to feel safe and held. He is a gifted teacher.”

-Anonymous

Retreat Faculty

David Chernikoff

David Chernikoff began the study and practice of meditation in 1971 and started teaching meditation in 1988. His teaching has been influenced by senior teachers from the Insight Meditation Society, Tibetan teachers he studied with during a 3-year stay in Nepal, and Zen teacher Yvonne Rand. David taught psychology and meditation at Naropa University for [...]

Program Schedule

Day 1

Friday May 29 – Welcome to the Land
Registration takes place from 2 pm to 5 pm. Orientation will be at 5:30 followed by Dinner. Please arrive early and plan on taking some time to settle into your room, explore the land, and arrive before the program begins. 

Daily Schedule

We’ll start our day with a 6:15am wake-up and an initial period of meditation from 6:45 – 7:30am. The rhythm of the day will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation in silence, and break periods for personal time after each of our three daily meals. There will be an open Q & A / discussion period before lunch and a daily dharma talk at 3:30pm. Our late afternoons and evenings will include time for experiential exercises, sitting meditation, and / or opportunities for discussion. We’ll close each day with a brief dedication of merit.

FAQs

Do I need previous meditation experience to attend this retreat?

Given the length of this retreat and the amount of meditating involved, I’d recommend you have some previous meditation experience. Please feel free to contact me if you’re not sure if this retreat is a good fit for you.

Do I have to become a Buddhist to participate in this retreat?

No. This retreat is designed for anyone who wants to experience the way Buddhist teachings can help us become wise and loving people.

What if I’m trained in a different method of meditation than insight meditation?
That’s fine. You’ll be invited to deepen your own method of practice with the support of the practice community.

How will this retreat help me in my daily life?
It will help you recognize your own basic goodness and give you new skills for relating to other people, nonhuman beings and the earth.

For more information, please see www.davidchernikoff.com

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