Lake Tahoe Residential Retreat “The Three Universal Characteristics” with Vance Pryor

The Three Universal Characteristics: We are fortunate to be able to come together to practice continuity of mindfulness over the course of several days. One of the aims of the path of meditation practice is to gradually develop a wise understanding that sees more clearly the nature of our experience that allows us to live in an unencumbered way. This aim is gradually matured through our deepening understanding into the three universal characteristics. The emphasis of this retreat will be take a deeper dive into understanding these three characteristics of impermanence, stress, and the impersonal nature of phenomena unfolding.

This is an opportunity to step into simplicity and seclusion. As a U Tejaniya style of retreat, we will emphasize that the foundation of the practice will be to establish a relaxed, continuous, and gentle awareness that when gradually cultivated brings a sense of inner stability. This inner stability, accompanied by a skillful attitude of mind leads to the unfolding of wise understanding. We can begin to notice more clearly the relationship between the mind and the body, along with attuning to the natural world in such a way that brings about a sense of ease, openness, and peace.

The retreat will have formal periods of walking and sitting meditation, but will also have periods of “open practice” that will include bringing awareness to whatever one chooses to do, whether sitting, walking, lying down, or any activity for that matter. The retreat will be held in noble silence but we will have plenty of time for question/comment and response periods throughout the retreat.

This retreat is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators alike.

Vance Pryor, PsyD, began insight meditation in 1998. He has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Sayadaw U Pandita and Sayadaw U Tejaniya. His training to become a teacher has been supported by the mentorship of Steve Armstrong and Kamala Masters. He is a recent graduate of IMS’s 2017-2021 Teacher Training Program.

COVID-19

In the spirit of lovingkindness and ethical behavior, DZIMC will follow all CDC, state, and local mandates regarding COVID-19. In addition, for the safety and wellbeing of our community, Dharma Zephyr strongly encourages, but does not require, that participants at our activities and events be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. To care for all who attend our events, we ask that if you are sick (cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc.) or have had a fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the 24 hours prior to an event, that you not attend the event.

You will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID antigen test (home test) taken within 48 hours of arriving at Camp Galilee. If you have medical insurance or are on Medicare, free tests are available at most major pharmacies. DZIMC will have some tests at the check in.

COVID-19 protocols such as masking and social distancing for this retreat will be determined by the conditions at the time the retreat is held. You will be asked to confirm that you have read the complete COVID-19 and Wellness Policy when you register.

STAYING AT CAMP GALILEE

DOUBLE/TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
A majority of the rooms will be double occupancy. If there is demand, some rooms may sleep three people. Prior to registering, you are strongly encouraged to pair up with someone you know and feel comfortable rooming with. There is a place on the registration form to indicate a roommate. If you do not select a roommate, the registrar will assign one.

SINGLE ROOMS
The availability of single rooms will be determined by the number of people who register for the retreat and/or the number of people who choose to camp. The additional charge for a single room will be $75.00. If you would like to apply for a single room, please read the attached instructions. Single Room Requests DZIMC

CAMPING
Attendees may choose to sleep in a camper, van, or tent and use an assigned bathroom. The registration fee to camp is the same as for double/triple occupancy and includes meals. There is a place on the registration form to indicate you are camping.

Please note that all bathrooms are shared, even for those in single rooms.

The maximum number of people attending the retreat will be 24.

COST TO ATTEND

The cost to attend the retreat is $370.00, which includes a $180.00 deposit made at the time of registration. Registration covers staying at Camp Galilee in a comfortable room with a shared bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and staff services. Also included are travel expenses for the teacher.

The $180.00 deposit is due at the time of registration. You will not be registered until the deposit is received. The balance of $190.00 is due on March 22, 2024.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Dharma Zephyr maintains a robust scholarship fund. You are encouraged to apply if you would like to attend the retreat but find that paying the registration fee would be financially difficult. Please read the Scholarship Policy and follow the instructions to request financial aid. You can send your request to the retreat’s registrar, Susan Sara, susansaradzimc@gmail.com

DANA FOR VANCE PRYOR
Dana for these priceless teachings will be gratefully accepted by the teacher, giving participants the opportunity to freely engage in the practice of generosity, the first step toward freedom. Online donations may be made through Vance Pryor’s website: https://vancepryor.com/donate

DANA FOR DZIMC
Dana will be gratefully accepted by Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community to support its operating costs and scholarship fund. Online donations to DZIMC may be made here.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

• Cancellations on or before March 10 will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations between March 11 and March 22^nd will receive a full refund less the $180 deposit.
• Cancellations after March 22^nd will not be eligible for a refund.

If you have any questions about this retreat before or after registering, please email Susan Sara, susansaradzimc@gmail.com.