RETREATS & PROGRAMS
Retreats
Retreats, also known as treats, are a gift we can give ourselves and our community and teachers. Practitioners often wonder if they are “ready” to do retreats, but the truth is, retreats get us ready for retreats. They offer us an unparalleled opportunity for practice, reflection, seclusion, and support from the presence of others. Our teachers are skilled in conveying the dharma in all its aspects. Instruction is always given. Retreats have a structure which generally includes alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, silent meals, and dharma talks.
Retreatants almost always express deep gratitude at the end of a retreat day, even when it’s been a day of struggle with only moments of peace. Meditation is sometimes called the path of purification; after a day of silent practice, we often feel scrubbed from the inside.
Dharma Zephyr brings in teachers from all over the U.S. who have different styles and points of focus, but who all practice in the vipassana (insight) tradition, providing a continuity that helps us more fully integrate the dharma. We offer day-long non-residential retreats and multi-day residential retreats. Retreat managers (named under each retreat listing) and Community Dharma Leaders and Guides are always happy to answer questions about retreats.
As we are able, we offer classes in meditation, study groups, and other programs. We also enjoy gathering socially for potlucks, movie nights, and other activities.
Day-long Retreats
Dharma Zephyr offers day-long retreats year-round in Reno, Carson City and Minden. We invite teachers from all over the country to share the dharma with us. Retreats are usually suitable for beginners (it will be noted if not) and meditation instruction is always given. A typical day-long retreat consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks offered by the teacher, and question and answer sessions. Silence is generally maintained among retreatants even through lunch. There is no charge for these events; the teachers and Dharma Zephyr count on the generosity of retreatants to support us through your donations.
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Residential Retreats
Dharma Zephyr offers residential retreats at Camp Galilee nestled on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. The setting is gorgeous, the teachers are wise and skillful, the food is excellent, and the sangha is supportive, so we encourage you to attend! The only fees are for room and board. Retreatants are asked to donate generously to the teacher, who does not charge for their time. Scholarship assistance is available so don’t let a lack of funds get in the way of your attending.
Scholarship Policy
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Noble Silence and Retreat Format
Retreats are conducted primarily in Noble Silence. This offers a rare and precious opportunity to simplify one’s daily routine, quiet the mind and cultivate an inward focus of attention. Retreatants are expected to follow, with mindfulness and sincerity, the retreat schedule and guidelines established by teachers and staff. Retreat content is structured by the teacher, and usually includes alternating sessions of sitting and walking meditation, talks to the group by the teacher and Q&A opportunities. For more about Noble Silence, click here.
Programs
As inspiration arises, we offer programs such as movie nights, potlucks, picnics and hikes, as well as classes in meditation and Buddhism and study/action groups.
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Social Programs
Classes
