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Camp Galilee

Resting in the Dharma with John M. Travis Summer Residential Retreat at Lake Tahoe

November 6, 2023 ·


John Travis

 

Resting in the Dharma –

Collecting ourselves through breath And body.
Allowing awareness to unearth, a deep, Sense of ease.
Dharma, can heal the wounds of the past bringing peace to our lives.

 

 

About the Teacher:

The guiding and founding teacher of Mountain Stream Meditation Center, John M. Travis, has been a student of meditation since 1969. His vision and teaching have been instrumental t in the growth and development of Buddhism and meditation in the Northern Sierra Nevada region.

The Dharma Zephyr Community has benefited greatly from John’s personal warmth and his teachings over the last 30 years.

For more detail please visit https://www.mtstream.org/our-teachers .

Accommodation:
Accommodations for sleeping are two person rooms. Your same-sex roommate will be assigned at registration, unless you indicated a roommate preference during the registration process or that you plan on camping, staying in a teepee or have been told that a single room is available for you.  About two weeks before retreat we will know if single rooms are available.

COST:

  • includes lodging and three mails per day
  • $609 camping is still available all rooms are occupied
  • pay in full at registration

Dharma Zephyr has some funding available for partial scholarships for multi-day retreats. For information on retreat scholarships, click HERE.

Dana:
Dana is a Pali word meaning “generosity”. Considered priceless, the Buddha’s teachings have been given freely since the time of the Buddha. That 2500-year tradition continues today. In keeping with this tradition, teachers do not charge for their services, but are sustained by the generosity of their students. Registration fees cover only the operational expenses of the retreat. There is no expected amount, but you are encouraged to give generously to the extent you are able. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to John, the staff and DZIMC, at the end of the retreat.

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 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.

Register NowRegister for John Travis August 10-15 Pay BalancePay Balance for John Travis August 10-15

The Jhanas and Insight: A 10-day (9-Night) Residential Retreat with Leigh Brasington at Lake Tahoe

September 24, 2022 ·

This retreat is now full and the waiting list is closed.

The jhanas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called right concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhanas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them. Jhana practice is helpful for gaining the deep insights necessary for ending personal suffering. The jhanas are an advanced topic in Buddhist meditation. Learning the jhanas comes more easily for those who have previously attended at least two one-week or longer silent meditation retreats and have a daily meditation practice of 45 minutes or more.

This residential retreat will take place at scenic Camp Galilee, on the lovely eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The retreat is offered in one 10-day (9-night) length only.

Leigh Brasington (leighb.com) is a teacher of insight meditation who was the senior American student of the late Venerable Ayya Khema, who authorized him to teach the jhanas. Leigh has taught them, along with other insight practices, at well over one hundred residential retreats throughout the United States and Europe. He is casual and warm, and is skilled at providing individualized instruction during retreats. Leigh is also the author of the excellent and helpful books Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas (2015), and Dependent Origination and Emptiness: Streams Of Dependently Arising Processes Interacting (2021).

COST: $895-$1,350 sliding scale registration fee, plus a voluntary donation to the teacher at the end of the retreat. The estimated actual per-person cost for this retreat (if we used a fixed rate) is $1,052. By selecting a registration fee amount above this level, your generosity supports those who need to select a lower rate to attend. A non-refundable $350 deposit is required with registration to secure a spot. Registration fee balances will be due by September 16th. The registration fee pays for shared lodging, three delicious vegetarian meals per day and teacher transportation. A limited number of single rooms may be available for an extra $350, depending on space. Partial scholarships are available; contact registrar Tom Gray tom@dharmazephyr.org to apply for one. See Dharma Zephyr Scholarship Policy HERE.

DANA (donation): Compensation for the teacher is not included in the registration fee. The teacher offers these teachings freely in the tradition of the Buddha, and will gratefully accept voluntary dana at the end of the retreat. Dana for Dharma Zephyr will also be gratefully accepted.

TO REGISTER: This retreat is FULL. To join the waiting list, please email tom@dharmazephyr.org.

THE RETREAT IS FULLRegister Online

Please email tom@dharmazephyr.org to be added to the waiting list.

Registration will occur in two stages: 1) April 2-16, 2024 for Dharma Zephyr (DZIMC) participants only, and 2) April 17, 2024 and beyond for everyone until the retreat fills.

PAY BALANCE ONLINEPay Balance for Leigh Brasington Retreat

CANCELLATION: The $350 deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation before September 16, 2024: full refund except deposit. Cancellation between September 16 and October 7, 2024: refund one half of all payments except deposit. Cancellation after October 7, 2024: no refund.

COVID-19: In the spirit of lovingkindness and ethical behavior, Leigh and DZIMC are requiring everyone to follow this protocol from Insight Retreat Center to protect us all during the retreat: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oN7OjOvuJnyQepk3Z0NhrOad6Jgs1_dAxFr_2i46C84/edit. In summary, each person must bring two (2) Covid FDA-approved rapid tests and at least one N-95, KN-95, or KF-94 mask to the retreat. To speed up the check-in process, please self-administer your first test up to a few hours before arrival at the retreat center and bring a photo of your negative result to show the greeter. If your result is positive please do not come to the retreat. We will all self-administer our second tests 48-72 hours after arrival as directed by the retreat manager and/or Leigh. Have your mask handy when indoors in case they are required (or if you prefer to wear one even if not required). See the above link for more details.

QUESTIONS? Contact Tom Gray tom@dharmazephyr.org.

Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community: Mindfulness of Breathing retreat at Camp Galilee
Photo: T.Gray

– This Retreat is Full – “There’s More Than One Way to Skin an Ego: The Multiplicity of Meditations”: A 3-Night Residential Retreat with Santikaro at Lake Tahoe

September 14, 2018 ·


    THIS RETREAT IS FULL AS OF 3/24/2019 AND IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW REGISTRATIONS AT THIS TIME — Please consider other DZIMC residential retreats, such as the August 2019 Heather Sundberg retreat or the November 2019 Denise Barclay retreat – THANK YOU!

Join us on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe for a 4-Day, 3-Night Residential Silent Meditation Retreat with Santikaro,
Sunday March 31, 3pm- Wednesday April 3, 1pm.

• As we encounter different types of meditation beyond what we started with, a key questions looms: What is the purpose of any practice or approach that we try or hear about? What needs do each practice or approach meet and how do they do so?

• In this 4-day retreat we will survey the main categories of meditation, as found in early Buddhist teachings, and practice an example of each.

• Having an overview of the broad meditative terrain — with all its diversity and competition for our practice time — will be helpful in assessing our true needs and choosing approaches that suit those needs.

Santikaro means “Peace Worker.” While his life experiences — in the Peace Corps, 19 years of monkhood, and studying with Ajahn Buddhadasa in Thailand — may be different from ours, underneath that exotica we find the sturdy no-nonsense of the Midwesterner he is. He’s fun, insightful, and a great friend. Santikaro is a respected Buddhist scholar and translator, and was editor of Buddhadasa’s acclaimed book “Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree”. From his continuing studies he brings deep knowledge of the early Buddhist suttas and the human condition to bear on dharma study and practice in Nevada.

The peaceful setting under great pines offers a unique opportunity for silent meditation in a setting of stunning natural beauty. Situated at an exquisite retreat center right on the shore of Lake Tahoe, participants may enjoy walking meditation on the beach, and if weather permits, mindful kayaking on the lake.

Both beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome at this retreat. In addition to guided meditations and instruction, there will be ample opportunities for personal exploration while sitting and walking.

COST: $250 to $410 sliding scale
The estimated actual per-person cost is $310. By selecting an amount above this level, your generosity supports those who need to select a lower amount. Partial scholarships are also available; contact Karen below.

DANA (donation): Compensation for the teacher is not included in the registration fee. Santikaro offers the teachings freely in the tradition of the Buddha, and his livelihood is completely sustained by the generosity of the communities he serves.

TO REGISTER: Fill out the registration forms and liability waiver below either online or via U.S. mail and pay a $100 non-refundable deposit either online or via U.S. mail.

Flyer:

Santikaro 2019 flyer

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

REGISTER ONLINE:
REGISTER ONLINEClick Here to Register Online for Santikaro's Retreat.

PAY ONLINE:
Click the Donate Button below and fill in your payment amount.




VIA U.S. MAIL:
Download/Print
20190331-Santikaro RegForm2019

QUESTIONS? Contact Tom Gray at tom@dharmazephyr.org
or 775-846-4658

Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community: Mindfulness of Breathing retreat at Camp Galilee
Photos by Tom Gray and Mark Breedon, respectively

5-Night Residential Retreat with John Travis at Lake Tahoe

September 24, 2017 ·

“Dancing towards open awareness”

This retreat is based on the fundamental principles of practice.

First – is the discipline to stop and collect ourselves – the principles of concentration.

Second – the ability and repetition of seeing into the simple functions of the heart and mind. Seeing how we live with, create, and let go of tension and anxieties. The fundamentals of insight.

Third –
once the heart mind settles, one begins to see that peace and ease, the simple nature of un-obstructed awareness begins to dominate our field. Being free to let everything come and go, Including the complexities of our lives.

Working with the practice of nothing special- simply sitting and walking – integrating these three fundamentals – some will simply work on concentration. Others will put more attention on the study of emotions and the play of the mind. And last but not least that sense of freedom that comes from relaxing into open awareness. The dancing with these principles.

COST:

  • Registration fees are $470, if registering before May 1st, 2018. After May 1st the cost is $490 (this pays for lodging and three meals a day).
  • A minimum $200 deposit is required to secure your spot.
  • The remaining balance is due by August 9, 2018.
  • Please make checks out to DZIMC or pay online.
  • Compensation for the teacher and staff is not included in the registration fees. There will be an opportunity to offer dana/donations to the teacher and retreat manager at the end of the retreat.
CANCELATION:

  • Full refunds are given until May 7, 2018.
  • After May 7, 2018 the refund amount is minus $60.
  • After July 19, 2018 no refund is given.

UPDATE:

As of 08-06-18 there are two spaces available.  Usually this retreat is full at this time.  Here is an extraordinary opportunity for you to attend.

 

Large engraved stone with two footprints and a lotus flower layed on top.

The Dana Retreat:

We invite you to pay it forward by contributing to our new residential retreat fund.

DONATE TO THE DANA RETREAT
LEARN MORE

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