Spring Awakening Meditation Retreat
March 5-10, 2023
Garrison Institute, Garrison,  New York

Please see Garrison's COVID-19 policy page for requirements to attend this retreat.

Some partial need-based scholarships, offered by the Garrison Institute, may be available.
Please email our director, Kathleen Albanese (kathleen@dzogchen.org) for more information.

We are delighted to finally be returning to the residential retreat environment at the Garrison Institute. Since 1989, the Dzogchen Center has
offered in-person retreat experiences to thousands of students. We have evolved a rhythm that creates an experience that is relaxed but focused,
quiet but joyful, intense but expansive. On our retreats, nothing is compulsory. Our expectations are that retreatants are mature individuals who
know how to use their time productively. Noble Silence is practiced from the moment you are settled in until the final closing circle, creating a powerful
tool in reducing the mental chatter that distracts us from seeing the natural state. To quiet the mind, to let it settle, words have to stop.

Teachings

Lama Surya Das is an extraordinary teacher who is able to synthesize a vast amount of spiritual knowledge and experience.
The rhythm of Lama Surya Das’ sessions involves chanting, guided meditation, oral pith instruction, teachings, and an extended question
and answer session. Lama Surya’s methods transmit essential insights of the Dzogchen view in a direct and accessible manner. He uses the question and
answer sessions to tailor the discussion to the particular needs of the students in the room, and he encourages everyone to bring their questions so that others
can share in the benefit of the dialogue. There are at least two teaching sessions each day: mid-morning, afternoon, and some evenings.
Lama Surya Das will teach most of those sessions. The balance of teaching sessions are are taught by invited guests and his senior students.

Group Practice

These are meditation sessions, about 45 minutes each. A practice leader will open the session with a short dedication prayer or some chanting; t
hen silent meditation, practicing the methods that Lama Surya has taught. While most people sit on cushions on the floor, comfortable chairs are also available.

Chanting

In chant, the power of sound connects us with ourselves, one another, and the divine. It is an ancient, tried and true form of meditation and prayer.
One of the most transformative and nonsectarian spiritual practices, chanting almost immediately takes us out of our heads and beyond the mind,
into realms of pure spirit and bliss. It helps us discover the spiritual breath and cosmic energy (prana in Sanskrit) inside the physical breath.
Monks and nuns, shamans, yogis, dervishes, chant masters, pilgrims, cantors, singers, and musicians have long known this universal secret.

Accommodations

The Garrison institute has been holding residential retreats for over 20 years. They offer single and double rooms with communal bathrooms
 on each floor (separated by gender.) Their delicious vegetarian meal options can accomodate vegan diets.
For more information, please visit their website- www.garrison.org.

Sample Daily Schedule
Please note, opening day check-in takes place from 3 PM to 6 PM. Closing day departure takes place after lunch (around 1 PM.)