Solitary Retreats

Cliff hanger cabin
Cliff hanger cabin

 

Now accepting applications for solitary retreats 2024. 

 

Cabins for solitary retreats are available at Gampo Abbey for those who are interested in doing a retreat for ten days or longer. This practice opportunity is intended to support those wanting to deepen their study and practice of meditation. It is not intended to provide space for writing, music, yoga, martial arts, or to rest and recuperate.

Please note that in 2024 we will have very few retreat cabins available because of activities associated with the three-year retreat.

To qualify to do a solitary retreat at Gampo Abbey

  • You must be a member of a practice community and/or have a strong personal connection with a spiritual teacher.
  • You must have completed one or more group retreat programs of at least two weeks.
  • An established daily practice is essential.
  • We require the recommendation of a spiritual teacher or meditation advisor. This teacher must be able to comment on your preparedness to undertake a solitary retreat. 

For 2024 there are limited cabins available:

Marpa Cabin       $65/night     Indoor composting toilet, no shower, access to designated shower in Abbey

Prices in Canadian dollars

Mipham Cabin Photos

Not available 2024

Marpa Cabin Photos
Druppon Cabin Photos

Not available 2024

Vegetarian food supplies, which are cooked by retreatants, are included. Each cabin has a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, a bed with bedding, towels, a table/chair, meditation cushions, and a shrine. Some cabins have an outhouse. Cabins without showers offer a designated shower in the Abbey building used at specified times. 

Basic shrine setup consisting of seven water bowls, two candles in votive holders, and photos of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Pema Chödrön. Some cabins have a rupa or a thangka. Additional candles, incense, juniper, and charcoal can be purchased at the Gampo Abbey Bookstore. If you need a special shrine setup, it is recommended that you bring it with you.

In accordance with monastic rules no meat, garlic, or onions are permitted for retreatants. Exceptions may be made in the case of eating meat for medical reasons only if pre-approved by the Director. Retreatants should bring any medication or dietary supplements needed for the full period of retreat. There is no smoking on Abbey grounds.

Solitary retreats are solitary, in that there is no contact with other Abbey residents or staff, other than the liaison from the Retreats department. All Abbey residents are informed of ongoing solitary retreats and are instructed not to interfere with retreatant boundaries (not speaking, not visiting, not hiking with, etc.)

Cancellations and refund policy

A cabin will not be reserved until your application has been approved and a deposit of CDN$100 has been received by the Finance Office. Full payment is required when you arrive at Gampo Abbey.

If you need to cancel your retreat we will refund your deposit for cancellations received 30 days prior to your arrival day. If you need to cancel within 30 days of your requested arrival date, you may apply 75% of your deposit toward a future retreat.

Marpa Cabin May 9, 2023 – never any promises about the weather!