When and Where Is the Meditation Retreat?
The retreat starts on Friday November 8, 2024 at Diamond Mountain in Bowie, Arizona. Bowie is about 2 hours east of Tucson, AZ and 3 hours west of El Paso, TX. Tucker and Upasaka Upali will be teaching the retreat. You can sign up to stay either until November 17 (10 days), or until November 24 (17 days).
So, What’s A Meditation Retreat?
It’s a break from the world during which we focus exclusively on meditation. We will not use phones, internet, or the like, and our time will be almost entirely devoted to meditation.
How Much Will It Cost?
Please see the registration page for how much Diamond Mountain charges based on your choice of accommodations. They have offered us extremely affordable prices. Please note that if you’re signing up for 17 days, you need to add two items to your cart, the 10-day retreat and the 7-day extension.
What Can You Tell Me About This Extension?
It will be similar to the first ten days, except that while any use of electronic devices is prohibited in the first ten days, you will be allowed to use your phone, computer, etc starting on Nov 17 (though in the past many people opted not to). There will also be an opportunity to do laundry, which won’t be offered to folks coming for ten days.
I Heard There’s A Neurotech Study Going On
Pending approval from the University of Arizona IRB, SEMA Lab, run by Dr. Jay Sanguinetti, Dr. Brian Lord, and Shinzen Young, will be bringing a transcranial focused ultrasound machine to the retreat. Attendees will have the option of enrolling in the study to see whether and how TFUS improves their meditation experience. Of course, participation is optional, and if you opt out, you’ll hardly notice the study, as it will be conducted in a cabin that non-participants won’t have reason to go into.
In the unlikely case that the study is canceled, the standard retreat refund policy applies (you’ll see the policy on the registration page).
What Costs Aren’t Included In the Fee to the Retreat Center?
One is “dana,” which is payment to the teacher. The intention of dana is to be as generous as you are sustainably able to, and of course this amount varies greatly among students. Traditionally, students pay dana following the end of the retreat.
We probably cannot provide free transportation to everyone from Tucson to the retreat center. We will have some cars that will be doing the trip, and if we can’t offer you a ride, we will help connect groups to either rent a car or pay Diamond Mountain for a ride.
OK That’s A Reasonable Price, but I Still Can’t Afford That + Travel & Dana
You can also apply for a need-based scholarship through the Open Dharma Foundation. Deadlines are Jan 15, Apr 15, Aug 15, and Oct 15, though if you’re applying for $300 or less, you can apply anytime.
I’ve Got Some Extra Money. How Can I Support People Who Want To Go On Retreats But Can’t Afford It?
Thanks for asking! You can make a donation to the Open Dharma Foundation, a 501c3 organization (meaning this donation is likely tax-deductible in the US).
Can I plan to leave early or come late?
No.
When Should I Arrive in Arizona?
We’d like everyone to be in Tucson by 1 PM on Friday and to fly out of Tucson no earlier than 2 PM on Sunday. If you’d like to fly to Phoenix to save money, you can take the bus to Tucson; please arrive by 9:30AM or earlier on Friday if you’re flying to Phoenix.
Will The Retreat Organizers Provide Lodging in Tucson the Night Before and After?
Leigh, one of the students in Tucson, will organize an Airbnb for people arriving early. We’ll start an email thread in the late summer about this.
Last Time There Was A Sweat Lodge with a Native American Medicine Man After Day 17. Will That Happen Again?
We won’t know this for sure until fairly close to the retreat. If you’d like to attend this, we’d suggest that you fly out of Tucson late on Sunday, or wait until Monday.
How Do I Register?
What If I Still Have Questions?
Depending on the question, you can contact Tucker and Upali, or you can contact Diamond Mountain.