When and Where Is the Meditation Retreat?
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 19, 2023 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.
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.
Can I Really Do This For Ten Days? Me?
Yes. Though if you have any physical or mental health conditions you’re concerned might alter my pre-fab “yes”, please ask!
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.
Will There Be An Optional Retreat Extension Like Last Year?
No, but we’re expecting to offer this in 2024, and in future even-numbered years.
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.
What Is The Covid Protocol?
Diamond Mountain’s protocol is to request photos of vaccine cards, and that people who are not vaccinated PCR test before the retreat starts. If any additional procedures are necessary, we’ll be in touch about these as the retreat gets closer.
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.