This weekend retreat offers a grounded, beginner-friendly introduction to compassion practice within the Mahayana tradition, including a gentle entry into tonglen, the meditation of “taking and giving.” 

Tonglen is a profound method for working with suffering: breathing in with the courage to acknowledge pain, and breathing out with the wish to offer relief to others. This is a heart-opening method for transforming suffering and developing compassion.

By engaging with these teachings and practices in community, we begin to discover compassion as a powerful, embodied method for healing—both for ourselves and for the world around us.

We will explore these themes through presentation, meditation, and discussion.

All are warmly welcome; no prior meditation experience is needed.

Retreat Schedule: 

Friday,  March 6

• • 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Check in
  • 5:45 pm – 6:00 pm Welcome talk in Dining room
  • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
  • 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Teachings

Saturday, March 7

• • 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Guided meditation
  • 10:00 – 11:00 am: Tea Break
  • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Teachings
  • 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch
  • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Teachings
  • 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
  • 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Q & A Session
  • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Dinner
  • 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Teachings

Sunday, March 8

• • 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Guided Meditation
  • 10:00 – 10:30 am: Tea Break/Checkout
  • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Final Teachings
  • 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Khatas and Farewells
  • 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch (End of Retreat)

** Please note schedule is subject to change **

Lodging and Meals

​​During the retreat, we provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. We have a variety of lodging available to make your stay comfortable. 

We will do our best to cater for additional requirements outside of this, please contact [email protected] to communicate your specific requirements, as much notice as possible is greatly appreciated.

Room Options

Single: Ideal for those who need privacy, each room has an ensuite bathroom. Please note Single rooms are limited and book out quickly.

Double: Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom. You would be sharing this room with one other person. 

Shared: If you prefer a more communal setting, we have shared dormitories available. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom.

Yurt Village: Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village.

Please note the Yurt Village is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will only be able to walk to and from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. Please note that it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Tent Platforms: For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Please note we have two Platforms at the Wishfulfilling Temple and 1 platform in the Yurt Village.

Additional Nights

You are most welcome to add an extra night to your stay 1 day before the retreat starts and 1 day after the retreat ends. A 10% discount is offered on our standard room rate. Please note that only a continental breakfast is included in that price. You will need to arrange your own lunch and dinner before or after the retreat starts. 

Commuters

Please note lunch and dinner are included in your program costs. Breakfast is not included. 

How to Get Here

Access to LMB is via a small, winding road (Prescott Road) which we share with numerous neighbors. As you are driving to our property please turn on your headlights, go slowly, and be prepared to pull over to the side when you meet oncoming traffic.

Closest Airports:

The nearest airports to LMB are San Francisco (~1.5 hours away) and San Jose (~1 hour away). To reach LMB from either of these airports you can use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft etc), or a shuttle service (Early Bird Airport Shuttle Service). Expect to pay $100 – $150 from San Francisco, or $60 – 80 from San Jose using a rideshare app. LMB is unable to offer assistance in helping you get to or from the center. Please make your own arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Overnight Guests:

If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance a full refund will be offered. If you cancel up to two weeks prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered. If you cancel up to 1 week prior to the retreat starting no refund will be offered.

Commuters

If you cancel 1 week prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered.