This Retreat will be available In-Person Only

This art course will be conducted in semi retreat style and will be dedicated to the swift return of our precious guru Lama Zopa Rimpoche. H.H. Dalai Lama advised all the students of FPMT to recite the mantra of Manjsuhri as often as possible.

MANJUSHRI ( Sanskrit: Manjusri , Tib. Jampelyang) is the embodiment of the enlightened wisdom of all Buddhas realizing the ultimate nature of reality.  His name can be translated as “Gentle Glory “and he is one of the most widely revered bodhisattvas in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Mostly depicted sitting in the vajra position (lotus position) on a moon and lotus cushion.

His body colour is golden yellow indicating wisdom (sun energy) and he wears the robes and ornaments of a bodhisattva. This colour in Tibetan is called Mar.Ser,  Mar stands for mar.po = red, ser means gold.

Students will receive hands on tuition in drawing and painting the deity. It will focus on a small painting of Manjushri in the Mar.tang style – gold lines on a Vermillion back ground. The painting technique will focus on natural colours and the making of your own gold paint. Not many artists know this secret technique.

Description:  His left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower, which supports the Prajnaparamita sutra (‘Perfection of Wisdom Sutra’), an important Mahayana text which reveals the methods for developing and realizing wisdom.

His right hand holds a flaming sword symbolizing the power of wisdom to cut through ignorance, the root of all suffering. The tip of the sword should be as thin as possible to penetrate to the deepest source. The fire on the tip expresses transformation.

Art Supplies

All students will need to purchase and bring their own Art Supplies. Detailed Lists of the requirements are attached to the confirmation email upon registration.

Retreat Schedule

Thursday 18

• 4:00pm – 5:45pm Check in (overnight guests only)
• 5:45pm – 6:00pm Welcome talk in Dining room (overnight guests only)
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner 
• 7:00pm – 8:30pm Introductory Talk

Friday 19 – Sunday 21

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 12:30pm: Teaching Session 1
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm Lunch
• 2:30pm – 6:00pm: Teaching Session 2
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm Teaching Session 3

Monday 22

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 10:00am: Guided Mediation
• 11:30am – 12:30pm: Teaching Session
• 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch (End of Retreat)

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 Rommy at [email protected] to communicate your specific requirements, as much notice as possible is greatly appreciated.

Room Options

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

Shared Double Room: This can be booked by a couple, two friends, or by individuals happy to share with someone else. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. 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. The price is per person

Shared Room: This can be booked by families, groups of friends or individuals. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. 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. The price indicated is per person. 

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 extra nights to your stay 2 days before and after the retreat starts. 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.