Eight Pillars of Joy Retreat
With Don Handrick
October 11 - 13, 2024
About the Retreat
In The Book of Joy, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu discuss “true joy”; which is a deeper and more dependable way of being that can be sustained and aid us through the many challenges of our lives. In the book, they outline eight pillars, or qualities, that are needed to cultivate true joy and provide a foundation for lasting happiness:
- Perspective,
- Humility,
- Humor,
- Acceptance,
- Forgiveness,
- Gratitude,
- Compassion, and
- Generosity.
In this retreat, we will explore our own potential for true joy by examining each of these eight qualities and discussing how we apply them in our daily lives.
Retreat Resources
We recommend the following reading to help support the retreat. Both books can be purchased through the LMB store.
The Book of Joy by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu
The Book of Joy Journal: a 365 Companion
Ways to engage:
You can join this retreat as an overnight guest, commuter for the entire weekend, or online via Zoom. Recordings will be available if you’re unable to make any of the sessions.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, October 11
- 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 (overnight guests only)
- 7:00pm – 8:30pm Introduction Session
Saturday, October 12
- 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast (overnight guests only)
- 9:00am – 10:00am: Session 1
- 11:00am – 12:30pm: Session 2
- 12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch
- 4:00pm – 5:30pm: Session 3
- 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner
- 7:00pm – 8:30pm Session 4
Sunday, October 13
- 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast (overnight guests only)
- 9:00am – 10:00am: Session 1
- 11:00am – 12:30pm: Session 2
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm 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 extra nights to your stay 2 days before and 1 night 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.
Leader
Don Handrick is a touring teacher for the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), sharing the Dharma with centers and study groups in North America and other parts of the world, both in-person and online. Don’s study of Buddhism began in 1993 after reading The Tibetan Book of…
Learn more about Don Handrick