Individual retreats are an integral part of our practice tradition and can bring intensity and depth to one’s meditation experience. We have a private room available at the Ann Arbor KTC where people can do short (usually one week or less) individual meditation retreats. Lama Nancy is available to help you plan your retreat program and provide individual guidance if needed. Apart from our regularly scheduled programming, you will be largely alone in the building during your retreat, though members may come in from time to time to do KTC business. You will have use of the kitchen and should plan to bring and cook your own food. Many people choose to remain in silence for the duration of their retreat.
So what does one do during a personal retreat? If you are a student of Vajrayana Buddhism, it is typical to do a combination of silent sitting meditation and whatever mantra/visualization practices you wish, such as Amitabha, Medicine Buddha, or Ngondro–or, if you have a different background, Vipassana or Zen meditation might be your focus. By allowing you to step away from the routine and commitments of daily life, a retreat offers a rare opportunity to focus one-pointedly on your spiritual practice for a period of time. Even after a brief retreat, you will see your usual pursuits with fresh eyes and may experience an increased motivation to practice.
The charge for personal retreats is $45 per day. To schedule a retreat, please fill out the form below and email it to contact@annarborktc.org. We will reply as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about doing a retreat at the KTC, please email lamanancy@annarborktc.org.
The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation!
–Jetsun Milarepa