Practicing Fearlessness in Difficult Times: Winter Dathün Meditation with Acharya Dale Asrael, Acharya Jenny Warwick & Roland Cohen

"Dathün is a pivotal point in one's life, where the profundity of the teachings soak into our core. It is the time and opportunity for us to change, develop and mature." Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Dathün (literally "moon session"), a month-long group meditation retreat for both new and experienced meditators, is a powerful training ground for the creation of compassionate society. The retreat will include meditation instruction and guided sessions of shamatha (peaceful abiding) practice to stabilize the mind, and vipashyana (contemplative meditation) to develop insight and open the heart of compassion. It will also include private interviews with qualified meditation instructors. Participants will practice silence and mindful speech; periods of meditation-in-action including cleaning, cutting vegetables, and community tasks; and Oryoki (traditional Japanese temple meal practice).

The Winter Dathün will be led by Acharya Dale Asrael (1st two weeks), Acharya Jenny Warwick (last 10 days) and Senior Teacher Roland Cohen who will preside throughout the month. Acharya Asrael will be offering refuge and bodhisattva vows during the second week of the retreat.

For a deep immersion into the path of meditation and warriorship, we invite you to attend the entire dathün. You can also participate in one or more of our week-long segments, or weekthüns. Priority will be given to full month participants. All participants are required to attend for at least one week, preferably at least two.

Week 1: December 12 to 19
Weeks 1 & 2: December 12 to 26
Week 2: December 19 to 26
Weeks 2 & 3: December 19 to January 2
Week 3: December 26 to January 2
Weeks 3 & 4: December 26 to January 9

Please review the payment and cancellation policies on the registration page carefully as they differ from the general policies for other programs.

Please note that if you select dormitory accommodations you may be sleeping on a foam mattress on the shrine room floor.

Acharya Dale Asrael studied with Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche from 1973 until his passing in 1987. A student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who appointed her an Acharya in 2000, she has lead dathüns and other meditation retreats internationally since 1980, including Sutrayana Seminarya and meditation instructor and teacher trainings in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Acharya Asrael teaches Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Education at Naropa University.

Acharya Jenny Warwick has been a student of Trungpa Rinpoche for over 35 years, and is currently a student of the Sakyong. She attended Seminary in 1976 and served as the Ambassador of the Vancouver Dharmadhatu from 1980 to 1985. In 1985, Jenny moved to Karme Choling, where she served for five years as Executive Co-Director. She has lead numerous dathüns and Vajrayana intensives as well as Warriors Assembly. Between 2006 and 2007, Jenny participated in the second year of the Three Year Retreat at Sopa Choling Retreat Center.

Roland Cohen has been a student of Chogyam Trungpa since 1973 and has taught Shambhala training and Buddhist courses since 1981. He has served as Resident Director of Shambhala Training in Boulder and Resident Senior Teacher in New Zealand. A professor at Naropa University, Roland has also taught at Shambhala centers throughout the region and in prisons throughout the U.S.

Extend Your Stay. We are offering a 50% housing discount for additional nights. Come early and relax before your program starts or stay an extra day or more after this program to savor your retreat experience.

Please arrive between 10am and 4pm. No activities are scheduled for the departure day. View Detailed Program Information.