Your Aspiration: The aspiration is about seeing what is present; it is less about removing negativities about you — and more about allowing changes and transformations to occur and not having fixed ideas about what should or should not occur in a retreat. If it is positive practice then confidence in awakening, by you and others, will naturally take place.
Health: Physical health.
The retreat is located in a rugged area with paths on uneven ground so it is important that you be reasonably healthy and able to walk around such a property. If you have any doubts check with a doctor before coming. Please realize that a retreat is not psychotherapy. All participants need to be in a reasonably balanced emotional state. If you are on any medication, or were on medication immediately prior to the retreat, you will be asked to disclose this information as this can help Lama Mark understand your situation. The retreat site is located on a remote island serviced by a small clinic and emergency ambulance service only. Please be sure you have adequate medical health insurance if you are from out of province or out of country.
Site: While on property during the retreat, we ask all the participants to take the five precepts and the Bodhisattva vow as their constant practice. These disciplines, which are common to all schools of Buddhism, are standard for meditation retreats and are to help support the development of fluid, easeful presence, coupled with bright interest and awakeness. Lama Mark will give these precepts at the start of the retreat and teaching on them. Please ask the Retreat Manager for a copy of the five precepts and Bodhisattva vow if you are not familiar with them.
Use of cell phones and laptops will not be permitted during retreats:
These must be deposited with the retreat manager at the start of the retreat. Family emergencies can be phoned into the retreat coordinator or the emergency numbers on your information form.
Kitchen / Cooking /Diet:
If you have dietary requirements for health reasons, we will try to accommodate you. However, part of practicing Buddha Dharma involves cultivating equanimity and learning to accept what comes up and that especially includes food. Catering for a large range of different needs is a lot of work, so please make sure your requests are not whims of the moment. If you do have special needs, please inform the Registrar on your application form.
Dana for the Teacher:
In keeping with traditional practice, Lama Mark does not charge a fee for teaching but lives by Dana (the generosity of students). Dana is a Buddhist teaching about giving and receiving, about generosity and thankfulness, and the interdependence of all beings. It is not a tip or gratuity but is often the teacher's only source of livelihood. It is left up to the participants to assess their own circumstances and to give accordingly, as generously as possible.
A suggested amount is $30 per day; this is only a guideline.
Refund Policy: In order to maintain expenses for the retreat, Crystal Mountain will retain a non- refundable portion of your retreat funds, $100 to $200 (sliding scale). It will be designated to the Practitioner Support Fund and you will be eligible for a tax receipt.
Practitioner Support Fund: The Practitioner Support Fund was created to support individuals financially to attend retreats. Information on how to apply to the fund can be found on CrystalMountain.org
Please consider adding a donation to your retreat fees as an act of generosity. Donations can be made on the website or sent in with your retreat fees.
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