Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling

Retreat Center


Venerable Bokar Rinpoche

A retreat center is a place where Dharma practitioners apply the essence of the Three Vehicles of Buddhism, particularly the specific stages of key meditative techniques of the Vajrayana. It is a unique situation where individuals directly embrace the teachings of the Buddha, developing the full meaning into the depth of their heart. For a period of three years and three months the retreatants start their practice at 3:00 am and finish at 9:00 pm. Except for three hours of break in which they have their meals, they practice and study for 15 hours daily. This includes four individual sessions of meditation, and two shorter group practice sessions.

Non-retreatants are not permitted contact of any kind with retreatants. This is to ensure that the retreat environment is free of obstacles and unnecessary distractions. Time in retreat is very precious and it is necessary to have a space where one is inspired and can experience serenity and peace of mind.

After completing the first three year retreat, retreatants can continue to do retreat and some may choose to remain for the rest of their lives. Others will take responsibilities in supporting the various Dharma activities of the monastery in addition to the continuation of their own practice.

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