Windhorse - retreat info

The purpose of retreat is to more fully engage in our life. WRC offers a place where we can take time for intensive practice and study, free from our many daily distractions.

" When people come to a place like Windhorse Retreat Center, they encounter a quality of human warmth and care that may be missing in the rest of their lives. Where is this warmth coming from? This process of awakening is what we must all continue and develop further, fulfilling the liberation of all beings.

With the world in increasing turmoil and fear arising, peoples search for peace of mind is intensifying. It is like a search for water in the desert. This peace is the precious jewel we offer. People connect with it through our Shambhala Centers and groups and, often most powerfully, through the experience of being at our land and retreat centers. These are environments blessed by the lineage and saturated with drala. As peoples minds come to rest through practice, the seeds of bodhichitta are watered and the noble qualities of the heart come forth – the most powerful of awakenings."

– The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche

Group Retreats
One of the best ways to introduce yourself to the joy of retreat is to sign up for a staffed group retreat. This provides a powerful and supportive group situation to enter into intensive practice.

WRC offers monthly group retreats where meals, lodging, meditation instruction, organized practice sessions and outdoor nature walks are offered. These programs are always staffed by highly experienced meditation instructors who have been trained and certified. See the programs page for a schedule of staffed group retreats.

WRC is also available to other groups who wish to staff their own programs.

Individual Retreats
Solitary meditation retreats are recommended once one has a well-established meditation practice and has been working with a meditation instructor. Solitary retreats are highly recommended to deepen one’s understanding of the view and practice of meditation.

The schedule you follow on retreat can be determined by your teacher or meditation instructor. Generally, one does eight or more hours of meditation and study in three to four sessions a day with time in between for sleep, meals, and relaxation.

WRC’s main facility has an East and West Wing allowing two separate solo retreats to occur concurrently.

Video: Werma Retreat

Video: Retreat Center in winter