Approaching Mahamudra: A Weekend Meditation Retreat

with Richard John

June 5 - 7, 2026

Date and Time Details:
June 5 Arrival 3 - 5 pm
Dinner & Orientation 6:30 pm
June 7 Departure 5:30 pm

Location:
Dorje Denma Ling
2280 Balmoral Road
The Fall, NS

Cost:
$280 - 540 depending on your lodging choice
Pay in full or place a 50% deposit

Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy – CAD $540.00
Gyatso Lodge: Double Occupancy – CAD $360.00
Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy – CAD $540.00
Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $360.00
Wood Cabin: Retreat. Double Occupancy – CAD $360.00
Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy – CAD $420.00
Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $330.00
Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided – CAD $310.00
RV, Camper, Car/Van & Tent Camping without a platform – CAD $280.00
Shrine Room Floor: Garuda & Dragon – CAD $290.00
Offsite Lodging – CAD $280.00

Information & Registration

“Shamatha and Vipashyana alone are the iron hook
that will lead you to liberation.” ~ Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

All practitioners know that shamatha and vipashyana are essential for entering the path of Dharma. But many don’t realize that these basic forms of meditation evolve to become the very core practices of the highest teachings of Buddhism, mahamudra and dzogchen. Shamatha, the training in calm abiding and non-distraction, becomes the ability to rest in and stabilize the natural state of mind. Vipashyana expands into the actual wisdom of emptiness, buddha nature itself.

This weekend is also the beginning of the nine-day vajrayana retreat. It will include in-depth instruction on shamatha and vipashyana, and a general preview of their application in vajrayana practices, both formless and sadhana. There will be time for talks, questions and discussion.

Schedule

Friday Arrival between 3 & 5 pm
Dinner 6:30 with orientation after
Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

You also have the option during registration of adding extra days to practice on your own or with the DDL community.

Who May Attend

This program is open to all practitioners, new or senior, who have received meditation instruction and are committed to the path of dharma. This weekend is included in the nine-day retreat for vajrayana practitioners.

Cost

$280 – 540 depending on your lodging choice

Pay in full or a place a 50% deposit

NEW! 30 & under and monastic discounts available during registration.
~When early bird pricing is in effect, the higher discount will take precedence

Heart Gifts

It is customary to offer a monetary heart gift to a dharma teacher. This is a significant source of income for many teachers. Gifts are voluntary, and any amount will be appreciated. There will be an opportunity to do this near the end of the program. Dorje Denma Ling is not able to collect heart gift money, please talk to your program coordinator.

Generosity Policy

We want everyone to be able to attend retreats at Dorje Denma Ling.

Read About Our Generosity Policy

About the Leader

Richard John

An early student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Richard served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for 20 years. He completed the traditional Buddhist three-year retreat at Gampo Abbey, and has led mahamudra retreats for 25 years. Richard and his wife Liz reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Learn more about Richard John

Categories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program