The Oxherding Retreat

The Oxherding Pictures
A 12th-century Zen Buddhist series of drawings and poems

They tell an ancient and a modern tale
Of enlightenment and endarkenment,
Waking up and growing up—
A journey in pictures and verse.

A young ox herder has lost the ox,
Finds it, huge and untamed, in the wilds
And tames, and is tamed by, this magnificent being
Until they are so intimately connected
as to disappear altogether
And find the beauty of this very world again,
awakened, beloved and calling for love.

For four days we’ll immerse ourselves together
In silence and conversation, stillness and motion
With this old dream and our modern one
And emerge with hearts and minds refreshed,
More at ease and ready to meet the beings and the times that we meet.

*Ox painting by Max Gimblett

What to Get for the Retreat

If possible, get The Disappearing Ox: A Modern Version of a Classic Buddhist Tale book before the retreat. A few may be available at the retreat.

Who May Attend

Open to all, new and more experienced meditators, curious and searching minds.
It is for you if you are looking for a pause, a fresh start, gentle and precise guidance.

Cost

$460 to $980 depending on your lodging choice.

Pay in full or a 40% deposit.

Generosity Policy

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

Read about our Generosity Policy & Payment Options

Other Useful Links:

Registration and Cancellation Policy

What to Bring & Expect at DDL

How to Get Here