Walking the Path of Peace
with Tavita Martinez and Mark Nowakowski
July 24 - 31, 2026
In these turbulent times, when the question of how to respond to aggression calls out, we find ourselves searching for a deeper place from which to meet the world with peace.
From the ground of basic goodness, the seed of awakening naturally arises—the quiet capacity to rest in awareness and abide peacefully within yourself.
Join us for Walking the Path of Peace, a retreat rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, where stillness, awareness, and loving-kindness are nurtured—supporting you in returning to your life with greater peace and wisdom, and a renewed capacity to connect genuinely with others.
Through daily meditation and mindful contemplation, we gently cultivate presence, compassion, and insight, allowing the mind to settle and the heart to open to others with clarity and care.
Meet the Retreat Leader
Influenced by Trungpa Rinpoche’s vision of enlightened society, T. Tavita Martinez teaches from the heart of fearless compassion. Her meditation work encourages people to settle, open, and trust the wisdom already living within them. She understands peace as a path of warriorship—meeting each moment with softness, precision, and bravery. Walking the Path of Peace is her invitation to the community: a moving meditation, a return to basic goodness, and a step toward creating a more awake and compassionate world.
T. Tavita Martinez will co-teach this retreat with Mark Nowakowski, senior member of the Nalanda Translation Committee and teacher in the Shambhala mandala.
What to expect
Our daily schedule will include:
– Sess
ions of sitting, walking, and moving meditation: indoors and outdoors
– Contemplation and lively interactions on different views of peace
– Meditation instructions and teachings with discussions
– Spontaneous outings and highlights
Who May Attend
This retreat is open to everyone.
Whether you are completely new to meditation or already have experience, guidance and instructions will be offered in a way that supports your individual needs.
The Weekend Option
We warmly encourage you to join us for the full week if possible. However, if you are unable to attend the entire retreat, you are welcome to join for the first weekend only — from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26 after lunch.
Simply select the Weekend Option during registration, and the cost will be adjusted accordingly.
Cost
$770 – $1680 for the whole week, depending on lodging choice.
$220 – $480 for the weekend, depending on lodging choice.
Pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot
Generosity Policy
We want everyone to be able to attend retreats at Dorje Denma Ling.
NEW! 30 & under and Monastic discounts available during registration.
~When early bird pricing is in effect, the higher discount will take precedence
Read About Our Generosity Policy
Other Useful Links
Registration and Cancellation Policy
What to Bring & Transportation
About the Leaders
Tavita Martinez
Mudwymn is Toni Tavita Martinez, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Ancestral Ritualist, and Death Walker located in Milwaukee, WI. I serve youth and families of color — primarily American Enslaved Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) and Latinx families experiencing grief, loss, and intergenerational trauma as a result of psycho-social economic oppression. I provide community and individual instruction […]
Learn more about Tavita Martinez
Mark Nowakowski
Mark Nowakowski met the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1972 and has been his student ever since. He also studies and translates with many other Kagyü and Nyingma Buddhist masters. Mark is particularly inspired by the works of Chögyam Trungpa and his teacher Khenpo Gangshar. He recently coordinated the translation and publication of Songs of Realization […]
Learn more about Mark NowakowskiCategories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program