Retreat Information -Details

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Dhammasukha
- Meditation Retreat Information Sheet -

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:

Before you come:

You will be asked to send us a $35 deposit that includes a $10 fee for the Air Evac service to hold your place. Indicate the dates you want to come. There is no set start dates for retreats.

Indicate your special needs –diet, access issues. We serve a mixed meat and veg. diet. Vegetarian, Vegan,gluten-free are ok but tell us in advance.

Students studying at the center for the first time are requested to set their retreat up for a maximum of 2 weeks. We do permit a 4 days min visit if you are trying to do this around work or school times. If you have already had exposure to practicing the "TWIM" meditation through a group retreat, an online guided retreat, or by writing to a teacher by email, then longer periods of retreat can be arranged by approval of the Abbot, Venerable Vimalaramsi. Longer periods may be up to 3mos but are always restricted to practicing the Tranquil Wisdom insight Meditation taught at the center. Retreaters are expected to following the daily schedule

All students will be on 8 precepts during their retreat with two meals each day (Breakfast and Noonday meal) and only tea or juice in the evening. (A light snack in the evening may be permitted only if medically required).

We do have 3 lovable dogs. There are a few cats but they are in a different area. Only 2 meals are served - breakfast and the large noon-day meal. This is in keeping with the standard Buddhist retreat tradition. Tea is served at night only before the Dhamma Talk.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE CENTER:

If you are arriving by air to the St. Louis Airport (STL), please inform us of your flight information and try to arrive by 11 AM in the morning so you can arrange with SMTS shuttle

1-2 days in advance to pick you up and carry you to Farmington. They leave from the Greyhound terminal at 1 PM and they arrive in Farmington at 3:30 PM. We will pick you up from there.

They will carry you back 'directly to the Airport' on Mon, Wed, or Fridays to arrive at the STL by 11 AM. It is best to plan your return flights to leave after 2:30 PM so there is plenty of time for security checks.

The cost for the shuttle is $30 one-way.

Other types of transportation with maps, times, please see:
http://www.dhammasukha.org/About/location.htm .

UPON YOUR ARRIVAL;

You will be asked to pay the balance of your retreat upon arrival ($35/day) and to fill out paperwork indicating your past retreat experience, medical information and insurance. Emergency phone#s plus paperwork for the Emergency Air Evac medical service is requested, should the need arise. A valid D/L/Passport, SSN, medical insurance plan numbers must be provided. Part of your deposit ($10) pays for any Air Evac service as needed within the May to the May contract each year. All your information will be protected and not shared.

ABOUT THE WEATHER, WHAT TO BRING, AND WHAT TO WEAR:

WHAT TO WEAR FOR SUMMER: Summer Rains Retreats

Be prepared for summer weather temperatures in the 90's during the day and 60’s at night. All buildings and Kuti’s are air-conditioned. Modest light clothing is recommended. We ask you to please cover your knees and shoulders and request no sleeveless wear, tank tops etc. Please wear clothes without political slogans or messages on them. The traditional color to wear for retreat is white, however, this is optional.

Its a good idea to bring a Light rain jacket and hood or umbrella, and some rubber boots for an occasional downpour. Slippers are good for meditation rooms.
A Laundry room is available for students so please do not bring a large luggage bag. Space is limited for storage.

WHAT TO WEAR: Winter Retreats (Nov-March)

You will need heavy winter clothes with temps from 0 to 60 Fahrenheit. Long underwear, gloves, warm boots, slippers, heavy coat. Knitted caps and gloves are good. Cabins have adequate propane heating.

WHAT TO BRING:

-for sleeping:

Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. If you come by

car, you may want to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, or comforter.

Males and Females are in separate cabins. Couples cannot room together.

-for meditation:

You may want a shawl or blanket to wrap around shoulders when sitting. You may bring your own Meditation chair or cushion if coming by car. There are some chairs, benches, and cushions at the center.

-MOST IMPORTANT items to bring:

Alarm Clock Sunscreen Moisturizer

Flashlight(s) Water Bottle Bug Repellant - your choice

Prescription Meds Lip Balm Personal Hygiene Kits

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APPLICATION FOR RETREAT - mail this to us

Name________________________________

Address______________________________

City, State,_____________________ Country _________

Phone#_____________________________

Email:______________________________

Indicate Diet: Mixed OK___Vegetarian____Vegan____Gluten Free____ Other_________________