At Deer Park Monastery, we offer seasonal retreats (see below) and special retreats. Seasonal retreats offer participants the opportunity to enjoy the daily schedule of the monastery and the basic practices such as sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating. Special retreats are 3-5 days and include basic practices as well as Dharma talks based on the theme of the retreat, Dharma family groups for working and sharing, and a schedule that incorporates special activities.
Seasonal Retreats
Schedule
Please note that not all Fridays are arrival days and the dates listed below are the only arrival days and for the period of time listed next to the date. We kindly ask that you register at least one week in advance, as registration will close a few days prior to the arrival date to make preparations.
- Friday, June 9, 2023: One weeklong stays only (Dorm accommodations for women are now full on this date)
- Friday, July 14, 2023: One or two weeklong stays
- Friday, July 21, 2023: One weeklong stays only
Pricing:
- Tent – Adult $50/night | Teen $40/night | Child $25/night
- 6 Bed Dorm – Adult $65/night | Teen $50/night | Child $35/ night
- 3 Bed Dorm – Adult $90/night | Teen $60/night | Child $45/ night
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available through a new grant we have received from the Hemera Foundation. To learn more and apply, visit the grant information page.
Registration
Only the dates listed above should be entered below as your arrival date. The duration should coincide with the date selected. More arrival dates coming soon.
Important Information
Seasonal retreats at Deer Park Monastery are available during many months of the year. Guests register to practice mindfulness with the community while following the daily schedule of the monastery. Accommodation options include a space in a dorm room or bringing your own tent to camp in our campgrounds. Depending on the availability of the specific arrival day, guests may register for a weekend, one week, or two weeks. Seasonal retreats are residential retreats; therefore, commuting is not an option.
To support stability in our practice, we observe designated arrival and departure days. All seasonal retreats start on Friday afternoon with a check-in time between 2 and 4 PM. Please arrange to arrive during check-in time. One and two week-long retreats end on Friday at 9 AM. Weekend retreats end on Sunday around 3 PM.
Where do you stay for a Seasonal Retreat?
Deer Park Monastery is comprised of two hamlets. Clarity Hamlet is where nuns (women) reside, and Solidity Hamlet is where monks (men) reside. During your visit, most of the practice will take place in the hamlet where you reside. The only exceptions are for the early morning sitting meditation and bi-weekly Day of Mindfulness, during which time we practice together. If you are staying in Clarity, you will follow the Clarity schedule. And if you stay in Solidity, you will follow the Solidity schedule.
Clarity Hamlet has accommodations (both camping and dorms) for those who identify as female, including same-gender female couples.
Solidity Hamlet has accommodations (both camping and dorms) for those who identify as male, including couples where one person is male.
We will support our gender non-conforming friends by identifying the most supportive hamlet and accommodations for your stay. Please feel free to make a note for us in the registration form. You will be assigned a hamlet based on the information provided in your registration form.
Special Retreats
All our special 3-5 day retreats are listed on our Calendar.