Retreats FAQ

If you are not sure which retreat to apply for, we have some suggestions on how to choose the right retreat page. You may refer to the page to make a determination based on your past experience. You are also welcome to email us to discuss it (register@dharmadrumretreat.org).

Yes, if you come on retreat, you are expected to follow the schedule. The retreat schedule and the retreat center environment are carefully designed to provide participants with the best possible conditions to support meditation practice. From morning till night, you know exactly where you are supposed to be and what you should be doing. This frees you to focus your full attention and energy on your meditation method.

Yes, you are expected to observe the rules of Noble Silence, which support your meditation practice by limiting mental distraction. In addition to no talking, Noble Silence also means no reading, writing, texting, email, phone calls, music devices, or internet. The retreat leaders will speak when they need to direct you, and of course the teacher will be giving Dharma talks. When other communication is necessary, short handwritten notes are allowed, or you may speak quietly to one of the retreat supervisors.

The rules or etiquette are designed to maintain a harmonious atmosphere in support of intense meditation practice. The environment and schedule are carefully designed to provide all participants with the best possible conditions to support meditation practice. When you come on retreat, you are expected to follow the etiquette.

The photos help the retreat leaders and support people to recognize and remember you. The retreat leader has a printout of the information entered on the applications, along with the headshot photos. This helps the retreat leader prepare their approach to teaching this particular group of people. It also aids in giving individual guidance during personal interviews. The photos also help the support people in case they have to find you; for example, when it is your turn for an interview. Be assured that we keep your photo and personal information private and secure. After registering to a retreat, you will receive a notification email from us which you may reply it directly to submit your photo.

We ask you to self check if you are ready to a retreat by Choose A Retreat page. For most of the retreats, you will be accepted right after submitting your application. When submit an application for a retreat, you will receive a confirmation letter via your email from us. For some of the retreats which require advanced experiences, your application will been reviewed. Then you will receive an email letting you know whether or not you have been accepted for the retreat.

When you are accepted, read through our How To Prepare page to see instructions for attending a retreat. Before coming to our center, keeping Retreat Etiquette in mind would help you to have a retreat smoothly.

At Dharma Drum Retreat Center, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in our programs and retreats, regardless of their financial situation. We offer a sliding scale fee structure to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Our sliding scale fee structure consists of three different levels: Base, Sustainer, and Benefactor.

• The Base level is the minimum amount required to attend the event and covers the basic costs of the program.
• The Sustainer level covers the cost of the program and helps to support those who may not be able to afford the full price.
• The Benefactor level not only covers the cost of the program but also contributes to our ongoing efforts to serve the community.

Regardless of the level chosen, all participants will receive the same experience and access to the same program. We encourage participants to pay at the highest level they can afford to help us continue making our programs accessible to all. Your event fee also helps to support DDRC and our ongoing efforts to serve the community. Any amount paid above the Base level is considered a tax-deductible donation to support our organization’s mission. We are committed to providing high-quality programs and retreats to our community, and we appreciate your support in making this possible.

Cancellations received 21 days prior to the event’s start date will receive a refund of the fee minus a $25.00 administrative fee.

Cancellations received 14 days prior to the event’s start date will receive a 50% refund of the retreat fee.

We regret that we are unable to refund any cancellation received less than 14 days prior to the event’s start date.

If you would like to cancel any event, please reply to register@dharmadrumretreat.org.