Rinpoche will teach on how renunciation, compassion and devotion are understood and practiced from the Dzogchen point of view, and how each plays an important role in developing and sustaining nature of mind practice.

This is an open, silent retreat and no prerequisites are necessary for registration.

Registration will open on November 1, 2019 at noon, Mountain Time and close on April 11, 2020.

SCHEDULE: 

You may arrive at Mount Madonna after 3:30 p.m. on April 25^th.  Mount Madonna does not allow early arrivals.

Onsite check-in will begin at 3:30 p.m. on April 25^th, followed by dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the first teaching by Rinpoche at 7:15 p.m. A complete schedule will be sent before the retreat begins.

The final teaching is on April 30^th.

The last day of the retreat is May 1st.  Room checkout time is at 9:30 a.m. with final departure by 1:00 p.m. Breakfast is included on the last day. 

To gain the greatest benefit from the teachings, Rinpoche has requested that students attend all the teaching sessions throughout the retreat. This also helps all of us to build a strong container as a sangha for this short time together.

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:

Mount Madonna is located in the Santa Cruz mountains midway between Watsonville and Gilroy, atop Mount Madonna with a spectacular view of all Monterey Bay. It includes 355 acres of open meadows and redwood forests.

To see the Mount Madonna campus, go to this link:  http://www.mountmadonna.org/programs/facilities/index.html

Mount Madonna is approximately 2 hours driving time south of San Francisco. For detailed directions and for information about airport shuttles, please go to this link:  https://www.mountmadonna.org/directions/index.html 

RIDESHARING:

There is a Ridesharing board on our website if you would like to offer or request a ride to or from the Mount Madonna campus at this link:  Rideshare.

COMMUTERS AND OVERNIGHT GUESTS:

The cost of the program includes three meals and tuition for day commuters; three meals, tuition and lodging or camping for those staying overnight.

There are very few single rooms or rooms with private baths. If you would like a private room or a private bath please register as soon as possible after registration opens.

Most rooms are shared with access to nearby shared (but private while in use) bathrooms and showers. All rooms on the second floor of the Conference Center must be accessed by stairs.

Please be very careful in choosing your accommodations! Cottages and camping sites require a 10-minute moderately difficult walk to reach the Conference Center where the teachings will be held.

Choices in accommodations are final two weeks before the retreat begins. Onsite changes in your housing assignment generally cannot be accommodated.

CAMPING: 

Mount Madonna has developed campsites for personal tents with good drainage and access to showers and privies. There are also vehicle camping sites. Campsites require a 10-minute moderately difficult walk to reach the Conference Center where the teachings will be held.

TICK-BORNE LYME DISEASE:

Mount Madonna has had several confirmed cases of Lyme disease in the last two years. This link has more information about how to prevent tick bites:  https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/understanding-and-preventing-tick-bites

It is important, if you are walking on the trails in the forest surrounding Mount Madonna, to cover all parts of your body and check yourself for ticks after your hike.

MEALS:

The meal plan begins on April 25^th (dinner only) and ends May 1st (breakfast).

Mount Madonna provides vegetarian meals, with non-dairy and non-gluten alternatives. They strive to meet other special dietary needs such as the need to avoid foods that spark allergies, but cannot guarantee to meet all special needs.

Protein options include nuts, yogurt, tofu, beans, cheese, cottage cheese, soymilk and other milks. No eggs or meat of any kind is served at Mount Madonna or may be brought on campus.

Mount Madonna does not allow any food to be brought on campus. 

For more information about food options and for menus please view the information at this link:  https://www.mountmadonna.org/vegetarian-cuisine-at-mount-madonna-center

If you have other dietary concerns, please contact the Registrar registrar@pundarika.org

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

A limited number of partial scholarships are available for Pundarika sponsored retreats. Scholarships apply to the tuition portion of the program only, which at Mount Madonna is $335.

Scholarship applications will be accepted now through February 15, 2019. Late applications cannot be accepted. For more information, please visit:  https://tsoknyirinpoche.org/retreats/scholarship-information/

TRANSLATOR: Adam Kane

QUESTIONS?  Please contact Susan, registrar@pundarika.org.