Meditation Retreats

The three disciplines of hearing, contemplating and meditating are the lifeblood of the Nalanda tradition, which Deer Park aspires to follow. Many of the philosophy programs and teachings listed above have included an element of meditation instruction and practice, to help students take their understanding of the teachings to a deeper level. In addition, we have held a number of specialized meditation teachings and retreats.

In 2006 and 2007, renowned meditation master Mingyur Rinpoche taught the three levels of his Mahamudra program at Deer Park. This popular program starts with basic shamatha/vipassana (calm abiding and insight meditation) and progresses through instructions on recognizing the nature of mind to the advanced practices of Mahamudra, a sophisticated meditation system that traces its lineage to the famous Nalanda scholar and yogi Naropa. Students of this program also receive instructions on the preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

In November-January 2007-2008, November-January 2008-2009, and November 2009, Deer Park hosted Venerable Sudhammacara, a Japanese meditation teacher with extensive training in both the Soto Zen and Theravada forest monk traditions. He led daily meditation classes as well as regular intensive 5-day retreats, focusing on cultivating awareness and insight through the practices of mindfulness.

In May 2009, Tibetan Buddhist teacher Khenpo Choying Dorjee led three days of teachings on ‘The Stages of Shamatha and Vipassana from the Mahayana Tradition’.

Since the beginning of Deer Park, Venerable Aggacitta has been visiting faculty in residence, both leading and guiding shamatha and vipassana meditation practices. Since 2008, we are also fortunate to have Melitis Kwong, one of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s authorized instructors, giving guidance in meditation and Buddhist philosophy to guests and retreatants.

Throughout the year, Deer Park offers daily morning and evening group meditation sittings. The campus’ several temples and meditation halls are also available for individual practitioners to use for their own practice.