Datun: A Month-Long Meditation Retreat

“According to the Buddha, no one can attain basic sanity and basic enlightenment without practicing meditation. … Without that, there is no way out and no way in.” (Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, The Path is the Goal)

This intensive shamatha-vipashyana meditation retreat, inspired by meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche offers the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the practice of mindfulness-awareness meditation. The month-long datun retreat provides a space of simplicity and clarity rarely accessible in our ordinary world and is also a means to apply the teachings of the Buddha in our everyday lives.

During the time of the Buddha, practitioners gathered together seasonally to work with the meditation techniques he taught. These instructions, given 2,600 years ago, crossed the Himalayas to Tibet and are now practiced in countries around the world. We are delighted to help return this tradition to the land of its birth.

A full practice environment, the datun daily schedule typically goes from 7 AM to 8 PM. The program consists of sitting and walking meditation, regular individual meetings with meditation instructors, dharma talks, chants, silent meals, physical exercise, work time, and free time.

Most of the retreat will be in silence and restricted to functional talking, so that mindfulness of speech becomes part of the practice. The retreat will be led by students of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Participation Requirements

Participants may attend either the entire four-week retreat or attend the first two weeks. Preference will be given to participants who commit to the full datun. In order to create a supportive practice environment, participants will not be admitted after the datun begins.

There is no fee for the program itself, but you will need to make a 30% deposit of the cost of your accommodation and meals at Deer Park. Donations to support datun and help cover expenses are greatly appreciated.

Registration will open in the beginning of February with details and links posted here. We look forward to welcoming you to Datun 2026!