Ruth’s 100th Birthday Retreat

at Dhamma Dena

Oct 7-16, 2022

This special retreat will celebrate the life and legacy of our founding teacher, Ruth Denison, and will be conducted in the style, and with many of the practices that were unique to Ruth. Many of her longtime students, as well as the teachers she mentored will contribute to this retreat, either in person, by Zoom, or by pre-recorded video.

This will be a traditional silent retreat, however, there will be many opportunities to share memories and offer tributes to Ruth within the program. Former students are encouraged to share remembered teachings, and stories of Ruth, as well as some of the instructions that she offered that pioneered the practice of mindfulness in everyday life.

The complete faculty for this retreat has not yet been fully established. Jill Rayna, Sakti Rose, and Nick Herzmark are co-organizing the retreat, with Arinna Weisman. It’s anticipated that other of Ruth’s lineage teachers and long-time students will join as well.

As with every Ruth retreat there will be mindful movement, and a variety of mindfulness of the body practices, mindfulness in nature exercises, mindful eating, dharma songs, chants, and sacred dance, as well as meditation and dharma talks.

Due to Covid, registration will be limited, so please sign up early to assure your place.

Register below

Cost

In order to cover expenses associated with this retreat we are asking $45/day which includes lodging and 3 vegetarian meals daily, prepared by retreat cook extraordinaire, Valerie Holze. A $100 refundable deposit is required to hold your place.

Scholarships & Work Exchange

Work exchange is possible if needed, as are partial scholarships. Please contact the registrar: dharmacreeksangha@gmail.com

Covid-Vaccine Mandate and Negative Test

In order to attend this retreat at Dhamma Dena, proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, booster, and negative PCR test within the 72 hours prior to arrival is required.

Please review our full COVID-19 Protocols for a residential retreat here.

Important Dhamma Dena Policies

Before attending a retreat at Dhamma Dena, please also review our important policies.

Questions? Please contact Jill, the retreat registrar, at dharmacreeksangha@gmail.com

Retreat FAQ

What is the nearest airport to the center?

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)


Will I be able to get a ride to and from the airport to the center?

We offer rides to and from the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) for $30 each way. You can specify that you need to be picked up or dropped off in your registration and we will contact you to arrange that. You can also email us at retreats@dhammadena.org.


I want to come but I can’t afford to get there. Is there any support I can get with travel costs?

The Open Dharma Foundation offers scholarships for helping to cover the cost of travel for retreats. You can apply here: https://opendharmafoundation.org/scholarship


I’m on a special diet. Will I be able to cook my own meals?

Food provided for retreatants will include options for a variety of diets, and we ask that you indicate your dietary needs in the registration form so we can meet them. We do have kitchens available if your diet requires that you cook your own meal. Please indicate this is what you plan to do on your registration form (or email us at retreats@dhammadena.org) so we can arrange a kitchen for you to use.


Can I bring my dog or pet?

No, we cannot accommodate dogs or other pets on this retreat. If you have a service animal as described in the American Disabilities Act, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve you an appropriate room.


Is this retreat wheelchair accessible? Will it meet my access needs?

Yes, the facilities are wheelchair accessible, offering two ADA bedrooms and bathrooms and a fragrance free environment. Please let us know your access needs when registering. Dhamma Dena is committed to making the center accessible to all who would like to come.


What do I need to bring?

  • Loose and cool comfortable clothes, suitable for both moderate and warm weather

  • A pair of purely indoor shoes or slippers

  • Shoes suitable for hiking in the desert

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun hat

  • Sunblock lotion

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Alarm Clock (we have additional alarm clocks to borrow from the office, as you are asked to check in or put away your mobile phone for the retreat)

  • Toiletries and personal hygiene products – please avoid all fragrances (see the Fragrance Free Policy)

  • Warm outerwear as evenings and mornings can be quite chilly in the desert

  • Optional but highly recommended: fragrance free lip balm, body lotion or oil (skin gets dry in the desert), gloves & scarves, umbrella & rain gear, your personal meditation cushions/benches (the Zendo is well-stocked with a wide variety of these, as well as chairs, so you don't need to bring your own unless you wish)

  • Sheets and towels will be provided but you’re welcome to bring your own