Family Retreat: The Open Heart | Teen Registration

“Survival of humanity depends on educating the hearts of children.”

– His Holiness the Dalai Lama

This year’s family retreat will explore teachings and practices of compassion that open our hearts more fully to ourselves, each other, and the community of life around us. Compassion attunes us to the richness and radiance of interconnectedness, and the vibrant, awake heart that lies within each of us.

We will take a deep dive into the Four Immeasurables – lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity –  through contemplation, discussion and practice, with special focus on tonglen, the practice of “sending and taking.” Each group will engage with age-appropriate teachings and meditative practices to tap into our natural capacity for kindness. As a family, you will develop resources to integrate these practices into your home life on a daily basis. 

This retreat will include family activities, young people’s groups, a parent program, and free time. Dharma activities include songs, stories, skits, yoga, games, art, time on the land, campfires, council practice, an optional solo wilderness fast for teens, parent discussions, meditation for all, and dharma talks.

The teens will be guided to dive deeper into their own relationships with themselves and each other during an optional 24-hour solo wilderness fast, with several preparatory and integration days. Teens will spend most of the retreat together with their guides in the Kapala Meadow being sent off and received back by their families. 

The Family Retreat is a true retreat experience that brings us face-to-face with our own experience and gives us the time and space to slow down and renew our personal practice. 

Open to all ages, four and up. Parents may bring children younger than four years old, but they must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times. 

Payment plans are available and scholarships are awarded as funds become available.

Information and application can be found on our website.

To Register an Adult, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To Register a Child (ages 4-11), PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Suggested Dana Range: $210 – $350 per person

What is Dana?

• Dana is a Pali word meaning “generosity.” As one of the six paramitas or “perfections,” the practice of generosity is an integral part of the Buddhist path. Dharma teachings are traditionally offered on the basis of dana which is offered to a teacher in recognition of the precious gift that has been given. Tara Mandala compensates teachers by only covering their travel and room and board while teaching. Tara Mandala suggests a range of dana for each retreat, based on the number of days in which the retreat will take place. There is an opportunity to give dana upon registration directly to the teacher(s) or at the end of each retreat, which is a special time of honoring what has been given and what has been received. For more information about Dana, click here.