Dharma Moon Windhorse Retreat: Raising Power and Energy to Meet the Challenge of Living

Life can often feel like an uphill battle. We go through our days managing work, relationships, health, kids, school, and “life admin”, but by the end of the day, it can feel like our very life force has drained out of us.

In Tibetan Buddhism, there is an ancient practice called lungta, or Windhorse. Its central image is of a mythical flying horse representing a vital life force or energy we can harness to face life’s challenges — personal, communal, and even societal.

These simple but powerful exercises allow us to cut through layers of doubt, fear, and hesitation and invite the magic of our world and the melody of circumstances to manifest right on the spot.

Windhorse practice is like having a special tool available whenever we need it to help us work through obstacles, challenges, and conflicts in a confident and engaged way without getting dragged down by whatever life throws at us.

In the Spring of 2024, join senior Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern, and the global Dharma Moon community for our first in-person retreat. For five days, we’ll gather at the beautiful Menla retreat center in Phoenicia, New York, to experience the magic of coming together in person to learn the transformative Windhorse practices to connect with our unconditional confidence, natural vitality, and one another!

Retreat schedule:

May 1st, 2024: Welcome session

May 2nd-3rd, 2024: Practice immersion

May 4th-5th, 2024: Lectures, awareness practices, contemplative exercises, mindful movement, nature walks, and an introduction to the unique art of “aimless wandering.”

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early – and stay tuned for announcements about very special retreat guests!

This page is for in-person attendance registration. Click here to register for Online attendance with Menla Online.

Schedule

Wednesday, May 1

Check-in Day: Welcome

• 3 – 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Welcome Session with David and Team

Thursday, May 2

Day 1: Practice Immersion

• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Meditation Session and Talk by David:
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Meditation Session and Talk by David
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Meditation Session and Talk by David

Friday, May 3

Day 2: Practice Immersion

• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Meditation Session and Talk by David
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Meditation Session and Talk by David
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm David gives Windhorse Talk

Saturday, May 4

Day 3: Windhorse Transmission and Practice

• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 10:30 am Morning Meditation Session
• 10:30 am – 12 pm David gives the Windhorse Transmission
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 2 – 3 pm Afternoon Meditation Session
• 3 – 4:30 pm David leads a “Raising Windhorse” session
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm Aimless Wandering Practice with Windhorse
• 6- 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Windhorse Raising Community Event

Sunday, May 5

Check-out Day

• 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 10 am – 12 pm Final Talks, Practice and Program Close
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.