Mindfulness, Concentration, Insight:
Meet, Greet, and Take a Seat in the Buddha’s Teachings
A Mindfulness Retreat in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh
Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 16, 2023
Offered by Plum Blossom Sangha and Dharma Teachers
Terry Cortés-Vega and Brian Kimmel
Ancient Yoga Center | 207 Barsana Avenue | Austin, Texas 78737
The information below will help you complete the registration form, choose your accommodations, and know what to expect at the retreat. Please review the information to make sure the facility will work for you. We recognize that the AYC may not work for everyone, but we are trying to make the retreat as inclusive as possible. We will do our best to meet your accessibility needs in order to comfortably attend the retreat.
Location and facilities: Our retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Ancient Yoga Center, located in the heart of the Austin Hill Country. It is also known as the Radha Madhav Dham, the home of one of the largest Hindu Temples in the USA. Established in 1990 and open to people of all faiths, it is a center for spiritual upliftment. Situated on 200 acres of picturesque grounds, the setting is beautiful and serene.
The Ancient Yoga Center is a two-story building with small gathering spaces and a dining area on the first floor. The meditation hall is located on the second floor, up two flights of stairs. All sitting meditation and dharma talks are on the second floor
The AYC has individual, gender-neutral bathrooms on the first and second floors.
The residential area is a short walk (5-10 minutes) or a quick drive (2-3 minutes) from the Ancient Yoga Center. Parking is available at the Ancient Yoga Center and near the residential area.
We will use a PA system for most aspects of the retreat program. We will also reserve an area for participants who may have difficulty hearing.
Accommodations: Overnight accommodations include a mix of shared and private rooms with shared and private bathrooms. Shared bath facilities are complete with showers that each include a small private dressing area. Some, but not all, of the sleeping quarters at AYC are gender-specific. Click here to learn more about accommodation options.
Note: Some of the residence hall rooms are on the second floor and are accessible only by stairs. First-floor rooms can be requested.
Covid-19 protocols: The Sangha follows the City of Austin COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines for different levels of community transmission. You are welcome to wear a mask at any time based on personal preference and informed by your own level of risk. As of now, the AYC staff and residents may not always be masked while walking around AYC or around participants. While the main room is large and has fans, we will not be able to open windows to increase air circulation.
Food: Vegan, vegetarian (no eggs), and gluten-free options will be available at meals. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the retreat, we are unable to accommodate other special diets.
Schedule: The retreat begins with check-in on Friday, April 14 at 3:00 pm and concludes around 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 16. A more detailed schedule will be available closer to the retreat.
Retreat fees: Retreat fees vary based on the accommodation that you choose. Below is the TOTAL RETREAT FEE/person based on meals and a stay of 3 days, 2 nights (April 14-16):
- Accommodations with a shared bath down the hallway:
- Room with 3+ single beds: $260 total retreat fee/person
- Room with 2 single beds: $300 total retreat fee/person
- Room with 1 single bed: $320 total retreat fee/person
- Accommodations with a private bath attached:
- Room with 3 single beds: $280 total retreat fee/person
- Room with 2 single beds: $320 total retreat fee/person
- Room with 1 single bed: $350 total retreat fee/person
- Commuter Rate (not staying overnight): $210 total retreat fee/person
Scholarships: Partial scholarships may be available. The application deadline is March 24, 2023. Apply early for best consideration. A scholarship committee will review your application and you will be notified as soon as possible. All scholarship recipients are asked to pay a minimum of $100. To apply, please complete the online scholarship application here after completing the online retreat registration form.
For questions about registration and accommodations, please contact our registrar, Andrea Black, at desertwoman1@hotmail.com.
Continue to Retreat Registration
Looking for information about the Order of Interbeing and Aspirant retreat? Click here.
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