Cameron's Staff Pick
Radical Awakening: A Residential Retreat on the Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra
2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada
Up to 50 in group
July 22 - 27, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Meditation instruction
- Daily talks on mindfulness and meditation
- Individual meetings with a meditation instructor
- Group discussions
- Chanting (optional)
About this Retreat
Anam Thubten grew up in Tibet and at an early age began practicing in the Katok tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. He continues
to
practice and teach within the Longchen Nyingthig and Dudjom Tersar Lineages. Among his many teachers, his most formative guides were Lama Tsurlo, Khenpo Chopel, and Lama Garwang. He is the founder and spiritual advisor of Dharmata Foundation, teaching widely in the U.S. and abroad. He is also the author of various articles and books in both the Tibetan and English language. His books in English include:
Choosing Compassion,
No Self No Problem,
Into the Haunted Ground, and
The Citadel of Awareness, as well as his most recent book,
Voice of the Primordial Buddha. To view Anam Thubten’s teaching and retreat schedule, please visit
www.dharmata.org/events-calendar. Through the essential wisdom of Buddhism and his personal experience on the spiritual path, Anam Thubten brings alive timeless teachings and invites everyone to participate.
Details of this retreat
This is a collaboration between Dharmata Foundation and Dorje Denma Ling.
The Sharp Vajra Tantra is a terma, or revelation, written down by Dzogchen Master Dudjom Lingpa of the 19th Century. It encapsulates the entirety of Vajrayana, Tantric Buddhist practices such as Dzogchen. This profound text holds a potency that can awaken our minds and transform our hearts. Anam Thubten has published his teachings on this text in Voice of the Primordial Buddha: A Commentary on Dudjom Lingpa’s Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra.
During this retreat, he will draw from these teachings to guide participants in the practice that brings a direct experience of the nature of mind. This experience is the heart of this text. Anam Thubten feels strongly that Dudjom Lingpa’s teachings are the right medicine for our psyches in this age of chaos that, albeit challenging, holds a great potential for awakening.
What to Expect
Join Anam Thubten Rinpoche for a transformative 5-day retreat inspired by his book, Voice of the Primordial Buddha. This is a rare opportunity to engage in practice under the guidance of a genuine lineage teacher. Rinpoche will be joining us for four sessions of meditation and teaching each day.
This retreat provides an immersive environment to step away from the busyness of daily life, dive into deep meditation, and cultivate inner awakening and transformation. Through Rinpoche’s teachings, participants will have the opportunity to experience the nature of their mind with clarity and compassion.
Guided meditations and silent practice sessions.
Opportunities for contemplation and self-reflection.
Time to connect with a supportive community of fellow practitioners.
Who May Attend
This retreat is open to everyone, regardless of experience level, offering a space for both beginners and seasoned meditators to deepen their practice.
We kindly ask that you fully commit to the retreat. This commitment is important for the following reasons:
A meditation retreat is a transformative process. Participants are invited to make a sacred commitment to attend the entirety of the full five-day retreat — to honour and trust this process.
Once a retreat begins, a sacred container is formed, created by the collective good intentions of all participants to be fully present. This mutual presence supports and uplifts everyone involved.
Recommended Reading
Voice of the Primordial Buddha: A Commentary on Dudjom Lingpa’s Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra, Anam Thubten Rinpoche
Arrival and Departure
Arrival: Tuesday, July 22 by 5 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 pm, with orientation and the first talk beginning around 7:30.
Departure: Sunday, July 27 after lunch with an option to remain for the Fellowship Ceremony.
Overview of the Schedule
The day will begin with early morning meditation and end around 9:00 pm. The practice schedule will continue throughout the day and will include multiple meditation and teaching sessions.
A Fellowship Ceremony is expected to follow the retreat on the final day after lunch.
Costs
All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals: $650
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Due to the high demand for this retreat, we will be offering double occupancy only to allow as many practitioners as possible to participate. Space is precious—both in practice and in how we share the container of retreat. This is an opportunity to embrace community, connection, and the richness of shared experience. If single occupancy is a necessity for you, please write to programs@dorjedenmaling.com to discuss your needs.
A 50% deposit is required secure your place in this retreat.
Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.
Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.
Covid Considerations
Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.
Useful Links
Participant Info
How to Get Here
Financial Aid Form
Schedule
Retreat schedules vary somewhat, depending on whether the program is introductory or advanced. There may be a pre-breakfast practice or activity of some sort, followed by breakfast at 8:30.
At 9:15 the main morning practice session begins. There could be talks, meditation, or various physical practices, depending upon the type of retreat.
Lunch is usually around 12:30 -- followed by an extended break. The afternoon session usually begins around 2:30, with tea break around 4:00 and dinner at 6:30. Again, depending up on the type of program, there may be a short evening practice session or a talk. Programs usually end with some sort of simple celebration.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Accommodation
Gyatso Lodge is the main indoor housing. It is simple but clean and comfortable. There separate washroom and shower facilities on each floor.
There are also cabins -- some of which are winterized, as well as tents and tent platforms available during the warmer months. Campers use one of two shower houses.
Wood Cabin Retreat: Buddha Field
Dorje Denma Ling’s wood cabins are located in the Buddha field a short walking distance to our newer shower house. The cabins are spacious, with recent upgrades including the addition of more windows for ventilation, finished walls inside and new siding outside.
We will provide bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and furniture are also provided.
The left side of the bath house and the composting toilet up from there are designated for the wood cabin retreat space. A kettle and utility fridge will be provided in the bath house for use during your stay.
Lodge: Double Occupancy
This room may have two single beds, or one single and one bunk bed. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor.
Double-Occupancy cost: $55 per night (June 1- Sept. 30) and $50 per night during the cool season (Oct 1 - May 31)
Lodge: Couple's Room
These rooms have one double bed, and are located on the second floor of the lodge. Only choose this option when booking with a partner.
Shared bath.
Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy
Nestled in the trees, Drala Cabins are private and quiet. They are also insulated and have electricity and heat. These cabins have two twin beds.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building. During the cool season showers in the main building are shared with staff.
Large White Tent: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
Wood Cabin Triple Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Cost per person for Wood Cabin Dorm: $25 per night.
White Hut: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents, wood cabins and huts accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
If you are traveling by airplane, we can help you out with bedding and towels.
Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided
Bring your own tent and use one of our wooden tent platforms.
Shrine Room Floor: Garuda
Live or Staying Locally
If you are not staying at Dorje Denma Ling during this retreat, choose this option and you will be charged only the price of the retreat. The retreat price includes meals.
Cameron's Staff Pick
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
Meditation
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