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CANCELLED: Path of Warriorship: Brave and Clear

5.003 reviews
Location icon
2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada
Users icon
Up to 50 in group
Date
Jul 2 - 6, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Meditation instruction
  • Daily talks on mindfulness and meditation
  • Individual meetings with a meditation instructor
  • Group discussions
  • Chanting (optional)

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Shambhala Levels II & III
Invitation
These days, we hear that “a tough world calls for tough measures.”

The Shambhala teachings say, “Become familiar with soft measures that open your heart and then benefit will unfold naturally.”

These ancient teachings were brought to light 50 years ago to inform the generations of humans living in this dark time of the art and depth of self-knowing. And, through that, to inform and train us in the means to be real and effective in these trying times. How? By coming to know our fundamental nature of goodness and through that to bring benefit to this world.

Aren’t we all looking for ways to understand ourselves more honestly and help the world?

Join us for an up to date kitchen sink and kitchen garden exploration of our hearts --- guided by the wisdom of these ancient teachings and practices.

Join us on the land, with the land, and for the land of Dorje Denma Ling where the sky meets the earth, where peaceful warriors have been gathering for over 40 years.


Level II: Birth of the warrior
Having experienced a taste of basic goodness in Level I, we want to learn more. Meditation practice allows us to see how it is ourselves who create a cocoon of habits to mask our underlying fear. We begin to appreciate that there is no fundamental obstacle to us experiencing our own basic goodness.

By opening to our own genuineness and tenderness, we begin to notice, and learn how to work with our deep-seated habits and defenses. We begin seeing through the veils of habitual patterns that we have created over time.
Level III: Warrior in the World
Developing fearlessness by examining our habitual tendencies, we are willing to experience our life without relying on the cocoon. We begin to engage the world directly and extend the attitude of fearlessness to our activities.

The Warrior in the World leaves the stuffiness of the cocoon to explore the world with direct perception. As we awaken to our sense perceptions, we can venture into the world with confidence and vulnerability that is fearless, gentle, and alive.
Path
Birth of the Warrior & Warrior in the World are the second and third in the Shambhala Training series. This is a path open to anyone seeking to develop gentleness and strength through meditation. Shambhala Training is a series of contemplative workshops that have proven valuable to beginning and experienced meditators alike. The simple and profound techniques of mindfulness-awareness meditation can benefit people of any spiritual tradition and way of life.

We will extend our meditation practice to build upon the mindfulness-awareness techniques learned in Shambhala Training Level I, and explore real techniques for how to engage in the world with fearlessness and gentleness.
Attendance
Participants should begin at the beginning and commit to the full retreat. Those that have previously completed Level II Birth of the Warrior will receive a 50% discount for two days of the program fee. 

Prerequisites for Attendance: Shambhala Training Level I.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email the Program Manager at programs@dorjedenmaling.com.
Schedule



Open Talk 

Wednesday July 2
7-9 pm ADT


Thursday July 3 - Saturday July 5
10 am – 7 pm ADT


Sunday July 6
10 am – 7 pm ADT



The program includes meditation instruction, periods of meditation practice, talks, group discussions and opportunities for individual meetings with the director.

Deepen your meditation practice, and continue along the path of the Shambhala teachings on warriorship, in this five day retreat.


Costs
Tuition

Wednesday evening open talk is free.

Program Fee and meals:  $380 CAD

Lodging will be added at registration.

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Generosity Policy: We believe everyone who is inspired to follow the Shambhala path should be able to participate. We have a generous scholarship fund that we encourage you to request if needed. Please email finance@dorjedenmaling.com and indicate what you are able to offer for the retreat. 

If you are able to offer an additional amount to help future participants attend, your support will be much appreciated!

 

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

Getting Here

Location icon Dorje Denma Ling, 2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada

Directions

The Halifax International airport is the just over an hour from Dorje Denma Ling. Information on taxis, shuttles and how to get here by car can be found on our website at this location: https://dorjedenmaling.org/participant-info/getting-here/.

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.

Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy (150/night)

Accommodation

Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy (60/night)

Accommodation
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.  

Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy (150/night)

Accommodation

Gyatso Lodge: Double Occupancy (60/night)

Accommodation
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: $60/night

Gyatso Lodge: Private Single, or Couple's Room

Accommodation
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.  

Large White Tent: Single Occupancy

Accommodation
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. Single-Occupancy cost: $65 per night.

Large White Tent: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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: Single Occupancy

Accommodation
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 single-occupancy Wood Cabin rental: $75 per night.

Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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.

White Hut: Single Occupancy

Accommodation
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.

White Hut: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
Bring your own tent and use one of our wooden tent platforms.

Bring Your Own Tent, RV, Camper: No Platform

Accommodation
Bring your own camper, tent, or RV: no platform provided. Please choose this option if you are sleeping on DDL's property in your own camper, tent, car, or RV.  

DDL Tent: Single Occupancy

Accommodation
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 are available upon request. 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 Single-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.  

DDL Tent: Couple's Occupancy

Accommodation
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 are available upon request. 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 Couple's-Occupancy cost: $25 each per night.  

Shrine Room Floor: Garuda (25/night)

Accommodation
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mat is provided.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Dorje Denma Ling sits high on a hill overlooking the Northumberland Strait, surrounded by forest and a big sky above. There are 4 meditation halls of various sizes, a simple but comfortable lodge for guests who prefer to be indoors; cabins and tents for those who prefer to camp. The main building houses the Dragon shrine room, a commercial kitchen and dining room. Lovely stained glass art and exquisite Tibetan tankas create an atmosphere of sacredness in this otherwise simple retreat centre.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Although the kitchen does accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free needs, it does not operate like a restaurant. Some meat may be served, but meals are largely plant-based.

What's Included

  • Three meals and one tea break each day
  • Choice of accommodations: tents, cabins, lodge, or stay locally if you prefer

What's Not Included

  • It is the responsibility of participants to look after their own transportation,

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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(Online) Shambhala Training Level IV: Awakened Heart
It was a great opportunity to complete Level IV online. The zoom format worked perfectly and although we were not physically together, it still gave us a sense of being in community. I highly recommend it.

5.0
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Winter haiku John McQuade
A lovely series of sharing haiku, with interesting insights re contemplative writing from John, through the dark of Winter. The retreat was also very well run and prepared by Dan. Both are a credit to Dorje Denma Ling. It was much appreciated, thank-you.

5.0
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Deep Resonance - Haiku
I very much enjoyed the class with John McQuade. I felt supported in exploring my own attempts at Haiku and appreciated the depth of knowledge expressed in each class. I found the process of writing Haiku to be deeply supportive in being with this uncertain time.

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