A Silent Meditation Retreat at Dewachen World Peace Sanctuary (Costa Rica)

Dewachen World Peace Sanctuary, nestled in the lush heart of Costa Rica, is a place where nature gently invites us back into harmony. Fresh rivers, ripe fruits, flowers, birdsong, and towering trees naturally soften the body and calm the nervous system. Simply being here reminds us of something essential.

Yet to truly touch the depth and beauty of the world around us, we also need to skillfully calm the mind and reconnect with the deep wellspring of wisdom within.

We are very fortunate to be guided by Drupon Lama Dorje, who comes from an unbroken lineage of meditation masters. For more than 2,500 years, these masters have passed down simple yet profoundly effective instructions—always with the intention of bringing genuine and lasting benefit to our lives.

What Is The Great Shravasti Meditation?

The Great Shravasti Meditation is a special method for introducing the nature of mind, based on the Anapanasati Sutra taught by the Buddha and explained here from a Vajrayana perspective.

Through connecting with the breath, we directly experience:

• Mindfulness of body
  
• Mindfulness of feelings
  
• Mindfulness of mind
  
• Mindfulness of phenomena

These are explored through 16 sequential steps, allowing the practice to unfold naturally and experientially. This particular presentation is taught in a unique way by Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche, who requested Lama Dorje share this practice in Costa Rica.

What Will We Learn?

We will learn how to:

• Gently follow the breath
• Work skillfully with thoughts and emotions
  
• Stabilize the mind
  
• Touch the subtle, peaceful nature of awareness through introspection
  

The meditation practice is complemented by Indo-Tibetan yogic breathwork exercises, offered each day to help center the mind and clear the inner channels, supporting both physical ease and meditative stability.

A Gentle and Supportive Approach

Many people find meditation—and especially silence—intimidating at first. With this in mind, we have designed a balanced and caring retreat container that includes:

• Meaningful conversation at the beginning and end of the retreat
  
• Daily yogic breath and movement practices to prepare the body
  
• Daily Q&A sessions with Lama Dorje
  
• Periods of Noble Silence that are deep, yet approachable
  

This balance allows participants to settle naturally into silence and discover a deep inner connection without force or pressure.

Why Noble Silence?

Our lives are often busy and full. We hear teachings, insights, and advice—only to forget them the same day.

Practicing Noble Silence within a supportive container, guided by an experienced Tibetan Lama, allows the mind to truly settle. In this quiet space, wisdom can deepen, mature, and integrate. We learn not just about meditation, but how to meet the ups and downs of life with clarity, kindness, and grace.

How Much Silence?

• 2 out of the 4 days are held in full Noble Silence
  •  Day 1: Teachings + Welcome
  • Days 2–3: Silence all day + evening written Q&A with Lama
  • Day 4: Closing of the retreat

Saga Dawa Full Moon Ceremony

During this retreat, we will enter one of the most sacred moments of the Buddhist year. The full moon of Saga Dawa, which falls on May 31, commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, all said to have occurred on this auspicious day. It is traditionally regarded as the most potent day for practice, prayer, and dedication for the benefit of all beings.

As we will be holding Noble Silence, Lama will perform a sacred Saga Dawa full moon ceremony on behalf of the retreat, allowing the blessings and meaning of this day to be fully present while honoring the depth of silence and inner turning. In this way, the ceremony becomes something we receive inwardly—through presence, intention, and shared field of practice—rather than through words.

The Dharma reminds us that silence itself can be an offering. On this full moon night, held by practice, ceremony, and collective intention, we allow merit, compassion, and clarity to naturally arise and be dedicated outward to the world.

I’m New to Meditation — Is This Retreat for Me?

Yes. This retreat is open to practitioners of all levels.

• If this is your first meditation retreat, you will learn practical tools and techniques that gently support mindfulness in daily life.
  
• If you are a long-term practitioner, you will appreciate the profound depth and subtle nuances of how this sutra presents Mahamudra practice.

Digital Detox

To support inner stillness and presence, we will disconnect from cell phones and electronic devices for the duration of the retreat. Dharma books and journaling are warmly welcome.

How Much Sitting Is There?

The daily rhythm includes:

• Morning yogic breath and movement (to loosen the body and prevent discomfort)
• Sitting meditation
  
• Walking meditation
  
• Eating meditation
  
• Daily prayers
  

🪑 Chairs can be provided for those with physical discomfort or injuries.

Why Choose This Silent Retreat?

• Close and personal interaction with Drupon Lama Dorje
  
• Personalized responses to your meditation questions
  
• A rare opportunity to learn Shamatha, Vipassana, and Mahamudra from an authentic Vajrayana perspective
  
• Teachings offered in Spanish and English
  
• Practice held in the nourishing natural environment of Costa Rica
  

What the Retreat Price Includes

• Daily morning breathwork and movement
  
• Four daily sessions of silent meditation with Drupon Lama Dorje
• Translation (Spanish / English)
  
• Three delicious vegetarian meals per day
  
• Daily Q&A sessions to fine-tune your meditation practice
• Nature walks and outdoor meditation
• Guidance from an authentic and experienced meditation retreat master (Drupon)
  

May this time at Dewachen be a gentle turning inward—supported by nature, silence, and the timeless wisdom of the Dharma.