Retreat Application — Land of Calm Abiding

Application for Prospective Retreatants

Thank you for your interest in offering retreat at Land of Calm Abiding. Living at Land of Calm Abiding (LCA) is a unique experience as it is one of the rare places on this planet conducive to calming the mind and experiencing the blessings of the enlightened ones. The land is situated in the center of public wilderness and Forest Service lands, far from the energetic environment of cities. People who go into retreat here often have highly meaningful and rewarding experiences that change their lives in beneficial ways.

It is essential to understand that LCA is very remote with rustic conditions. Living here is like going on a long camping trip. Although we are very happy to assist you, when you come to LCA you must be able to take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. If you have never done a solitary retreat, then we suggest you start with one month. If that works well, increase your stay to two months. Slowly you will build your abilities for longer retreat.

Please take time to reflect on the following questions and answer them based on a realistic assessment of yourself and your circumstances. We look forward to hearing back from you and receiving your completed forms.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone

Country

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1. What is your motivation for coming to Land of Calm Abiding?

2. What practice do you intend to do here and for how long? Is it sutra or tantra?

3. How long have you been practicing the Buddhadharma? When did you take refuge and with whom?

4. List your past retreat experience i.e. What retreat(s) have you done? Where, when, the duration? Was it group or solitary retreat?

5. Please describe the details of any solitary retreats you have accomplished.

6. Who is your spiritual mentor? Can you describe your relationship with your teacher, including how long it has lasted and how closely your teacher knows you?

7. Is the retreat you intend to do under the direct guidance of your teacher?

(Note: If you are going to be in retreat for more than 3 months, please include a letter of recommendation from your teacher specifically addressing your plans for solitary retreat.)

8. Do you practice or support the practice of Shugden(Dolgyal )?

9. Have you spent time in the wilderness, trekked, camped for prolonged periods? Have you found yourself to be afraid of the dark? of wildlife?

10. Have you spent long periods of time without cellphones or internet service? Does this pose any special difficulty for you?

11. Can you plan your life so that shopping for everything occurs only every two weeks?

12. Have you ever lived alone for lengthy periods of time where you were self-reliant? Please describe your experience with this.

13. Do you consider yourself to be self-reliant? Are you used to cooking for yourself and maintaining a healthy diet?

14. Do you take care of your physical well-being with regular exercise of any kind, including yoga, t’ai chi, etc?

15. As you consider the prospect of solitary long-term retreat in a remote and rustic setting, is there anything that frightens you or concerns you?

16. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

Please also complete and return the Health Information Form and read the Meditator’s Agreement if you are applying to become a resident at Land of Calm Abiding. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, you must complete and return these forms as well.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions to help ensure your safety and well-being if you choose to enter solitary retreat.