10th January – 22 February, 2023
We’re looking for a few artist-meditators to help us pilot a new Dharma Arts-based residency at Dechen Chöling!
As part of our Pilot Residency Programme you will live, practice and grow in a Shambhala household held by beautiful land and experienced dharma practitioners. This will allow you to weave meditation and Shambhala Dharma Art principles more deeply into your daily life.
Contact: For any question about the artist residency pilot programme, please contact JT Buck, [email protected]
Do you feel inspired to support this project? Click the link below to donate and specify that your donation is a sponsorship for the Artist Residency. Your generosity will help make this Pilot more affordable for the residents and sustainable for Dechen Chöling.
Is Residency Right for You?
- Do you have an interest in living and creating in a contemplative community?
- Do you have an existing dharma practice?
- Are you able to spend 3-6 weeks at Dechen Chöling?
APPLY NOW
As a part of our Residency program, you will have access to:
1. Study & Practice Support
Daily group meditation in an environment crafted to support practice, including 4 shrine rooms.
Personalized meditation instruction.
Personalized artistic mentorship with experienced teachers/mentors.
Regular Dharma Art workshops and retreat time throughout your residency.
2. Community & Quality of Life
Three delicious meals a day.
56 hectares of meadows, woods, ponds and magnificent trees.
Regular community events and celebrations.
Opportunities to volunteer.
3. Connectivity to the Outside World
Access to wifi, printer/copier and other amenities to fully support work-from-home needs.
Opportunities to connect with the local community around the arts and dharma practice.
Opportunities to self-organize day trips or week-end trips to discover more of France’s artistic heritage and scene.
4. Life at Dechen Chöling
You will participate in morning and evening practice with the community, share meals with your housemates, and attend workshops and collaborative artmaking events.
Community life will let you experience the challenge and richness of sharing your life and space with others, sharing chores, meals, and communal spaces.
5. Daily Schedule
- Morning Practice
session: 7:30 – 8:30am - Breakfast: 8:30 am
- Creative Space: 9:30am
- Lunch: 12:30pm
- Creative Space: 2:30pm
- Evening Practice session: 5:30p.m
- Dinner: 6:45pm
- Open time, evening classes or events
6. Expectations of All Residents
- Daily group meditation practice.
- Participation in classes, collaborative projects and events with off-land collaborators.
- Household/dish chores (ROTA): All residents will participate in washing dishes, housekeeping and other activities to care for each other and maintain a beautiful environment.
- Attend Weekly Community Meetings.
- Culture of mutual respect and kindness: This makes Dechen Chöling an inclusive place for everyone who wishes to study the dharma and live in a community centered on mindfulness.
7. Accommodations
Dechen Chöling offers accommoda
tion in several beautiful buildings around our lands, including our historic Château, the Gardener’s house, the recently acquired Ziji House, and our magnetizing Drala Hall. Housed here and on our lands are several different accommodation options, ranging from rooms to dorms to tents. All lodgings include shared toilet and washroom facilities.
More information about Dechen Chöling’s accommodations here.
8. The Land
Dechen is a Tibetan word which can be translated as Great Bliss, while chö refers to Dharma, or the teachings of Buddha, and ling denotes a place. Thus, the title of our centre, Dechen Chöling, translates to the Dharma Land of Great Bliss. Our unique retreat centre is nestled among the beautiful soft green hills of Limousin region, France. The main château and surrounding farm buildings sit in an open yet protected landscape. The grounds surrounding the buildings are dotted with century-old trees, flower gardens brimming with roses, and rolling fields. Our extensive 56 hectares comprise of serene fields and lush forests. Some of this land has been adapted as amenities and camping sites (we have four operational campgrounds), while the remaining land remains unspoiled in its natural form.
More information about Dechen Chöling’s land here.
9. Fees and Payments
Housing + Meals (depending on accommodation type):
- Dorm bed 1161 euros for full residency (189 euros /w)
- Double Room 1677 euros for full residency (273 euros /w)
- Single Room 2107 euros for full residency (343 euros /w)
Residency Tuition: 600 euros for the full residency 
Fundraising : Dechen Chöling will organize a group crowdfunding campaign beginning in November to help cover part of the final pilot participant cost. Residents will also be encouraged to fundraise on their own, as fundraising is also an important way to build community.
Do you feel inspired to support this project? Click the link below to donate and specify that your donation is a sponsorship for the Artist Residency. Your generosity will help make this Pilot more affordable for the residents and sustainable for Dechen Chöling.
Deposit : a Non-Refundable deposit of 300 euros is due by Friday, October 14th.
The deposit is required to secure your space, and covers setup/organizing of the overall residency.
Payment plans will be created for each resident accepted into the pilot based.
APPLY NOW
10. Cancellation Policy
After acceptance, you may cancel and receive 100% of your paid balance (minus the 300 euro deposit) if you need to cancel on or before 31st of November.
After 31st of November, the refund would be 50% of your paid balance, minus deposit.
After 1st of January, paid balance will not be refunded.
NOTE: If you must cancel your participation in residency due to COVID, there will be no cancellation fee. You will be asked to provide proof of COVID case.
Contact: For any question about the artist residency pilot programme, please contact JT Buck, [email protected]