Ziji Youth Retreat

The Ziji Youth Retreat is a summer meditation retreat for young people, 18 to mid-30s. Join us to learn and practice meditation – an invitation to be open and present, and to accept ourselves as we are.

Throughout our time together, we will also be exploring questions that many of us have about how the practice of meditation relates to our relationships, to the way in which we engage with society, and to transformative action.

We will shape the retreat as a community. There will be periods of meditation, contemplation and Buddhist teachings. Everyone will be invited to share their wisdom and skills in participant-led sessions, a precious opportunity to offer time and energy to one another. Expect workshops, creative activities, movement and mindful exercise, self-exploration and socially engaged practices, camping, communal meals, swimming in the river, and generally enjoying summer-time together!

If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at [email protected]

Coordinators of the programme: Bart Bergman and Cailin Burney O’Dowd.

Practical

Arrival day (Wednesday 11th of July): First gathering at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 2pm in order to register and settle into your tent. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.

End of programme (Tuesday 17th of July): Final gathering and banquet in the evening.

Departure day (Wednesday 18th of July): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.

This programme is taught only in English. No translation service in other languages.

Capacity: Places for this programme will be limited to 45 participants. Please register fast to secure your presence.

Price: with programme and full board for the week (all meals and accommodation in Dechen Chöling’s tents), the total price is 340 €. If you bring your own tent (select the option in registration form), the price will be reduced to 305 €. Also plan the payment of the 15 € annual Dechen Chöling‘s association membership fee if it’s your first time on-land this calendar year.

We do not want money to be a barrier, and we hope to welcome everyone who wishes to join us for the retreat. The Ziji team is in the process of raising funds to offer subsidised rates to those who need it. If you are not able to pay the full price, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] before you register.

Want to stay longer at lower cost? Be a Family Camp assistant!

Dechen Chöling is offering you the opportunity to continue your stay after the Youth Retreat as part of the childcare staff of Family Camp, between 21st of July – 1st of August. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of creating an enlightened space for children, to deepen your meditation practice, and to experience joyous encounters with people of all ages. In the morning you will be spending time with children between the ages of 3 and 10, playing, being creative and exploring nature together. In the afternoon and evening, you will have free-time to experience life in a meditation centre, to connect with others on-land and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This is a delightful way to continue your stay at Dechen Chöling and be present for 3 weeks – 11th of July to 1st of August – in our land of Great Bliss.

Special offer
We are offering these three weeks at a total price of 269 €, much cheaper than the Youth Retreat itself! (340 €).

This special package is combined as follows:
– week 1 : Youth Retreat (participant) at the cost of 122 € instead of 340 € (7 days)
– weeks 2-3 : Family Camp (childcare assistant) at the cost of 147 € (14 days)

If you want to benefit from this offer, please apply by sending a mail to Lia at [email protected]