Silent meditation retreats in BC, Canada
Rather than providing mere wellness getaways our aim is to promote true spiritual growth, and the development of compassion and insight, as is taught in the Tibetan-Buddhist tradition.
Retreats available under the guidance or our teacher Lama Choga
- Group silent retreats
- Private retreats
- 14 day Karma Yoga retreats.
What to expect from a silent retreat?
Rising early in the morning to the sound of the session gong, we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to practice throughout the day. We meditate 6 to 8 hrs. per day and listen to teachings explaining the meaning of the Path. We remain mindful throughout the day whether walking, eating, sitting, standing, or just relaxing.
Personal one-to one guidance is available from Lama Choga, and there is an optional daily yoga class to keep the body limber and the mind clear.
Everyone is expected to contribute to the smooth running of the retreat by volunteering to do small jobs like helping prepare the food or cleaning up.
Upcoming retreats:
One Week Silent Retreat in October 2025
Following our very successful first retreat in May 2025 Lama Choga will be leading another 7 day silent retreat from October 15th – 22nd, 2025 at KDOL Retreat Centre, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada.
Who can attend the meditation retreat in BC?
Our silent meditation retreat in BC, Canada, could be suitable if:
- you have a genuine wish to come to a deeper understanding of your mind.
- you are happy to contribute to the meditation retreat by offering your help in daily chores.
- you are willing to make a commitment to stick to the rules which includes silence and switching off all your devices.
Beginners and advanced practitioners, Buddhists and non Buddhist are welcome.
Who will the teacher be?
The silent meditation retreat will be led by Lama Choga, a Tibetan-Buddhist monk of Canadian origin. He completed a strict 4 year Vajrayana retreat in Scotland and spent afterwards 8 years in a retreat center in Nepal. Under the guidance of his teacher he intensively studied the scriptures and meditation.
What's the Schedule?
Approximate schedule:
0500- Early morning Zazen
0700- *Breakfast
0800- Morning teachings
1000- Private practice/ interviews/ or relaxation
1100- Optional Yoga class
1200- *Lunch
1300- Afternoon meditation
1600- Afternoon teaching
1800- *Tea break
1900- Evening Meditation
N.B. *All meals are vegetarian.
What's the location?
The meditation workshop will be hosted at Kunzang Dechen Osel Ling. KDOL is retreat centre near Vancouver B.C.. It is located off grid on top of Mt. Tuam, Salt Spring Island, rabout 2.5 hours away from Vancouver, BC. Participants will be picked up at the ferry and transferred to the meditation retreat.
The accommodation is simple but practical, and the location is stunningly beautiful with expansive sea views. Everybody will have their own room
10 Day Silent retreat in Florida April 2026
We are happy to announce a new retreat planned for 24th April until 3rd May 2026 at The Gainsville Retreat Centre, Gainsville Florida, USA.
https://gainesvilleretreatcenter.com/
We are now accepting applications for this 10 day silent retreat. Please use the Google form posted below to secure your place.
Private Retreats
Private retreats can be arranged at The Drolung Hermitage. Please contact Lama Choga Directly to make arrangement.
N.B. So far there have been only three private retreats and until the centre is officially opened in or around 2027 limited provision will be made for private retreats and this all applicants will be strictly vetted for suitability.
14 day Karma Yoga Retreat TBC
A two week work and meditation retreat is planned for autumn 2026 or the 1st half of 2027 TBC. There will be a limited amount of spaces and preference will be given to those who have already completed a one week silent retreat hosted by the Insight Sangha.
All meals and accomodation will be provided and there will be two meditation sessions per day including some instruction from Lama Choga.
A Google form will be posted once the dates have been finalised.
