This retreat is offered as an opportunity for very experienced students to develop their capacity for self-retreat in order to develop autonomy, maturity, depth, flexibility and creativity in engaging their personal practice. It is suitable for those who are experienced in conducting personal retreat and also for those with much group retreat experience but little solitary retreat experience.

There will be a loose schedule within which each participant will be able to structure their retreat time independently. Mealtimes and work periods will take place at fixed times. There will be two informal group sits daily. Most other activities will be self-guided by each individual.

PREREQUISITES:

Each participant who applies to attend this retreat must meet the following requirements:

Formal retreat experience: each participant has to have attended at least 7 retreats for a total of at least 35 days of retreat time, with at least 20 days completed at Cloud Mountain.

Any participant who has not yet attended a supported self-retreat through Cloud Mountain or other established Dharma center must provide us with a written recommendation from their primary teacher endorsing the appropriateness of solitary retreat. Each participant must also commit to engaging in at least one phone interview with their own teacher at some time during the retreat.

Additionally, each applicant must exhibit behaviors supportive of sustaining a strong spiritual community. Specifically, each applicant must have a strong, demonstrated practice of sila (ethical and moral behavior), of dana (generosity) and a demonstrated ability to comport oneself during retreat with maturity and integrity.

Partial attendance is not offered on this retreat. Additionally, please consider attending this retreat only if your current life circumstances allow you to engage in an important modern renunciation practice of staying offline and off phone/text during the entire course of the retreat (some exceptions related to pressing family situations may be granted.)