Detailed Information about Retreats -Fill out online application HERE
* Dates are on application SUBMIT YOUR Retreat Fees
RETREAT DETAILS:
Choose your Retreat dates:
Please indicate the dates you want to come. The first time you come we recommend you do our 10 day recommended dates. Seven days is a minimum. We don't offer longer than 2 weeks. All available retreat dates are listed on the application form or you can request a different period and we can check on that. If dates are not listed then they are full.
We have a $60 fee to reserve your space. It is refundable up to a month before your retreat. The basic cost for your food and shelter here is $60 per day. Payment of deposits and retreats in advance may be made in the BVMC store by credit card or Paypal.
We keep the price of the retreat stay very low to accommodate as many as we can. (Donations to the teacher are encouraged at the end of the retreat.) Your fees only support your room and board. The actual teaching and daily interview is freely given by Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera. Donations help to provide further building and programs to support BVMC.
Attending to Special Needs & Diet
Before coming to visit us, please indicate any special needs for diet, mobility issues, special care needed, so we can accommodate you.
We serve a vegetarian and light meat diet of occasional beef, fish, and poultry. Please indicate any preferences or allergies. However, if you are vegan and/or full gluten free, the cost of food is higher for us and we will support you as best as we can, given our low budget and local availability. We serve buffet style so you may pick and choose anything that works for you. So far we have been able to handle all but the most extreme diets.
Cell Phone Collection
We will collect all Cell phones and keep in a safe place for the retreat. This is becoming standard practice now at retreats, and we follow this rule to allow you a quiet period of contemplation without outside interruption. You may give out our mobile number 646-600-0385 to your family or important contacts. If they need to call you with an emergency they call this number and we will put you in touch with them immediately. We have alarm clocks to keep time or you may bring one. You may not use your phone as a clock as it is too enticing to check all those little notifications.
Precepts for Retreat periods
Students keep eight precepts during the retreat with two meals each day (Breakfast and a robust Noonday meal). This is in keeping with the standard Buddhist retreat tradition. Tea or juice is served at nightly around 6 PM, before the Dhamma Talk. (A light snack in the evening may be permitted only if medically required and then only 6 precepts will be observed). First time students find that keeping the 8 precepts is usually far easier than they thought!
Other points to note about the center.
TRANSPORTATION TO THE CENTER: You can use the Uber, Taxi or we can pick you up directly from the airport or bus/train station.
Airport Pickup -We get you from the airport therefore you can just donate $30 for the Center in donation Box.
Driving to the Center
More on transportation with maps, times, please see: Location and Maps. Please arrive after 1 PM.
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL:
Upon your arrival to BVMC , you will be asked to pay the balance of your retreat cost and to fill out your paperwork, indicating your past retreat experience, medical information, and insurance, emergency phone#s etc.
A valid D/L/ or Passport and emergency contacts may be requested.
Please note - Balance of retreat fees are due first day of retreat and not refundable after retreat started unless approved.
DANA for the Teachers. Your retreat fees only pay your room and board. It is important to understand that this center is a Buddhist religious center where the monastic teachers do not work and are only supported through offerings given to them after your retreat. This is the tradition of Buddhist monastics who have completely left lay life to devote full time work on the Dhamma. Your regular Retreat fees only cover the costs of the facility and your meals. The teaching is given freely to and tradition is that if you feel you have benefited from the teachings you may offer Dāna (Gifts) to the teacher on the last day and/or donations to help build and continue the work of this center. Dāna offerings are given completely at your own discretion and ability. What you offer also helps others to receive this training in the future. Dāna can be offered on the last day of your retreat.
ABOUT THE WEATHER, WHAT TO BRING, AND WHAT TO WEAR:
Be prepared for summer weather temperatures in the 80-90's during the day and 60-70s at night. Modest light clothing is recommended. We ask you to please cover your knees and shoulders and we request no sleeveless wear, tank tops etc. out of respect for the monks. Please wear clothes without political slogans or messages on them. The traditional color to wear for retreat is white. It is an encouragement of purity and helps to empty the mind. However, this is completely optional and left to your own discretion.
It's a good idea to bring a light rain jacket with a hood and an umbrella. Most people bring slip-on sandals to easily go in and out of the meditation rooms and dining room. A light bathrobe for the short walk to the bathroom, at night is a good idea. Bring a small flashlight to walk around the facility at night.
A laundry room is available for students to wash clothes.
WHAT TO BRING:
-For Sleeping:
Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. If you come by
car, you may want to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, or comforter/sheets. Your first task is to make up your bed.
Males and Females are in separate Rooms. Couples or married people may not room together.
-For Meditation:
You may want a shawl or blanket to wrap around shoulders while sitting. We do have some light blankets for this purpose. You may bring your own meditation chair or cushion if coming by car. There are some chairs, benches, and many cushions at the center. You are NOT required to sit on the floor. You may use the comfortable chairs already here.
-Some items to bring:
Umbrella - Sunscreen and Sunglasses - Flashlight - Water Bottle - comfortable shoes for walking; Personal Hygiene Kits; bug lotion; hat; sitting cushion (if you want your own)
Do's and don'ts while at Brahma Vihāra ---> HERE
Talk to the Teacher First
You are invited to discuss your practice and any problems that arise with the teachers during your interviews, or at other times, if the need arises. Sometimes you might want to cut your retreat short in the middle of your practice, perhaps because of what is coming up for you, but you must always talk to the teacher first before making such a decision.
Fill out your retreat application ONLINE HERE.
RETREAT DETAILS:
Choose your Retreat dates:
Please indicate the dates you want to come. The first time you come we recommend you do our 10 day recommended dates. Seven days is a minimum. We don't offer longer than 2 weeks. All available retreat dates are listed on the application form or you can request a different period and we can check on that. If dates are not listed then they are full.
We have a $60 fee to reserve your space. It is refundable up to a month before your retreat. The basic cost for your food and shelter here is $60 per day. Payment of deposits and retreats in advance may be made in the BVMC store by credit card or Paypal.
We keep the price of the retreat stay very low to accommodate as many as we can. (Donations to the teacher are encouraged at the end of the retreat.) Your fees only support your room and board. The actual teaching and daily interview is freely given by Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera. Donations help to provide further building and programs to support BVMC.
Attending to Special Needs & Diet
Before coming to visit us, please indicate any special needs for diet, mobility issues, special care needed, so we can accommodate you.
We serve a vegetarian and light meat diet of occasional beef, fish, and poultry. Please indicate any preferences or allergies. However, if you are vegan and/or full gluten free, the cost of food is higher for us and we will support you as best as we can, given our low budget and local availability. We serve buffet style so you may pick and choose anything that works for you. So far we have been able to handle all but the most extreme diets.
Cell Phone Collection
We will collect all Cell phones and keep in a safe place for the retreat. This is becoming standard practice now at retreats, and we follow this rule to allow you a quiet period of contemplation without outside interruption. You may give out our mobile number 646-600-0385 to your family or important contacts. If they need to call you with an emergency they call this number and we will put you in touch with them immediately. We have alarm clocks to keep time or you may bring one. You may not use your phone as a clock as it is too enticing to check all those little notifications.
Precepts for Retreat periods
Students keep eight precepts during the retreat with two meals each day (Breakfast and a robust Noonday meal). This is in keeping with the standard Buddhist retreat tradition. Tea or juice is served at nightly around 6 PM, before the Dhamma Talk. (A light snack in the evening may be permitted only if medically required and then only 6 precepts will be observed). First time students find that keeping the 8 precepts is usually far easier than they thought!
Other points to note about the center.
TRANSPORTATION TO THE CENTER: You can use the Uber, Taxi or we can pick you up directly from the airport or bus/train station.
Airport Pickup -We get you from the airport therefore you can just donate $30 for the Center in donation Box.
Driving to the Center
More on transportation with maps, times, please see: Location and Maps. Please arrive after 1 PM.
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL:
Upon your arrival to BVMC , you will be asked to pay the balance of your retreat cost and to fill out your paperwork, indicating your past retreat experience, medical information, and insurance, emergency phone#s etc.
A valid D/L/ or Passport and emergency contacts may be requested.
Please note - Balance of retreat fees are due first day of retreat and not refundable after retreat started unless approved.
DANA for the Teachers. Your retreat fees only pay your room and board. It is important to understand that this center is a Buddhist religious center where the monastic teachers do not work and are only supported through offerings given to them after your retreat. This is the tradition of Buddhist monastics who have completely left lay life to devote full time work on the Dhamma. Your regular Retreat fees only cover the costs of the facility and your meals. The teaching is given freely to and tradition is that if you feel you have benefited from the teachings you may offer Dāna (Gifts) to the teacher on the last day and/or donations to help build and continue the work of this center. Dāna offerings are given completely at your own discretion and ability. What you offer also helps others to receive this training in the future. Dāna can be offered on the last day of your retreat.
ABOUT THE WEATHER, WHAT TO BRING, AND WHAT TO WEAR:
Be prepared for summer weather temperatures in the 80-90's during the day and 60-70s at night. Modest light clothing is recommended. We ask you to please cover your knees and shoulders and we request no sleeveless wear, tank tops etc. out of respect for the monks. Please wear clothes without political slogans or messages on them. The traditional color to wear for retreat is white. It is an encouragement of purity and helps to empty the mind. However, this is completely optional and left to your own discretion.
It's a good idea to bring a light rain jacket with a hood and an umbrella. Most people bring slip-on sandals to easily go in and out of the meditation rooms and dining room. A light bathrobe for the short walk to the bathroom, at night is a good idea. Bring a small flashlight to walk around the facility at night.
A laundry room is available for students to wash clothes.
WHAT TO BRING:
-For Sleeping:
Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. If you come by
car, you may want to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, or comforter/sheets. Your first task is to make up your bed.
Males and Females are in separate Rooms. Couples or married people may not room together.
-For Meditation:
You may want a shawl or blanket to wrap around shoulders while sitting. We do have some light blankets for this purpose. You may bring your own meditation chair or cushion if coming by car. There are some chairs, benches, and many cushions at the center. You are NOT required to sit on the floor. You may use the comfortable chairs already here.
-Some items to bring:
Umbrella - Sunscreen and Sunglasses - Flashlight - Water Bottle - comfortable shoes for walking; Personal Hygiene Kits; bug lotion; hat; sitting cushion (if you want your own)
Do's and don'ts while at Brahma Vihāra ---> HERE
Talk to the Teacher First
You are invited to discuss your practice and any problems that arise with the teachers during your interviews, or at other times, if the need arises. Sometimes you might want to cut your retreat short in the middle of your practice, perhaps because of what is coming up for you, but you must always talk to the teacher first before making such a decision.
Fill out your retreat application ONLINE HERE.
You can download an application and print this word doc and send it to us with a $60 deposit.

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