Emptiness Meditations
Retreat I
with Ven. Utpala
17–26 Jan. 2025
Bonus: a private consultation with Ven. Utpala
All the great Buddhist masters say that perceiving emptiness directly is the key to realizing our spiritual goals. And the key to that is twofold: developing a clear understanding of what emptiness is empty of, along with developing the ability to meditate single-pointedly.
In this 9-day retreat with Ven. Utpala (Bets Greer), we’ll start delving into the meditations that Choney Lama outlined in his book Light on the Path to Freedom, as well as meditation instructions of Master Kamalashila and Pabongka Rinpoche—all from the book Emptiness Meditations, of the Diamond Cutter Classics Series.
Suitable for both those new to meditation or retreat, and those who have meditation or retreat experience, the daily schedule for this in-person retreat will be a mix of classes, and group and personal meditation sessions.
When: 17-26 Jan 2025 (check-in: 1-4pm)
Where: Diamond Mountain Retreat Center, 3209 S Old Fort Bowie Road, Bowie, AZ
Language: English
Teachers: Ven. Utpala (Bets Greer)
Group Size: min. 5 participants
What is included: Retreat cottage (including linen, towels, kitchen, and bath), private consultation with Ven. Utpala, one prepared meal per day
What is NOT included:
- Transfer from Tucson International Airport to Diamond Mountain. If you need a shuttle, please add “shuttle” during registration and plan to arrive in Tucson BEFORE 11am on Jan 17, 2025 and depart NO EARLIER than 3pm on January 26, 2025. If you need a hotel because of your flight schedule, we recommend La Quinta Tucson Airport. And yes, we have a shopping stop on our way to Diamond Mountain so that you can get groceries for your breakfast and dinner.
- We also encourage you to carpool. After registration, you will receive a link to a WhatsApp group where you can connect with other participants.
If you have more questions, please click here.
Retreat Registration fees cover private retreat cottage (including linen and towels), lunches, and handouts
Private Cottage (accommodates 1 guest. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are not shared with anyone else)
- Private Cottage: MODEST USD 1,100
- Private Cottage: DELUXE USD 1,343
- Private Cottage: PREMIUM USD 1,496
Other
- Round-trip shuttle from and to Tucson Airport: USD 200
Apply here if you need support for attending the retreat. Or join our “ARE YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW FOR RETREAT?” program to plant the seeds for joining.
Daily Schedule
First day (Jan. 17)
1-4pm check-in
6:00pm first class
Class days (Jan. 18–21)
7:30am Class
9am Yoga
10:15 Guided meditation
11:30 Pick up lunch and return to retreat cottage for private practice
Solitary retreat days (Jan. 22–25)
Solitary retreat (suggested schedule)
5:30–7:00 meditation
7:30–8:30 yoga
9:00–10:30 meditation
11:00–1:00 meal
1:00–2:00 walk
2:30–4:00 meditation
4:30–6:30 study and contemplation
6:30–7:00 yoga or stretching
7:30–9:00 meditation
9:00–5:00 sleep
One-on-one time w/Ven. Utpala – once or twice, depending on how many people sign
up
Last day (Jan. 26)
7:30am Class
End retreat – 10:30
Most of our eco-friendly retreat cottages include 12-volt solar electricity, composting toilets, and passive solar design which allows them to naturally stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Please check out our cottages here.
We have plenty of mats and meditation cushions onsite—no need to bring your own.
Here are a few helpful links to prepare: come prepared, what does off-grid mean, directions
Wi-fi is available for emergency use, and cell coverage is practically non-existent. We strongly encourage that you put all your electronic devices in airplane mode, and plan to take advantage of the opportunity to be completely off-grid!
Registration fees are refundable:
- 50% refundable up to 3 months (before October 17, 2024)
- 25% refundable from 3 months – 1 month (between November 17 – December 17, 2024)
- 0% for the last month (after December 17, 2024)
You are welcome to request an exception to this policy.
We would like you to know the rules, the Do’s & Don’ts. Please let us know if you have any questions. We are happy to answer, and if there are any concerns from your side – maybe we can find a solution! Let’s talk.
If you still have questions about the retreat or your registration please let us know by clicking here
Maybe you are sure you want to come, but you are a little bit tight on money at the moment?
Please send us an email and let us know which housing you would like and a suggested payment plan that would work for you. Click me to send the email.