More Information for Ashe Mahamudra Retreat

April 9 - 17, 2018

Practice Texts

The retreat will include lungs for the Sakyong’s practice text, Ashe Mahamudra, and Sacred World, Shambhala Ritual. You should also review and bring “Shambhala Dzokchen” by the Sakyong. This book can be ordered from Shambhala Media. Please bring your practice liturgies and chant books and the The Dharmaraja Guru Yoga.

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Accommodation and Meals

Vegetarian meals will be provided at the Centre during the program. A limited number of billets with local sangha are available. Some participants may choose to sleep at the Centre (we have a shower). The cost there will be $5.00 per night. The Dancing Bear Inn, a hostel, has had good reviews in the past. Their rates start at $64 for private room with bunk beds for two. Other configurations are also available. The Hume Hotel , at $139 per night, also has good reviews and is within easy walking distance. There are many B & B’s .You could also contact Judy Katz,who has a room with private bathroom available in her home, a twenty minute walk to the Centre. Wireless, towels and bedding are provided for $30/night. Call her at 250.352.3319,  or email somatikatz@gmail.com.

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Travel Within Canada

Air Canada flies into Castlegar, B.C., about half an hour’s drive from Nelson. Connections to Castlegar can be made through Vancouver or Calgary. The Kootenay Shuttle can pick you up at the airport and deliver you to where you are staying. They suggest making reservations ahead of time. The shuttle costs $26.25, plus about $8 if you want to be delivered to some place other than the Hume Hotel (which is five blocks from our Centre at 812 Stanley St).

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Travel From the USA

American citizens may wish to check with the Border Services Agency about current requirements for travel to Canada. You are entering as a visitor. You need a passport. They don’t care if you are going to a Buddhist meditation retreat, but some border personnel may think that you are working in Canada if you get a discount in exchange for doing work. The closest major airport is in Spokane, 3 ½ hours away. From there, you can rent a car, or arrange a shuttle through Kootenay Shuttle. You may also choose to fly Air Canada to Castlegar, half an hour away and reserve with the same shuttle company. You can make connections for the flight to Castlegar in Vancouver or Calgary. Unless you specify otherwise, we will share contact information with other people traveling from your area. Participants traveling through Spokane may wish to share in the rental of a car, or connect with others coming from Washington.

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Reserving Your Place

Your reservation will be made when we have received your completed registration form and a $100 reservation deposit before March 23, 2018.