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This silent weeklong retreat invites participants to enter the transformative path of the Vajrayana, whose radical methods reawaken us to the sacred world of energy and space, bliss and emptiness, compassion and wisdom. Supported by community and the profound methods of transformation unique to this path, we will explore how emotion itself can become a direct vehicle for awakening. Join Lama Liz Monson and Matthew Bellows to delve into the rich landscape of the Buddhist Vajrayana tradition. At this pivotal moment in the history of our species and our planet, these ancient practices remain relevant and essential, teaching us to embrace ordinary thoughts and emotions as catalysts for realizing that our deepest nature—and the nature of all beings—is love and wisdom inseparable. Through visualization, mantra recitation, and contemplation, we will discover how these techniques transmute confused emotions into their true essence—compassion for self and others. In this retreat, Lama Liz and Matthew will guide practitioners in exploring how the methods of the Buddhist Vajrayana awaken us to the sacred world of energy and space, bliss and emptiness, compassion and wisdom. Together, we will investigate how techniques like visualization and mantra recitation transmute confused emotions into their essence—compassion for self and others. In this time of global challenge, these ancient methods remind us of our innate capacity to meet the world with clarity, love, and courage. When we enter the Vajrayana, we begin to awaken the ancestral and cellular memories that lie dormant within us—the deep knowing of who we truly are, beyond the habitual entrenchment in conceptual patterns of thought and emotion that give rise to suffering. Through practice, we discover how to harness the raw power of emotion as a vehicle to return to the deep knowledge within us that knows how to span the worlds, to dance with the energies of life and death, and to relax so deeply that we can slide into a realization of non-self without fear or anxiety. No experience necessary – all are welcome. ABOUT THE TEACHERS ELIZABETH MONSON, PhD, is the Spiritual Co-Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship and Wonderwell's Managing Teacher. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after over 30 years of studying, practicing, and teaching Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages. In 2015, Liz completed a doctorate at Harvard University, and was a Visiting Lecturer in the Study of Religion in 2015-2016. Liz is the author of two books — More Than a Madman: The Divine Words of Drukpa Kunley (2014) and Tales of a Mad Yogi: The Life and Wild Wisdom of Drukpa Kunley (2021). Her articles have appeared in Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, Buddhadharma, and other periodicals. MATTHEW BELLOWS is a meditation teacher with Natural Dharma Fellowship, where he serves on the Board of Directors. He also teaches meditation with the Mindful Aware Meditation Group. An entrepreneur, husband, dad, and long-time meditator, he has founded three software companies - most recently BodesWell.io. Matthew's first session of sitting meditation was in 1990 while at Naropa Institute. In his own words, "The best year of my single life was living at Shambhala Mountain Center, cooking for hundreds, and doing four months of retreat. Thankfully, I realized I was not going to be a very good monk, so my now-wife Ruth picked me up and drove me back to the Boston area, where we've lived since 1994." Before finding NDF, Matthew meditated in the Shambhala tradition, which he left in 2019. While there, he served on the Board of the Boston Shambhala Center and the Karme Choling board. In his own words, "NDF's mission, inspiring teachings of the lamas, the Wonderwell building and site, and the overall sanity [of] this organization is the most wonderful gift to the world. I am honored to serve it."

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Venue

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge at Natural Dharma Fellowship

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Wonderwell Mountain Refuge is located in New Hampshire's beautiful Upper Valley. As Natural Dharma Fellowship's meditation retreat center, our programs are dedicated to bringing the practices of Tibetan Buddhism into the contemporary world in accessible, relevant, and creative ways. Our retreatants cultivate mindfulness, nature-based practices, wisdom, and compassion to promote courageous, loving action in the world. Set on a west-facing hillside with sweeping views of forest, sky and mountains, the house and grounds provide a calm and peaceful oasis. The graceful building has been beautifully restored and lovingly maintained to serve as a home for the Dharma. Natural beauty embraces the living tradition of Buddhist practice and teaching that resonates here. It is a place for those who wish to connect more deeply with their own innate wisdom and compassion and source themselves for courageous loving action in the world. Wonderwell’s 200 acres include lawns and gardens around the main building, with fields and forest below. Our 15,000 square-foot facility can accommodate up to 40 overnight guests – each guest room is unique, and many have private baths. The meditation hall features our Tara shrine, two original fieldstone fireplaces, a suspended balcony, and seating for 100. Simple yet delicious meals are prepared in our commercial kitchen and served buffet-style in the adjoining serving and dining areas. Small sitting nooks around the building provide quiet spaces for reading, meditation, and contemplation.

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Yoga Studio

Garden

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Coffee / Tea

Restaurant

Kitchen

Free Parking

Balcony

Bathroom

Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Brunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Diabetic Friendly · Kosher

Wonderwell’s meals are provided by our talented chefs. As much as possible, we select local and organic foods to provide well-rounded and nutritious vegetarian meals which include gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Healthy snacks are available between meals. Brewed coffee is available in the morning. Tea and instant coffee are available around the clock. If you have severe food allergies or special dietary needs, please provide this information on your registration form. We have limited ability to accommodate special diets beyond the options listed above. People with special dietary needs are encouraged to bring any supplemental food they may need. A separate refrigerator and food storage area are provided for this.

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