Exploring the Path of the New Saint in Times of Crisis (Residential)

Sorry! Registration for the residential attendance option is closed!

If you’d like to register for the ONLINE option, please click here

We are living through an apocalypse struggling to learn lessons through a pervasive pandemic, economic instability, political unrest, climate change, and various forms of systematic violence. As a result, both our individual and collective grief and trauma seems overwhelming.

The New Saint is a contemporary expression of an ancient Buddhist tradition, which understands the saint as a Bodhisattva. Bodhisattva is roughly translated as a “spiritual warrior” and is motivated by the energy of Bodhicitta or a profound altruistic wish to free all beings from suffering. The New Saint tradition is a reframing of the bodhisattva tradition that is contemporary and justice oriented, centering the experiences of communities involved directly in liberation struggle. New Saint embodies spiritual abolition which is the work of abolishing any system and institution that prevents people from experiencing full agency to determine the quality of their lives and restricting resources needed to experience happiness, safety, and care.

In this retreat, Lama Rod will teach practices and ideas from his latest Book “The New Saints” exploring liberatory practice through meditation, deity practice, land-based rituals, fire ceremonies, somatic movement, singing, mantras along with in-depth discussions.

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:30-10:00 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm.

Last Day —The closing session typically ends by 12:00 pm.

These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be provided in pre-retreat information emailed during the week prior to the event.

Important Covid Information

The NDF Health Committee continues to monitor evolving public health conditions and trends, as we keep the safety of our Sangha at the forefront of our decision-making. At this time, COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged if you are at higher risk.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Depending on the type of work that you do, you may be eligible for a Hemera Contemplative Fellowship. Please click on this link for more information.

Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat. Award amounts are based on the room type chosen.

Cancellation Policy

Wonderwell charges a $75 cancellation fee for residential (onsite) retreat cancellations more than 4 weeks before the start of a retreat. Any cancellations between 4 weeks to 11 days prior to the program are charged a $150 cancellation fee. For any cancellations 10 or fewer days prior to the start date of the program, no refunds are offered.

However, if you are feeling ill or feel you might have been exposed to the COVID virus, please cancel your attendance at any Wonderwell retreat even at the last minute. In this case, we will provide a full refund of your payment.

If you decide to transfer from residential to online attendance, any cancellation fee will be determined based on the time remaining before the start of the retreat.

Access to Recordings

NDF offers unlimited access to recordings, which are accessed in your user dashboard (more information about user accounts provided in a pre-retreat letter). If you have a user account, please register with the same email you use to log into your dashboard. If not, an account will be created for you using your registration address.

Availability will vary depending on the type of event and the backlog for our precious resource volunteers. Thank you for your patience.

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