Registration Information

Thank you for your interest in our programs. Advanced registration is required for all of our programs other than the weekly classes. Please see the information below to help make your stay more comfortable.

Arrival: Our normal weekend programs begin with dinner on Friday evening at 6pm followed by an orientation at 7:15pm with the first session starting at 7:30pm unless otherwise specified. So it’s best if you arrive between 4-6pm. If you would like to arrive earlier than 4pm, please call our office to make arrangements. All program schedules will be posted on our website closer to the date of the specific program.

Donations: A unique feature of Milarepa Center is that we operate predominantly on the generous attitudes, gifts, and donations from others. In running a retreat center, there are a great many expenses such as insurance, maintenance, food, office supplies, teachers’ travel, etc. We rely on our guests to support our ongoing activities. It is due to your kind generosity that others with limited funds are able to attend. If there is a requested donation listed for a program, no one will be turned away for lack of funds, but do contact our office in advance to make arrangements.

An average cost for someone attending a two-day program with shared accommodation and meals is on a sliding scale of $250-100 per person.

To register, complete the standard registration form downloadable from our website and return it to us along with a $50 deposit to Milarepa Center, PO Box 51, Barnet, Vermont 05821. Or call us at (802) 633-4136 and we will be happy to put a form in the mail to you.

 MilarepaRegistrationForm
This form uses the free Adobe Acrobat Reader available Here.

Accommodation: The Center has a limited number of sleeping spaces and only four cabins for private accommodation so do be sure to register early. In addition, if you are interested in having  private accommodation with an attached bathroom, there are a few local accommodations available for booking:

While these Bed and Breakfasts do serve breakfast as part of your stay, Milarepa will be serving breakfast during the program just after our morning sitting session. This session is considered part of the retreat so it’s best for you to plan on attending to deepen your retreat experience.

Teacher’s Offering: In addition, at the end of each program, you will have the opportunity to make an offering to the teacher and interpreter (if there is one) in appreciation for receiving the precious Dharma teachings.

What to Bring: We include this list of personal items that are useful for you to bring to help make your stay more comfortable, however, many of these items are optional. Please note that Milarepa Center will provide bedding, but a warm sleeping bag in winter is highly recommended:

1. Towel and washcloth

2. Earplugs

3. Loose, layered clothing

4. Personal toiletries

5. Flashlight

6. Alarm clock

7. Additional vitamins

8. Medication if necessary
(***Please let us know in advance if you have any medical conditions)

9. Shawl or light blanket

10. Mala (Buddhist rosary – some retreats involve mantra recitation so being able to count on a mala helps to keep the mind more focused - these can be purchased at the center bookstore, as well.)

11. Dharma reading material for time between sessions

12. Journal and writing materials

Karma Yoga: During your stay, we ask guests to participate in helping with a variety of tasks at the center including a final clean-up before their departure so please plan your time accordingly.

Winter Driving: Milarepa Center is located at the top of a steep single-lane driveway. We keep our driveway plowed at all times and sanded for guests arriving for retreat. Most guests arrive and depart at the same time so it is rare to find other cars on the road at the same time. Please exercise the same caution used to drive in winter conditions.

General Retreat Information: Most importantly, start preparing your mind for retreat. One of the most fantastic things about this sort of practice is that you have an opportunity to retreat from your delusions. So taking the time to watch when negative mind states arise and applying techniques to counter these states is a most powerful way to create more peace and happiness in your life. If we already start thinking about it, preparing the mind for a focused few days ahead, and rejoicing at this great opportunity, just this amount of intention prior to the retreat will make the result more powerful.

Thank you so much for coming and see you all very soon!