Kyudo: The Way of the Bow 2024
2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada
September 5 - 8, 2024
About this Retreat
Sam began kyudo in Boulder in 1980 with Sendai, Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX, who had been invited by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to teach kyudo in Colorado. In 1984 Sam became responsible (Somo) for Toko Kyudojo in Manhattan. He traveled to kyudo programs with Sendai during the 80’s and, in 1987, became responsible for Kozan Kyudojo in Nova Scotia. Sendai sent Sam to help foster kyudo and develop dojos in Europe and the US.
In 1999 Sendai requested Sam to organize and develop all the kyudojos within Zenko International from Boulder. There, Sam lived with Sendai, cared for him, studied kyudo, organized and traveled with Sendai to teach programs in North America and Europe.
In 2007, Sam returned to live in Nova Scotia from where he traveled to assist Sendai in teaching kyudo in North America and Europe until Sendai’s passing. Sam continues to lead and assist kyudo programs at home and abroad under the current lineage holder of the Heki Ryu Bishu Chickorin Ha school of kyudo, Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XXI.
Details of this retreat
"One is not polishing one's shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery.... The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth."
-- Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sendai.
Kyudo integrates technical skill with the development of a completely focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by Shintoism and Zen, it is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear. Originally a samurai discipline, the purpose of Kyudo now is to purify one's heart and mind, awaken natural human dignity, and to go beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.
Our Kyudo Tradition
We practice and teach kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
Trungpa Rinpoche had invited Kanjuro Shibata XX in the late 1970s to teach his students kyudo in the West. Following Shibata XX’s passing, the current lineage holder is his son, Kanjuro Shibata XXI, who has taken over as the Imperial Bow Maker and Archer to the Emperor of Japan.
Initially, students learn the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), which are a prescribed series of movements which lead to completing a shot. These are repeated over and over, as the students practice deepens.
Who Should Attend
The weekend presents the opportunity for both beginning and continuing students to learn and practise an ancient form of kyudo using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).
There will be equipment available for newcomers to use. Students 12 years and above are welcome.
Schedule
We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (3-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2024!
Thursday, September 5
Arrival: Late afternoon, preferably before 5:00 pm to settle in. Check-in at the Office between 3:00 and 6:00 pm for housing assignments.
Dinner: 6:30.
Orientation and Talk: 7:30
Friday - Sunday, September 6-8
Breakfast: 8:00 am
Kyudo Practice: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch: 12:30
Kyudo Practice: 1:30 - 6:30 (with a break for tea)
Dinner: 6:30
NOTE: Sunday, September 8, departure after tea (approximately 4:30).
Costs
All prices are in $CAD.
Tuition & Meals: $365
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.
Early Bird Discount of $50 applies if you register by June 1, 2024.
Generosity Policy: If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.
Covid Considerations
Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.
Useful Links
What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here
Accommodation
Lodge: Single Occupancy Room
This private room may have a double or single bed. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor.
Lodge: Double Occupancy
This room may have two single beds, or one single and one bunk bed. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor.
Double-Occupancy cost: $55 per night (June 1- Sept. 30) and $50 per night during the cool season (Oct 1 - May 31)
Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy
Nestled in the trees, Drala Cabins are private and quiet. They are also insulated and have electricity and heat. These cabins have two twin beds.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building. During the cool season showers in the main building are shared with staff.
Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy
Nestled in the trees, Drala Cabins are private and quiet. They are also insulated and have electricity and heat. These cabins have two twin beds.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building. During the cool season showers in the main building are shared with staff.
Large White Tent: Single Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Single-Occupancy cost: $65 per night.
Large White Tent: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Cost per person for single-occupancy Wood Cabin rental: $75 per night.
Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
White Hut: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents, wood cabins and huts accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
If you are traveling by airplane, we can help you out with bedding and towels.
Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided
Bring your own tent and use one of our wooden tent platforms.
Bring Your Own Tent: No Platform Provided
Bring your own tent: no platform provided. We will find a mowed, grassy space for you.
Shrine Room Floor: Garuda
Live or Staying Locally
If you are not staying at Dorje Denma Ling during this retreat, choose this option and you will be charged only the price of the retreat. The retreat price includes meals.
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