Cameron's Staff Pick
[Hybrid] A Spiritual Approach to Healing Retreat
2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls Nova Scotia, B0K 1V0, Canada
Up to 50 in group
July 11 - 16, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Tibetan Buddhists often consider a major disease like cancer to be a wakeup call. When we look at some of the deeper aspects of our being, like spirituality, and decide to radically change the way we have been living so far, it may be possible to heal our entire being. Practices such as meditation and compassion can help us to understand and accept the different treatments we may have to undergo while fighting a disease.
- This program will introduce a holistic view on the topic of healing that allows us to deal with all physical, mental, and emotional suffering. It considers healing from the perspective of our entire being, not just the body. Whether the body dies or not, one can still have a profound experience of healing, and thereby be better prepared for death.
About this Retreat
Alain Beauregard is a physicist and a high-tech entrepreneur as well as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. At the age of 46, Alain was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer which was inoperable and had spread to such a point that his doctors said he was incurable. In less than 3 months of receiving chemotherapy combined with working on the emotional cause of disease and doing spiritual healing practices, his cancer went into complete remission. Alain has been ‘clean’ to this date.
This life-changing experience inspired Alain to give public talks and workshops about the powerful tools that Tibetan Buddhism offers and that can help us to develop compassion for ourselves and accepting things as they are.
Alain’s story also inspired the radio series "Vivre autrement" that was aired on Radio-Canada. Alain hosts lectures, weekends and retreats on the emotional and spiritual approach to healing, based on Buddhist teachings and his own healing experience
Details of this retreat
[PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in attending online, please go here for information and to register: [Online] A Spiritual Approach to Healing Retreat.] Note that a simultaneous French translation will be offered.
Tibetan Buddhists often consider a major disease like cancer to be a wakeup call. When we look at some of the deeper aspects of our being, like spirituality, and decide to radically change the way we have been living so far, it may be possible to heal our entire being. Practices such as meditation and compassion can help us to understand and accept the different treatments we may have to undergo while fighting a disease.
This program will introduce a holistic view on the topic of healing that allows us to deal with all physical, mental, and emotional suffering. It considers healing from the perspective of our entire being, not just the body. Whether the body dies or not, one can still have a profound experience of healing, and thereby be better prepared for death.
We will explore four main themes and become familiar with specific guided practices and contemplations for each theme:
Our fundamental nature – a source of healing
Meditation – a practice to heal our being
Discovering the source of love within – to accept and become friends with ourselves
Visualising and invoking – a profound way to heal our being
Please Note: In cases of serious illness, Tibetan teachers strongly advise everyone to follow appropriate medical treatment and benefit from a spiritual approach in addition.
What to Expect
During this retreat, we will explore and practice the path of healing from a spiritual and emotional perspective. During the first weekend we will explore the path of healing based on Alain’s experience of healing a terminal cancer. The next five days will be focused on practice to allow us to enter gradually into the various healing practices and spend time familiarizing ourselves and experiencing them deeply.
Sessions will be spacious, allowing for personal experience and integration to develop. Questions and interaction will be welcome. The objective is to develop an understanding of the path of healing, experience it together both in guided and individual practices and become familiar enough to be able to use these tools in our life. No previous experience is needed.
Who Should Attend
Everyone is welcome to attend. This is a public program for all who have interest in exploring the nature of true healing and particularly those who currently face health issues and want the opportunity for deeper healing practice. For those who are new to meditation, instruction will be provided.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk78BNnqIDQ
Overview of Schedule
July 11 (Arrival Day)
Check-in is open from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please try to arrive before 5 p.m. to settle in before dinner if you are able to.
Dinner is at 6:30.
There will be an orientation session around 7:30 after dinner.
July 12 - July 15
9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sessions include talks, meditation, discussion, tea breaks. Evening sessions optional.
Includes breaks for meals and rest time.
July 16 (Departure Day)
Program concludes after 12:30 lunch.
Retreat Costs
All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals: CA$580
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.
Access to a recorded version of the program will be included as a gift for all participants.
Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. 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
Schedule
Retreat schedules vary somewhat, depending on whether the program is introductory or advanced. There may be a pre-breakfast practice or activity of some sort, followed by breakfast at 8:30.
At 9:15 the main morning practice session begins. There could be talks, meditation, or various physical practices, depending upon the type of retreat.
Lunch is usually around 12:30 -- followed by an extended break. The afternoon session usually begins around 2:30, with tea break around 4:00 and dinner at 6:30. Again, depending up on the type of program, there may be a short evening practice session or a talk. Programs usually end with some sort of simple celebration.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Accommodation
Gyatso Lodge is the main indoor housing. It is simple but clean and comfortable. There separate washroom and shower facilities on each floor.
There are also cabins -- some of which are winterized, as well as tents and tent platforms available during the warmer months. Campers use one of two shower houses.
Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy (150/night)
Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy (130/night)
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: 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.
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.
Cameron's Staff Pick
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Verified
Last Chance