Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

The Five Wisdoms: Navigating the Energies of Your Life

5.003 reviews
Location icon
2280 Balmoral Road, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada
Users icon
Up to 15 in group
Date
June 27 - 30, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Mindfulness Meditation to relax mental holding patterns
  • Alexander Technique to release physical holding patterns
  • Mindful Focusing to access deeper feelings held in the body
  • Sharing our experiential journey together

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

We all have our own style and our own particular nature. We can’t avoid it. The enlightened expression of yourself is in accord with your inherent nature. 

— Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Join us to Explore the Yogic Practice of the Five Wisdom Energies
The Five Wisdom Energies—also known as the Five Buddha Families—shape how we experience the world, how we relate to others, and how we express our inherent nature.

They are presence, clarity, richness, passion, and activity with an infinity of combinations making us all a unique blend. When they manifest as wisdom, they bring brilliance, intelligence, and effectiveness. When confused, they can lead to patterns of struggle and imbalance.

In this program, we explore the Five Wisdom postures, developed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and rooted in the teachings of Tantric Buddhism. Practiced with colored glasses, these postures activate our subtle energetic body connecting us to the dynamic patterns of energy that shape us. The practice deepens our understanding of how these energies influence our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. They are at play in both our inner and outer worlds.

Through gentleness and self-acceptance, the practice uncovers unconditional confidence and a tender heart. It reveals the brilliance and challenges within our unique energetic makeup, offering insights into how we move through life. By aligning with the best of who we are, we reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and cultivate balance and integration. They help us navigate relationships, understand personal and professional dynamics, and live authentically.

This program combines meditation, posture practice, creative expression, personal reflection, and community discussion. Open to both newcomers and experienced practitioners, the program provides a grounded and accessible way to explore the Five Wisdoms.

Join us to work with the energies that shape your life and uncover the clarity, compassion, and potential already within you.
Who Should Attend
Everyone is welcome to attend this retreat. Meditation instruction and individual posture adjustments will provided.

The weekend is ideal for anyone who wants to know themselves better and learn a simple and radically different way to approach their life.
Overview of Schedule (Atlantic Time)
Time Zone Converter
Friday, June 27  (Arrival Day)

Check-in is open from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please try to arrive before 5pm to settle in before dinner if you are able to.
Dinner is at 6:30.
There will be an orientation session at 7:45 after dinner.


Saturday, June 28

7:00 a.m.: Optional (Outdoor Contemplative Practice)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Morning session
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m.: Early afternoon Session
4:00 p.m.: Tea
4:30 p.m.: Late afternoon session
6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7:45 p.m.: Evening Session
9:00 p.m.: End of day

Sunday, June 29

7:00 a.m.: Optional (Outdoor Contemplative Practice)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Morning session
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m.: Early afternoon Session
4:00 p.m.: Tea
4:30 p.m.: Late afternoon session
6:30 p.m.: Dinner
7:45 p.m.: Evening Session
9:00 p.m.: End of day


Monday, June 30

7:00 a.m.: Optional (Outdoor Contemplative Practice)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Morning session
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m.: Early afternoon Session
4:30 p.m.: Break
5:00 p.m.: Celebratory Tea Reception

 

NOTES:

Each session may include breaks, guided meditation and posture correction.
Departure after Tea on June 30. If you are traveling and wish to stay over on Jun 30, you will have the option to add an additional night's stay on the registration form.

Program Costs
Tuition: $200 CAD
Meals: $60 CAD
Accommodations: Prices vary according to choice. (Please see the Registration Page to view options available.)
Generosity Policy

Dorje Denma Ling wants teachings to be available to all who seek them, and to people of every financial or social condition. We offer payment plans, sliding scale, and scholarships, supported by donations. We have scholarships available for those with financial need and others specifically to support newer meditators, BIPOC practitioners, and those under 40. Learn more

If you need assistance, please fill out and return the Financial Aid Form or contact our Finance Manager, Suzy Ulrich.

If you don't need assistance, but would prefer to spread your payments out over a number of months to ease cashflow issues, please contact Suzy Ulrich and she can set that up for you.
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

Getting Here

Location icon Dorje Denma Ling, 2280 Balmoral Road, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada

Directions

The Halifax International airport is the just over an hour from Dorje Denma Ling. Information on taxis, shuttles and how to get here by car can be found on our website at this location: https://dorjedenmaling.org/participant-info/getting-here/.

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.

Lodge: Single Occupancy Room (110/night)

Accommodation
This private room may have a double or single bed. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor.  

Lodge: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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)

Lodge: Couple's Room

Accommodation
These rooms have one double bed, and are located on the second floor of the lodge. Only choose this option when booking with a partner. Shared bath.  

Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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: Double Occupancy

Accommodation
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.

Live or Staying Locally

Accommodation
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.

(Not Offered) Lodge: Triple Occupancy Dorm with Bunk Bed

Accommodation
These rooms have one twin and one bunk bed to accommodate three people. Shared bath. Triple-Occupancy Cost: $45 per night.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Dorje Denma Ling sits high on a hill overlooking the Northumberland Strait, surrounded by forest and a big sky above. There are 4 meditation halls of various sizes, a simple but comfortable lodge for guests who prefer to be indoors; cabins and tents for those who prefer to camp. The main building houses the Dragon shrine room, a commercial kitchen and dining room. Lovely stained glass art and exquisite Tibetan tankas create an atmosphere of sacredness in this otherwise simple retreat centre.

Meals

Menu
Although the kitchen does accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free needs, it does not operate like a restaurant. Some meat may be served, but meals are largely plant-based.

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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(Online) Shambhala Training Level IV: Awakened Heart
It was a great opportunity to complete Level IV online. The zoom format worked perfectly and although we were not physically together, it still gave us a sense of being in community. I highly recommend it.

5.0
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Winter haiku John McQuade
A lovely series of sharing haiku, with interesting insights re contemplative writing from John, through the dark of Winter. The retreat was also very well run and prepared by Dan. Both are a credit to Dorje Denma Ling. It was much appreciated, thank-you.

5.0
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Deep Resonance - Haiku
I very much enjoyed the class with John McQuade. I felt supported in exploring my own attempts at Haiku and appreciated the depth of knowledge expressed in each class. I found the process of writing Haiku to be deeply supportive in being with this uncertain time.

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