Noble Silence Retreat

Location icon
Libertad 80, Centro, Pátzcuaro, Mich., México
Date
July 10 - 15, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

We extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to join us for a transformative 4-day Noble Silence retreat with Drupon Lama Dorje, a renowned meditation master from an unbroken lineage of 2,500 years, whose teachings bring timeless benefits to our modern lives. This retreat provides the rare opportunity to learn profound meditation techniques designed to stabilize the mind and cultivate inner peace.

What is Noble Silence?
Noble Silence is a period of intentional quiet, where external distractions are minimized to foster inner awareness. In the busyness of life, wisdom often fades as quickly as it arises. Noble Silence creates a space where the mind can settle, allowing insights to penetrate deeper and remain with us long after the retreat. With the guidance of an experienced Tibetan Lama, this silence becomes a powerful tool for internal transformation.

We will learn "The Great Shravasti Meditation", which is a step by step presentation of Shamatha, Vipassana, and Mahamudra meditations that introduce the nature of mind through the Mindfulness of Breath. 
What is The Great Shravasti Meditation?
This is a special method of introducing us to the nature of mind based on the Anapanasati Sutra taught by the Buddha, yet explained from a Vajrayana perspective. By connecting to our breath, we will experience directly the mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feelings, mindfulness of mind, and mindfulness of phenomena through 16 sequential steps.

In addition to seated meditation, the retreat includes:

Walking meditation
Mindful eating
Morning yogic breath exercises to loosen the body for comfortable sitting
Daily chants and introspective reflections

This retreat strikes a balance between teachings and silent practice of the teachings. Meditation can often feel daunting, but Lama Dorje’s gentle guidance makes it accessible to all. He offers personalized insights during daily Q&A sessions, ensuring your questions about meditation are addressed with wisdom and care.

Noble Silence is a key element. While many meditation retreats require total silence, here it is integrated thoughtfully:

July 11: Teachings and meaningful conversations set the foundation.
July 12 & 13: Noble Silence practice. 
July 14: Closing with teachings, reflection, and dialogue.

Who Should Attend?
This retreat welcomes practitioners of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned meditator or just beginning, Lama Dorje’s clear instructions and tailored responses will guide you along your path:

Beginners will be gently introduced to mindfulness practices that can be integrated into everyday life. Advanced practitioners will appreciate the nuanced presentation of these ancient and profound technique, discovering new depths in their practice.
Lama Dorje will be offering this retreat in Spanish and is accompanied by an English translator.

Digital Detox
To fully embrace the retreat’s transformative power, participants will engage in a digital detox, leaving behind phones and devices. Dharma books and journals are welcome, allowing for reflection without distraction.
Full program tuition not including accommodations:
Early Bird price: $4,050 pesos/$200.00 USD through March 31, 2025
$5,060 pesos/$250.00 USD, April 1 - July 10, 2025
Pay-It-Forward program tuition not including accommodations: $358 usd

We invite all who are able to do so to consider paying the Pay-It-Forward tuition rate. By doing so, you make it possible for us to offer scholarships to others, particularly our Mexico sangha, while also contributing to Casa Werma's year-round operations. Please select Pay-It-Forward Tuition Add-On in Registration.
Travel arrangements: We recommend flights into Morelia airport (90 minutes away by car). We can help with travel arrangements, please inquire about options. Please visit our How to Get Here  page for more info. All participant air travel will be offset by The Good Traveler carbon offset program.
If you have any questions regarding this retreat, please send us an email at: hello@casawerma.org

Getting Here

Location icon Casa Werma, Libertad 80, Centro, Pátzcuaro, Mich., México

Accommodation

Off-site Estancia de la Era King Suite

Accommodation
Estancia de la Era is a lovely inn only half a block away that gives our guests a special nightly rate when reserved and paid through Casa Werma. This is a large private room with a King Size bed and a sofa bed, offset from the street with a beautiful view, ensuite two baths and fireplace. Hotel Estancia de La Era is located in the heart of Pátzcuaro, one of the most magical places in Mexico, surrounded by lush, natural scenery and a 16th Century colonial architecture. The balance between the city and nature provides the perfect setting for a peaceful relaxation. Your stay includes wonderful amenities while you enjoy the magic of this historic place. ***  Please do not make reservations with these hotels on your own. Participants have lost their reservation when they have done this as it’s difficult for the hotel and Casa Werma to keep track of who’s reserved separately and who’s reserved through us. Casa Werma does add a small surcharge to the rates given to us by the hotels to account for PayPal, credit card and other banking fees. Thank you for your understanding.  ***

Leoncita (Full size bed)

Accommodation
We have the cozy Leoncita bedroom with a matrimonial/full-size bed tucked behind the kitchen with access to a semi-public bathroom in the corridor of the Casa Grande.

Camping in the Garden

Accommodation
Puedes acampar en el jardin de Casa Werma.  Te pedimos traer tu propia tienda y bolsa de dormir. Podemos prestarte una toalla y cobijas. La temperatura nocturna en Pátzcuaro suele ser de 9ºC/50ºF, de modo que es importante que traigas ropa adecuada para el frío. Hay un baño externo que puede ser utilizado por quienes acampen; los jardines son hermosos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can camp at Casa Werma, in the various acres of garden. We request you bring your own tent and sleeping bag.  We can provide a towel and extra blankets.  Nights in Patzcuaro are usually around 50*F/9*C, so it is important to bring warm clothing.  There is a nice outdoor bathroom available to campers and the gardens are beautiful.

Off-site Estancia De La Era Queen Size

Accommodation
Estancia de la Era is a lovely inn only half a block away that gives our guests a special nightly rate when reserved and paid through Casa Werma. They have private rooms with ensuite baths and fireplaces. Perfect for a single or couple. Hotel Estancia de La Era is located in the heart of Pátzcuaro, one of the most magical places in Mexico, surrounded by lush, natural scenery and a 16th Century colonial architecture. The balance between the city and nature provides the perfect setting for a peaceful relaxation. Your stay includes wonderful amenities while you enjoy the magic of this historic place.   ***  Please do not make reservations with these hotels on your own. Participants have lost their reservation when they have done this as it’s difficult for the hotel and Casa Werma to keep track of who’s reserved separately and who’s reserved through us. Casa Werma does add a small surcharge to the rates given to us by the hotels to account for PayPal, credit card and other banking fees. Thank you for your understanding.  ***

Off-site Estancia de la Era - King Size

Accommodation
Estancia de la Era is a lovely inn only half a block away that gives our guests a special nightly rate when reserved and paid through Casa Werma. This is a large private room, offset from the street with a beautiful view, ensuite baths and fireplace. Guests can indicate whether they would like two twin beds or one king-size bed. Hotel Estancia de La Era is located in the heart of Pátzcuaro, one of the most magical places in Mexico, surrounded by lush, natural scenery and a 16th Century colonial architecture. The balance between the city and nature provides the perfect setting for a peaceful relaxation. Your stay includes wonderful amenities while you enjoy the magic of this historic place. ***  Please do not make reservations with these hotels on your own. Participants have lost their reservation when they have done this as it’s difficult for the hotel and Casa Werma to keep track of who’s reserved separately and who’s reserved through us. Casa Werma does add a small surcharge to the rates given to us by the hotels to account for PayPal, credit card and other banking fees. Thank you for your understanding.  ***

Commuter

Accommodation
Select this option if you do not require lodging (you have your own home or have made other accommodation arrangements).

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Peaceful meditation retreat in a small colonial city in the highlands of Mexico
Casa Werma is such a lovely retreat space—it is truly one of the lungs of Patzcuaro with its marvelous gardens. The staff are kind and hospitable as well!

5.0
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Tranquility
I have rented the casita at Casa Werma twice now and both times have felt tranquility being surrounded by nature in the beautiful garden. My time there refreshed my soul.

5.0
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Casa Werma - The place to stay!
I had the most wonderful stay at Casa Werma and would love to come back. The staff, gardens and accomodation was far beyond my imagination. Casa Werma is walking distance to everything in downtown Patzcuaro.

5.0
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A uniquely peaceful, meditative garden retreat.
Casa Werma is superlative place to spend peaceful, meditative time in the midst Patzcuaro, one of Mexico's most delightful, vibrant towns. There are 2 lovely rooms for couples and a casita. The food is excellent, and attentive staff couldn't be more hospitable & knowledgable. Casa Werma extends their good fortune by engaging with the town's community.

5.0
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Beautiful Garden of Eden!
I stayed at Casa Werma for over a week and felt so at home and cared for! The rooms are impeccably decorated with gorgeous tiles, local art and traditional furnishings. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I will be back!