A week-long retreat exploring the theory and practice of wise and compassionate leadership
Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2023
AT A GLANCE
Location: Dharmalaya Institute, India
Dates: November 27 – December 2, 2023
Program type: Residential retreat
Focus: Compassionate leadership
Facilitators: Mark and Mai-Linh (see below)
Language: English
INTRODUCTION
In this retreat, we will explore ancient and modern wisdom illuminating the theory and practices of compassionate and effective leadership.
Starting with openness and humbleness as the foundation for wise leadership
Gaining understanding through deep listening and patient observation
Clarifying a vision for service of the greater good
Action planning and project management with emphasis on efficiency, balance, and grace
Effective communication and healthy teamwork
And many other topics relevant to wise and compassionate leadership
This retreat is for you if:
You wish to make a positive difference in the world, working effectively for a greater good.
You want to develop your innate capacities for wisdom and compassion and put them into practice in your life and work.
You are courageously honest with yourself and others and seek methods and support for transforming your less effective habits into more finely attuned practices.
You aspire to create, live, and serve in a sustainable, balanced way.
“The art of leadership is how to love people and lead them without imposing your will.”
“Good leadership means not limiting yourself due to lack of personal knowledge, skills, or resources, but being open to tapping into the well of collective knowledge and other resources around you, for the benefit of society.”
— Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.”
— Paul Hawken
"The most improper job of any man ... is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity."
— J. R. R. Tolkien
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE TO EXPECT
Balanced program: A combination of practice, instruction, group discussions, and quiet time for reflection.
Natural simplicity: Rustic accommodations in natural earthen buildings in a beautiful forest setting.
Mind and body awareness: To support the body during the retreat, there will be times for mindful movement such as stretching and simple yoga sequences as well as walking meditation in the beautiful Dharmalaya campus.
Healthy food: Natural and mostly organic, purely vegetarian meals (100% plant-based, vegan).
Digital detox: There will be no use of mobile phones or internet during the retreat.
Yogic lifestyle: Clean and simple ashram-style lifestyle in which everyone contributes to the group experience by helping with washing dishes, etc.
DATES & TIMES
Start and end dates and times
The retreat will begin at 10:00am on the first day. All participants should plan to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30am .
As this is a traditional ‘closed’ retreat, all participants will stay on the Dharmalaya campus for the entire duration of the retreat.
The retreat will conclude at 3:30pm on the last day.
Daily schedule: What will the flow of the days be like?
Although the day-to-day schedule may vary a bit, the schedule for a typical day during this program would more or less as follows:
6:30 Wake
7:00 Morning movement and practice session
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 Morning session
12:30 LUNCH
2:00 Afternoon session
5:00 Personal time
6:00 DINNER
7:00 Evening session
8:00 Quiet time for reading and meditation
10:00 Lights out
ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS
Cost
Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for everyone to donate according to their means. Total fees for the retreat (including shared accommodation, three meals daily, and tea) are as follows (given in Indian Rupees, as the retreat takes place in India):
Subsidized rate
(For low-income participants who can’t afford the standard rate)
Rs 6,000
For transparency: This subsidized rate is approximately 33% below our break-even rate, which means it is not enough to cover the Institute’s costs in providing the program, though that shortfall might be covered by participants who choose to pay the ‘Supporter rate’ to the right.
Standard rate
(For most participants)
Rs 9,000
For transparency: This standard rate is essentially a break-even rate, just enough to cover the Institute’s total average monthly costs in providing this service-learning opportunity.
Supporter rate
(For those who can afford to help subsidize lower-income participants)
Rs 12,000
For transparency: This supporter rate is approximately 33% above the break-even rate, and 100% of that surplus will be used to support lower-income applicants to participate at the subsidized rate. We thank you sincerely for your generosity in choosing this rate if you can.
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation, so if you have exceptional financial hardship and cannot afford even the lowest subsidized rate, you can contact us to let us know your situation and your needs and we’ll be happy to discuss options for work-study scholarships (subject to limited availability).
A very limited number of private rooms are available at extra cost. Please contact us for details.
APPLICATION & PAYMENT
Sorry, registration for this program is closed.