Island Dharma: The Annual Winter Retreat 2026 (includes meals)
With Dr. Cheryl Fraser
December 18 - 20, 2026
Peace, Compassion, and Reflection – A silent meditation retreat in the tradition of BuddhaDharma
The path of Dharma – the teaching of awakening – is, to a large degree, a journey rather than a destination. In this weekend silent retreat, we will gather together to reflect on the year with compassion and wisdom. Sometimes life seems very difficult. The winds of change blow and we can be caught off guard. How can we remain flexible in the storms and remain connected to our base of wisdom and compassion? How can we reflect, review, let go, and begin again?
This retreat will include periods of silent meditation using open awareness practice and concentration on the breath.
We will also practice guided meditation and have time for reflection and contemplation.
This silent meditation retreat will include periods of Samantha (calming concentration practice), Vipassana (insight) and Mahamudra (open awareness of mind).
There will be some guided visualization practice and yoga will be offered.
Daily Dharma talks and group interviews with the teacher will be part of the experience.
Suitable for both novice and experienced meditators.
Registration Details
- This will be a mixed residential and non-residential retreat. In an effort to cover retreat costs incurred by Island Dharma, there is a fee of $75 included in the total cost of your registration.
- There are several options;
1) residential accommodation with meals
2) or you may attend as a commuter (you will sleep at home) with meals
3) or you may attend as a commuter with no meals, otherwise known as “Program Only”See the column to the right for associated costs for each option.
Note: The Program Only option (commuter with NO meals) is listed below.
- No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you require assistance with the cost of the retreat, please email islanddharmaretreats@gmail.com
Please note that these costs do not include Dana for the teacher.
Registration is being handled by Bethlehem Centre.
________________________________________________
Program Only (Commuter, no meals) – *Click Here to Register*
_______________________________________________
What to Bring/Wear?
- Notebook and pen
- Yoga mat or blanket
- Kitchen digital countdown timer
- Digital alarm clock (to avoid cell phone checking)
- Cushion or meditation bench
- Chairs will be available to those who need them
- Wear modest, comfortable clothing
- Covered water bottle
Teacher
Dr Cheryl Fraser has been studying Buddha-Dharma for 20 years and teaches in the Namgyal lineage tradition. Her root teachers are the Venerable Kyabje Namgyal Rinpoche and Lama Mark Webber. She also studied with Lho Ontul Rinpoche and Phillip Moffit, former Esquire magazine editor-in-chief and C.E.O., a Buddhist teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Centre. As a registered clinical psychologist in private practice who specialises in couples and a long-time practitioner in both the Vajrayana and the Theravada Vipassana traditions, Dr Cheryl draws extensively from Western science and psychology, skillfully applying even the more complex teachings of Buddha-Dharma and meditation to “real life.”…
Learn more about Dr. Cheryl Fraser