Visit to Garchen Institute

Ekan and I traveled up to Chino Valley yesterday to visit Garchen Institute - a remote retreat center perched on top of a hill to the east of town, with lovely 360 degree views of a vast area of land. It had snowed the day before, so there was a dusting of white powder.

We learned 8 people are starting a three-year retreat this coming February. I had hoped to tour some of their retreat cabins, but some were occupied by shorter-term retreatants so we couldn't go into the retreat area. The rest of the buildings - temple, office, stupa, dining house - are all well-designed, spacious, and take advantage of the incredible views. Thanks to Claire and Amy for greeting us and showing us around.

Here's a link to a picture of folks who just completed a three-year retreat there late last year: www.garchen.net