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Preparing for Cabin Retreat Print E-mail
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When are check-in and check-out times? 
What can I expect on my first retreat?
What should I bring?
What if I have a special food requirement?
May I bring laptops, heaters, or other electrical appliances?
Can I check my messages or make calls if I need to?
What if I forget to bring something?
How do I get there?
What is the Cancellation Policy?


Check-in and Check-out times

Check-in: 3 to 6pm
Check-out: 12pm

NOTE:  Retreaters arriving after business hours, which are 10am-6pm, will need to stay in nearby accommodations and arrive the following day.

 

First Time Arrival and Orientation

Please make sure to arrive by 5pm in order to leave time for your orientation. We will give you a brief orientation to our policies and safety systems, and answer any questions you might have.

Then we will shuttle you up to your cabin in one of our vehicles, show you the layout of the retreat site, and help you settle into your cabin.

If you find you need practice advice or have any further questions or concerns, please let us know. Our staff and teachers are always available to help.

 

Items to bring

Vajrapani Institute is 25 minutes away by car from the nearest small town, so it’s important to pack carefully and bring everything you think you may need. At the same time, we also recommend packing lightly for ease of transport to/from your cabin.

Essential Items:

  • Flashlight

  • Emergency contacts (doctor's info and two people we may contact in case of emergency)

  • Towel

  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes

  • Warm jacket

Suggested Items:

  • Travel alarm clock (or meditation timer)

  • Books

  • Journal and Pens

  • Vitamins and medicines

  • Camera

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Special Food Needs

We can accommodate gluten, dairy, and soy allergies.  If you have other acute food allergies, please refer to our two meal options below. 

Option 1– Acute Allergy to All 3 - Wheat/Dairy/Soy.  This is a package deal.  Most likely the wheat alternative will be rice, quinoa, or millet.  Beans or lentils will be offered.  Rice milk offered.   

Option 2– Other Acute Allergies.  We offer a large bowl of steamed brown rice, a large bowl of mixed steamed veggies.  No protein will be offered since most in this category will have various allergies to the vegetarian proteins as well.

Please bring your own food to supplement your meals here, especially if you have certain food preferences.  We have limited refrigerator space. 

Please contact our Main Office at least one week before your arrival to make the necessary arrangements.  Planning ahead of time helps us provide the best service possible.  

Electrical Limitations

Our electricity is generated by solar panels, which are not strong enough to run appliances with heating elements. These appliances may shut down our power system.

If your appliance is not included in the lists below or if you're not sure whether it is compatible with our system, just ask us when you book.

Acceptable Items:

  • Laptop Computers

  • Personal audio players

  • Cell phone or camera chargers

Non-Acceptable Items:

  • Hair dryers

  • Electric blankets

  • Heating pads

  • Space heaters

  • Electric kettles

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Staying Connected

Sometimes the world follows you, even all the way out to Vajrapani. While we discourage breaking your isolation, if you need to stay connected to your friends, family or work, the following options are available:

  • Cell Phones: Depending on your carrier, you may get cell phone reception at your cabin. However, because Lama’s Ridge is a silent area, we ask you to take your calls away from the retreat area.

  • Internet: A guest computer is available for your use outside of office hours (10am to 6pm) to check your email, etc. We will be happy to show you how to access it during your orientation.

  • Telephone: A guest phone is available for your use outside of office hours (10am to 6pm) with a calling card. Calling cards are available for purchase in the bookstore.

 

Errands and Special Requests

Vajrapani Institute is 25 minutes away by car from the nearest small town so it’s important to pack carefully and wisely. Our staff will not be available to run personal errands should you forget something important.

However, we do have some essentials for sale in our bookstore including:

  • Batteries

  • Flashlights

  • Soaps and Shampoo

     

Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel or shorten your stay, our refund policy is as follows:

  • Deposit is 30% of the total cost of your retreat.
  • With 15 days or more notice, you may cancel all or part of your reservation and receive a refund of 50% or your deposit.
  • With two weeks’ notice or less, no refunds or credits are given on your 30% deposit. This helps us to ensure that there are open cabins available to private retreaters at all times of the year.

Our Location

See our map for our address and detailed directions.

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