Retreats FAQ:
What is CyberDharma?
More than 15 years ago, at the request of his students across various continents Venerable Tenzin decided to experiment with teaching Dharma online. Thus began a novel episode in the transmission of Buddhadharma across geographical boundaries and time zones. CyberDharma sessions continue to date and are held live.
Etiquette for Virtual Gatherings, CyberDharma and on-line Retreats
- Join the session a few minutes prior to the actual start time.
- Be sure that your computer is connected to the network and have the login information available.
- When using video be sure that camera is at a proper angle. Or else choose not to transmit video.
- Whether you are using computer audio or a phone line, mute yourself unless you have to say something or it is a Q&A session. After you’ve asked your question turn the phone to mute.
- Do not pace around or talk to your pets or yourself while having the audio and video on.
- When using phone line only be sure you are at a quiet spot. If you are by yourself, please use a headset.
- Prayer-books and texts are generally circulated in advance.
What is a retreat?
A retreat is an opportunity to step away from the commotion of daily life and return to one’s “core”. It is a contemplative exploration of one’s mind, and prepares one to re-engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
What is a one-day retreat like?
Each retreat has its own special features, and varies from time to time. Most include teachings, meditations, and discussion. We occasionally offer silent retreats. Please see the calendar descriptions (http://www.prajnopaya.org/programs/events/calendar/) for further details.
How do I get to the retreat?
You are responsible to get yourself to the retreat. Public transportation and ridesharing are encouraged. We can coordinate ridesharing – please email retreats@prajnopaya.org to find out if someone else is traveling from your area. It is generally recommended that you register in advance.
For out-of-state retreats (as in outside of Massachusetts, USA), please contact the local organizers. For example, if you wish to attend a retreat in Colorado, visit www.bodhimarga.org for more information.
How do I get to the retreat?
Public transportation and carpooling is encouraged. We can coordinate carpooling – please email retreats@prajnopaya.org a week in advance of the retreat to find out if someone else is traveling from your area. For out-of-state retreats, please contact the local organizers.
Both local venues are very convenient to public transportation and parking garages, with metered on-street parking available nearby.
What’s the seating like?
Please feel free to bring your own cushions for personal comfort. Some chairs and cushions for floor seating are usually provided as well.
What about lunch?
A lunch break is scheduled during each retreat. If the retreat is located at MIT, you can purchase lunch from one of the many food vendors at the student center. For other retreat locations, please check the Prajnopaya calendar for details.
Can I record the event for my personal (or other) use?
Events are recorded by the speaker at his/her sole discretion, and may be available at a later time. Please keep all personal recording devices turned off.
May I take photographs?
We ask that you refrain from taking pictures during the retreat. The speaker may allow photographs at the conclusion of the event – please ask!