Registration and Retreat Information

Thank you for your interest in our programs. It’s most helpful to register for programs as far in advance as possible as it helps us plan accordingly.

Advanced registration is required for all of our programs and retreats other than the weekly classes. Please see the information below to help make your stay more comfortable.

ARRIVAL: Our normal weekend programs begin with dinner on Friday evening at 6pm followed by an orientation at 7:15pm with the first session starting at 7:30pm unless otherwise specified. So it’s best if you arrive between 4-6pm. If you would like to arrive earlier than 4pm, please call our office to make arrangements. All program schedules will be posted on our website closer to the date of the specific program.

DANA: A unique feature of Milarepa Center is that we operate predominantly on the generous attitudes, gifts, and donations from others. Registration fees for retreats cover food and accommodations, and other Milarepa Center expenses. None of this money goes directly to the teachers or residential staff. To allow the teachers and residential staff to continue their dharma work, support from the students is needed. There will be an opportunity to contribute at the end of each retreat.

Please be sure to check the specific program information before registering.

REGISTRATION: To register, go to the program listing for the retreat you would like to attend on this website click the link to the registration form. Please note: Each retreat has a different application form and different costs associated with it; please use the appropriate form for the retreat you want to attend.

Fill out the online registration form and make payment using Visa or MasterCard via PayPal or make checks payable to the Milarepa Center.

Once your registration form and payment have been received and processed, you will receive a confirmation letter via email. Please review all of this information prior to your arrival.
We appreciate you completing your registration online. This online process streamlines registration and also helps us collect your information in a more manageable format for our database. However, if online registration does not work for you, please contact us by phone at (802) 633-4136 or email at milarepa@milarepacenter.org and we will be happy to mail you a registration form. In addition, you may print out your own registration form here. (download Adobe Acrobat reader if needed) and mail it in with your payment to:

Milarepa Center
PO Box 51
Barnet, VT 05821
Attention: Registration

Important: Your space is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. Please make sure your email address is current.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarship are available upon request and are intended for people with genuine financial hardship. If you are unable to cover your registration fee, please contact us as scholarships and or work exchanges are available for many of our programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Center has a limited number of sleeping spaces and only four cabins for private accommodation so do be sure to register early. In addition, if you would like more privacy and comfort during your stay, do consider our local bed and breakfasts. Two of our favorites are listed below!

MEALS: Milarepa Center serves delicious vegetarian (though not vegan) food. If you have a severe food allergy or special diet, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Please inquire by calling (802) 633-4136

TEACHER OFFERING: In addition, at the end of each program, you will have the opportunity to make an offering to the teacher and interpreter (if there is one) in appreciation for receiving the precious Dharma teachings.

WHAT TO BRING: We include this list of personal items that are useful for you to bring to help make your stay more comfortable, however, many of these items are optional. Please note: dormitory guests will need to bring a sleeping bag or blankets (sheets and pillows are provided). Private accommodation guests in both the private rooms and cabins will have all their bedding provided.
1. Towel and washcloth
2. Earplugs
3. Loose, layered clothing
4. Personal toiletries
5. Flashlight
6. Alarm clock
7. Additional vitamins
8. Medication if necessary
(***Please let us know in advance if you have any medical conditions)
9. Shawl or light blanket
10. Mala (Buddhist rosary – some retreats involve mantra recitation so being able to count on a mala helps to keep the mind more focused - these can be purchased at the center bookstore, as well.)
11. Dharma reading material for time between sessions
12. Journal and writing materials

KARMA YOGA: During your stay, we ask guests to participate in helping with a variety of tasks at the center including a final clean-up before their departure so please plan your time accordingly.

WINTER DRIVING: Milarepa Center is located at the top of a steep single-lane driveway. We keep our driveway plowed at all times and sanded for guests arriving for retreat. Most guests arrive and depart at the same time so it is rare to find other cars on the road at the same time. Please exercise the same caution used to drive in winter conditions.

GENERAL RETREAT INFORMATION: Most importantly, start preparing your mind for retreat. One of the most fantastic things about this sort of practice is that you have an opportunity to retreat from your delusions. So taking the time to watch when negative mind states arise and applying techniques to counter these states is a most powerful way to create more peace and happiness in your life. If we already start thinking about it, preparing the mind for a focused few days ahead, and rejoicing at this great opportunity, just this amount of intention prior to the retreat will make the result more powerful. Thank you so much for coming and see you all very soon!