This page gives information about wilderness retreat at Dharma Treasure (near Cochise, Arizona, USA) offered to Beth’s dedicated students (an application link is given at the bottom of the page).
Our friends at Dharma Treasure have generously offered us two places for meditators who would like to do a wilderness retreat. Participants are expected to be resilient and independent, enthusiastic to practice in nature, under a tree or in a cave, coming to collect food and supplies once per day. There is a minimum stay of one month and a maximum length of 3 months.
Retreat in the wilderness
To help give a sense of what life is like on a wilderness retreat at Dharma Treasure a retreatant given a three-month place there generously shared some details and pictures.
Camping
Various types of caves and spots to stay and practice are noted on this map maintained by Dharma Treasure. The center is located near Cochise, Arizona. The distance between the caves to the center ranges from 15 minutes to 4 hours on foot.
For sleeping, you need to bring your own camping equipment and be prepared for the elements. Be sure to have a sleeping bag that’s rated at 25F.
Practicing at Dharma Treasure is recommended for those who are physically fit to be able to hike 30 minutes a day in rocky terrain.
Meals
Alms food will be offered to retreatants once a day at around 1pm. Vegetarian and vegan dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Lay practitioners can carry food, so you can bring back some snacks or dry food with you to the cave. Long-term retreatants typically come in for alms once every two days.
Facilities
The Shack
You can shower, do laundry, collect water, use the bathrooms, use the internet to connect with Beth at the center.
The shack (pictured below) includes a kitchen, bathroom, shower, washer, and a tea room. It serves as the primary space for individual meditators. It is also used by staff when the main house is occupied for a retreat. Meditators can store and prepare their own food there.
During drought, you have to carry your own water to the caves. A gallon a day is typically what you need, and you can fill a jug when you come in for alms and take water back with you. Other times, there might be water sources nearby that you can treat and use.
Depending on the situation, you may have to carry your poop out to dispose at the center. Or you can use the bathroom at the center.
The Main House
The main house serves as the central hub of Dharma Treasure. It includes a meditation room, kitchen, dining area, living room, library and two bathrooms (one with a shower). It is a shared space accessible to all unless a retreat is in progress.
Suggested Packing List for 3 Months
The rugged and pristine natural environment comes with its many beauties and challenges, not least its seasonal weather. The region can experience high winds, cold nights, thunderstorms and hot days. Preparation is essential.
This suggested packing list is for a 3-month cave stay at Dharma Treasure, prioritizing items that are quick to dry and can fit in a carry-on luggage. You may substitute for similar items, and skip the water system if your cave is close to the center.
Sleep Gear
- MODERN GRIZZLY Tyvek 5×8 ground cloth
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad(s)
- Revelation sleeping quilt or a sleeping bag rated at 25F
- TECEUM Micro 1.18 mm Paracord 125 ft
- Duck Tape
- Mini carabiner clip spring snap hook
- 2mm Dyneema Tent Line
Bug Protection
- MEKKAPRO Ultra Large Mosquito Net with carry bag (2 openings)
- Citronella bug balm
- Insect repellent
Miscellaneous
- Carry-on knapsack and small duffel bag
- Luci Charge 360 (solar lantern + power bank)
- Nitecore headlamp
- Golden Hour wristwatch
- Eno Hammock and straps
- Small scissors
- Umbrella for sun and rain
Water System
- PLATYPUS Platy Water Bottle – 70 fl. oz.
- SAWYER Squeeze Water Filtration
Interested in staying at Dharma Treasure?
We welcome you to apply for a wilderness retreat place at the Dharma Treasure, supported by group instruction from Beth by video call.
Applicants must commit to a stay minimum of one month and maximum of three months. Places are available to those who have already sat a residential retreat with Beth, and, if applicable, will be given on a lottery basis with a waitlist. This is an ongoing opportunity; you can apply at any time.