Yarne began with a lhasang performed by Jerry Chapman, Head of Practice and Study

Yarne is the traditional monastic 49 day 'rains season' retreat. It is open to all ordained monastics -including those of other Buddhist traditions, for no fee.

Yarne is a time when the monastic community traditionally comes together for intensive practice and study. Since this is a special period of practice, there are a few things you should know before registering:

Yarne is an intensive retreat, hence it is open to those who have a good grounding in practice and study.

The boundaries of the retreat are closed, meaning that no one can leave the Abbey except for emergency situations throughout the duration of the retreat.

Yarne participants hold eight precepts rather that the usual five. They are:

• Refraining from killing.
• Refraining from stealing
• Refraining from lying.
• Refraining from sexual activity.
• Refraining from using alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
• Refraining from singing, dancing and wearing jewelry
• Refraining from sitting or sleeping on high seats or cushions.
• Refraining from eating solid foods after lunch. (This is translated to allow for a dinner of non-chewables, such as yogurt, apple sauce, creamed oatmeal, soup etc.).

Participation in all aspects of the retreat is mandatory, including all liturgical practices, scheduled periods of meditation, and talks. There will be approximately 6½ hours of meditation practice per day. We practice silence daily until lunch, then resume at 6pm after evening chants .

Accommodations are shared. During your stay you will be assigned a Meditation Instructor, and will be expected to take part in the regular kitchen, dish and house chores.