Regional Sangha Retreat — A Yogi’s Joy: The Life and Teachings of Milarepa

Regional Sangha Retreat — A Yogi’s Joy: The Life and Teachings of Milarepa
Friday Jan 16, 6pm - Mon Jan 19, 2pm, 2026

This retreat is open to all sangha members from Aryaloka, Boston, Lubec, Portland, Portsmouth, New York and New Jersey. Born from a desire to bring our east coast sanghas together, the Regional Retreat has been running for 17 years! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Buddhists from across the region and make new friends

This year’s Regional Sangha Retreat focuses on Milarepa (1052-1135), widely revered as among Tibet’s most accomplished yogis and spiritual poets.

His life story is the stuff of legend. When he realized how much death and destruction he had caused others early in his life, he summoned a fierce resolve to gain enlightenment in his one lifetime. The practice and teachings that ensued are the subject of enduring Tibetan folklore.

This weekend will offer a sampling of stories from Milarepa’s life and teachings for exploration. Some of the themes we’ll explore include his amazing life story and: 

• Joy in the spiritual life
• Our relationship with nature as a context and inspiration for spiritual life
• Our response to Impermanence 
• The nature of mind
• The role of myth and magic in understanding Dharma teachings and ourselves
   

There will be talks, meditation, and plenty of time for discussing and exploring these themes together. Whether you’re new to spiritual practice or very experienced, Milarepa is sure to have something that speaks to you. 

The Regional Sangha Retreat is an annual tradition, now in its 17th year. Let’s come together and co-create yet another celebration of the beauty that arises when we practice in joyful community!

Aryaloka is a magical place for winter retreat. The winter landscape in Aryaloka’s forest and along the Piscassic river allows for contemplative walking and the appreciation of nature. Being together as a region in such a pleasing environment is a celebration of sangha and Dharma practice that satisfies our need for community and our need for the inner work of meditation. 

Zoom option available.

Led by Advayasri, Singhasuri, Subhramani, Sravaniya, and Sunada
 

This retreat is residential and meals/housing are included in the price. Please see the note below about donations for teachers. You can access helpful information about attending retreats at Aryaloka here.
 

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity.
 

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements including reduced rates, payment schedules, volunteer opportunities and scholarships. info@aryaloka.org