2026 SCOL Retreat: Going, Going Gone: Continuous Practice in Life and Death
Hybrid (Online and In-Person)
April 24 - April 28, 2026
Join us for a Dekeling Community retreat at Ser Chö Ösel Ling Retreat Center in Goldendale, WA Led by Lama Lekshe. SCOL is the Buddhist retreat center where Lama Lekshe engaged in her three year retreat. The environment is exceptionally supportive to retreat.
As dharma practitioners, to make best advantage of a precious human birth, we must come to terms with the fact of death, and the extraordinary opportunities thereafter. In this retreat you’ll learn several Tibetan contemplations, practices, and rituals—each of which will enrich your capacity to live fearlessly, and to prepare you for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of death. Buddhist teachings tell us that as the body begins the process of dying, the long-held reference points that sustain a sense of ‘self’ gradually fall away. In this dissolution, the mind may become exceptionally clear and steady, creating a rare opening for the trained practitioner to recognize the nature of mind. Our tradition includes many practices designed to cultivate the capacity to meet this precious interval with clarity rather than fear.
These methods help gently replace fear of death, pain, and other unwanted experiences with receptivity. They also transform the habitual tendency to turn away from the unknown, allowing for greater ease and clarity in the face of death—as well as in ordinary life. While we prepare for dying, we become less and less fettered, more grounded in ease and joy.
We will explore several forms of meditation and contemplation that strengthen the capacity to remain open to experience. Resources for continued practice at home will be provided.
George Draffan will offer short, optional periods of silent qi gong at regular intervals to support easeful, sustainable sitting—on cushions or chairs. George will also give a brief introduction to simple beginner’s qi gong before the retreat begins.
For more Dekeling programs on death and dying in 2026, keep an eye on our events.
*Cost: $275 Online, $525 Camping, $675 Double Cabin, $875 Single Cabin
*scholarships are available. In-person attendance capacity is limited to 29.
Register for Online Only Attendance (Opens Feb 1st)
Register for In-Person Attendance (Opens Feb 1st)
Please direct questions about the retreat to info@dekeling.community.