Orientation
We have an "Orientation Guide" to assist newcomers to the Centre. In it are descriptions of the facilities and guidelines both for participating in our programs and as visitors staying on our property. The guide is available here in "PDF" format for download:
Orientation Guide
Here is the link to download Acrobat Reader for free from Adobe's site, in order to read PDF files:
Acrobat Reader
 
WhatToBring
Bring your own toiletries, towel, alarm clock, sleeping bag or blankets and bed linens, Kleenex, outdoor wear, indoor slippers, a flashlight and a phone calling card. Bring loose, comfortable clothing to wear (i.e. denim jeans not recommended). Out of consideration for others, we ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, essential oils, noisy jewelry, beeping watches or phones.

Appropriate seasonal clothing and footwear:

Spring: weather cool, rain and possible snow, insect life at the end of spring.
In late spring, we recommend that you bring insect repellent, a bug hat or bug jacket.
Summer: weather hot, some rain, insect life, possible swimming.
We recommend that you bring sun screen, a hat, insect repellent, a bug hat or bug jacket, sandals and bathing suit.
Autumn: weather warm to cool, some rain.
We recommend that you bring rain gear and rubber boots.
Winter: weather cold, lots of snow.
We recommend that you bring winter outer wear and boots.
Food
Three meals per day are provided; our main meal is served at lunchtime. We provide mostly vegetarian food, however meat is also served from time to time, with vegetarian options.

Please note: We do not serve specialized dishes for, nor tailor food to individuals who have food sensitivities and allergies. However, we do serve a selection of foods that allow those with minimal food sensitivities to make choices and/or avoid certain dishes. Those meditators who require additional specialized food preparation, other than our vegetarian, non-wheat or non-diary special menu choices or find that the choices of food types prepared is not appropriate for their diet, are welcome to bring thier own suppplimentaly foods and will find storage and preparation space available in our Teahouse facility.

Accommodation
Rooms are most often provided on a single person basis. They vary from single retreat cabins, to rooms in a motel-type block. Many of the single retreat cabins use propane lighting and wood stoves for heating. The other accommodations have electrical heat and lighting. The rooms are simply furnished with a bed, a desk, a pillow and blanket, and carpets. Camping is available in the warmer months.   Hermitage Retreat Facility
Five Precepts
We ask all visitors to the retreat property familiarize themselves with the five basic precepts:
  1. I undertake to train myself to support, extend and appreciate the life of all living beings.
  2. I undertake to train myself to dwell more and more in the mind of spontaneous generosity.
  3. I undertake to train myself to communicate in a skillful and compassionate manner.
  4. I undertake to train myself to use the senses to further awakening and explore Dharma.
  5. I undertake to train myself to eat, drink and nurture myself in a way that supports awakening.

For more information, call 866-266-0966 or email us at AdminOffice@dharmacentre.org