Program Options

Intensive Retreat in Canada with Carlos de León

May 27 through June 2, 2023

Presented in English 

Host Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC


NEWS: There are a few spaces left for registration for the retreat. Contact the Ontogony team to confirm on-site lodging options, as new rooms have just become available. Space is limited in the classroom, so be sure to register now! 

Do you long for a profound experience of meditation? The 9 Drops of Clarity, a 7-Day Meditation Retreat, beautifully located, offers both beginners and seasoned practitioners an opportunity to deepen states of consciousness. It is a week-long intensive for new and current students, providing a meditation environment to cultivate "The Natural Mind or State." Meditation, long considered the “royal road” to enlightenment, has exceptional value and relevance for the times we now live in.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Prior to registering for the non-residential option, please contact the Ontogony Team: info@ontogony.com to confirm availability as space is limited. Reservations are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

The 9 Drops of Clarity Retreat focuses on meditation models drawn from 3 Supreme Traditions (Dzogchen, Trika Shaivism, and Mahamudra). A universal model of ascension based on the number “9” provides a group environment within which individuals can develop and deepen a personal practice. The primary focus will be on the experience of sitting in meditation, supported by theoretical foundations to help clarify as the group progresses through the levels of practice.

For new students, the retreat introduces the elements essential to the experience of meditation practice. For more seasoned practitioners, it looks to clarify the states of consciousness with the goal of Liberation. This series of teachings combines three traditions of the highest level.

  • Dzogchen ("Great Perfection" or "Great Completion", also known as Atiyoga - "utmost yoga"), is widely translated as “great perfection” but, more accurately, the term describes the practice of Ground, Path, and Fruition. Rather than the perfection we might strive for, Dzogchen represents the self-perfected state of our primordial nature - which is, and has always been, Perfect.
  • Trika Shaivism is one of the ancient Tantric traditions of India. Its origins lie in a confluence that includes the Kaula, Trika, and Krama streams of Tantra. This teaching includes the vision of simply recognizing who you are, whether in the rapture of the ‘Supreme Being’ or in the daily experience of life. You can recognize your own True Nature without moving anywhere, or doing anything.
  • Mahamudra comprises the main teachings of the so-called “New Schools of Vajrayana”; defined by Gampopa as "the realization of the natural state as awareness-emptiness, absolutely clear and transparent, without root". It is the experience of ‘Simultaneous Realization’, transmitted through a path of profound and wondrous practices.


There is no prerequisite for attending this retreat, other than your desire to do so. However, we strongly recommend that you review the ‘Online Workshop Series: 9 Drops of Clarity, Advanced Meditation Practice’ as preparation. It will deepen your state of awareness and enrich your in-person time with Carlos de León.

Program Objectives of the Meditation Retreat

  • To experience the profound benefits of sitting in daily meditation practice, in the presence of a Teacher offering direct connections to the states of consciousness and awareness;
  • To clarify, receive guidance, and advance in your level of meditation practice, whether beginner or advanced;
  • To understand the essential practices, the goal, and the importance of the “right view”;
  • To gain a fuller appreciation of both the ‘gradual’ and the ‘instantaneous’ approach' to meditative technologies; and
  • To clarify the best approach for your personal practice, with the goal of liberation.

Retreat Program Highlights

  • Essential Powers for the Practice of Meditation
  • First Power: Right View
  • Second Power: Love and Compassion
  • Third Power: Awaken Effort
  • Fourth Power: Joyful Effort
  • Fifth Power: Grace


The 9 Levels of a Practitioner

Through the experience and teachings of the 9 Drops of Clarity, the practice of meditation is reviewed and clarified through nine different levels of experience. Moreover, considering that each one of us has a different background, the possibility exists for a completely unique experience. While each level represents a capacity that could by itself, take us to the final goal, together they represent a gradual map of awakening.

  • High Capacity: SHAMBHAVOKAYA or ICCHA YOGA

  • Middle Capacity: SHAKTOPAYA or JNANA YOGA

  • Lower Capacity: ANAVOPAYA or KRIYA YOGA

Carlos de León will highlight experiences of the High, Middle, and Lower Capacities and the three sub-levels within each level throughout the meditation sessions hosted during the retreat. (The unfoldment of the journey, however, will progress according to the level the group is able to achieve in this first year. If interest in a second year is expressed as a request by students, it will be considered and confirmed by Carlos de León, after the conclusion of the 2023 retreat.)

This retreat intensive offers an environment supportive of group practice and is intended to ignite and/or strengthen the connection to the 9 Drops of Clarity and direct realization. Whether you are new to the 3 Supreme Traditions, or you are an advanced practitioner already on one of these paths, the teaching includes profound transmissions at all three Main Levels and the three sub-levels within each, which Carlos sees as his primary function in the meditation sessions hosted throughout the 7-Day Retreat.

The experience of sitting in daily meditation, supported by this group’s energy, this natural environment, and the gracious presence of this Teacher makes a lifelong gift toward illuminating your journey!

What Students say about a Meditation Retreat...

"Embraced by natural beauty. Inspired by wisdom and meditation. Learning how to die is also learning how to live...present, aware, connected to our transcendental nature." ~ MP

"Fascinating, nourishing, fun...an unanticipated pleasure my renewed relationship with the Divine and more "cordial" and empowered relationship with Death! I am still bouncing with energy and gratitude and looking madly forward to the next meditation retreat!
 " ~ PM


There is no prerequisite for attending this retreat, other than your desire to do so. However, we strongly recommend that you review the Online Workshop Series: 9 Drops of Clarity, Advanced Meditation Practice ~ Special Offer: 30% Off! Valid until January 25, 2023.

Carlos de León, the founder of Ontogony, holds Ph.D.’s in both Clinical Psychology and Holistic Medicine. Dr. de León has spent more than 40 years in related research, study, and practitioner experience, particularly in the area of personal transformation. As the founder of the Mexican Association for Psychotherapy and Transpersonal Development, he teaches and, perhaps more significantly, has developed the model known as Ontogony: an inquiring discipline for the research, study, and development of liberating tools and paradigms. Read more... 

Dates: May 27 thru June 2, 2023

May 27, 2023: Arrival time is 2:00 pm for registration, room check-in, light lunch, and the program session starts at 4:00 pm.

June 2, 2023: The closing session ends at approximately 1:00 pm followed by a light lunch before your return.

Program Format: Intensive Retreat of 7-Days & 6-Nights

Session Times: (Estimates only, due to the nature of Carlos de Leon's teaching style)

May 27, 2023 — 4:00 to 10:00 pm

May 28 to June 1, 2023 — 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

June 2, 2023 — 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Host Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC. This lovely natural setting, on the shore of a pristine lake, is part of the University of British Columbia’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Located 1.5 hours from downtown Vancouver, it is like an enchanted forest, full of walking trails and wildlife.

Tel: (604) 463-8149 / Toll free: 1 (866) 463-8165

Address: 14500 Silver Valley Road, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2R3

Website: http://www.loonlake.ubc.ca

Language: Presented in English

The convenience of local off-site lodging options extends the possibility, to you and your friends, of joining us for a 7-Day Residential Meditation Retreat.

Off-Site Options for Lodging:

Home to Go: Click Here

Vacation Renter: Click Here

VRBO: Click Here

Air B & B Lodging: Click Here

Camping: Click Here

Accommodation & Tuition Options in Canadian Dollars, Inclusive of GST (Goods & Services Taxes)

Please Note: All Payment Plans must be secured with a credit card that we can enter into our secure banking system.

NEWS: There are a few spaces left for registration for the retreat. Contact the Ontogony team to confirm on-site lodging options, as new rooms have just become available. Space is limited in the classroom, so be sure to register now! 

PANABODE LODGE

Important: Please note that the first night of the retreat, May 27th, cannot be hosted onsite, and you must book accommodations offsite. We will be pleased to check you into your lodging at 4:00 pm on May 28th, where you can settle for the retreat balance.

REGULAR TUITION: 

A – Regular Tuition: Panabode Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,273.39 CAD, due at the time of registration.

NON-RESIDENTIAL 

This includes retreat teachings, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners beginning with dinner on May 27, 2023, and concluding with light lunch on June 2, 2023. There are limited spaces available, therefore we recommend you register at your earliest convenience to reserve your space.

REGULAR TUITION: 

A – Regular Tuition: Non-Residential (Payment in Full): $2,127.86 CAD, due at the time of registration.


Program Access:
Access On-Demand in the Ontogony Classroom for 2 years from June 2, 2023.


COVID PROTOCOLS: We are required to observe all the health measures of the Loon Lake protocols as set forth by our host. They require all students to take a Covid Test 24 hours before their arrival onsite at the retreat centre, to ensure the health and safety of the group.

If you find you are experiencing any symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Please advise the Ontogony Team immediately, so we can provide you with the option of attending the retreat via ZOOM. Once you arrive onsite, we, unfortunately, are not able to cancel your lodging at Loon Lake, due to new policies of our host location.

No refunds will be given for cancellation requests received fewer than 30 days before the first day of the program. If you are traveling please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current for any updates.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Should the Retreat itself be cancelled due to insufficient registration, or a change in COVID Protocols by our host: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, your Lodging fees paid to date will be fully refunded.

AGREEMENT TO TERMS & CONDITIONS: In completing your registration for the Retreat, you agree to the policy set forth by Ontogony Evolution LTD 2022-2023.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you cancel your registration due to PERSONAL reasons, you will be subject to the following cancellation fees,  plus an administration fee of $75. A credit memo for the outstanding amount will be applied to your student account. All requests for any cancellations must be submitted in writing, to the Finance Administrator at info@ontogony.com. Variable refunds for cancellations will be given, as follows:

  • For cancellation requests received 90 days (or more) before the first day of the program, 75% of the full program fee will be refunded;
  • For cancellation requests received 60 to 89 days before the first day of the program, 50% of the full program fee will be refunded;
  • For cancellation requests received 30 to 59 days before the first day of the program, 25% of the full program fee will be refunded;
  • No refunds will be given for cancellation requests received fewer than 30 days before the first day of the program;

The guidelines presented are those set forth by our host. Ontogony Evolution Ltd is required to adhere, as mandated in our contract with Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre.

In circumstances, where Carlos de León uses his reserved right to decline the admission or further participation of any person prior to or during a program, that person will be refunded either the full program fee (when admission has been declined) or a partial program fee that is pro-rated according to the program time remaining that he/she will no longer be attending.



You can not enrol yourself in this course.