Program Options
Residential Retreat with Carlos de León Enrolment is open to EVERYONE!
May 26 thru 31, 2024
SAVE YOUR SEAT FOR $525 BEFORE DECEMBER 21, 2023!
SPECIAL OFFER VALID UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2024
SAVE UP TO $519.17 CAD OFF REGULAR TUITION!
Important Update: Prior to registering for your choice of lodging 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.
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.
Do you long for a profound experience of meditation to nurture your body, heart and soul? The Dakinis Intensive, a 6-Day Residential Meditation Retreat, beautifully located, offers both beginners and seasoned practitioners an opportunity to really deepen. It is a week-long intensive, for new and current students, that provides a meditation environment in which to cultivate ‘The Natural Mind or State'. Meditation, long considered the “royal road” to enlightenment, has special value and relevance for the times we now live in.
Dakini in Sanskrit or Khandro in Tibetan means literally "sky dweller" or "sky dancer", and is the most sacred aspect of the feminine principle in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying both humanity and divinity in feminine form. For new students, this retreat introduces the elements essential to the experience of a meditation practice. For more seasoned practitioners, it offers a connection with energetic beings in feminine form, who evoke the movement of energy in space. In this context, the sky or space indicates Sūnyatā, the insubstantiality of all phenomena, which is, at the same time, the pure potentiality of all possible manifestations. The Dakini practices are considered some of the most profound, graceful, swift and blissful that we can learn. In a world such as this one, Dakini practices are valuable, effective and relevant! In Dzogchen, the Dakini could be considered as a final of three stages on the Vajrayana Path. The first would be the Guru, corresponding to the initial realization of the true condition of reality, introduced by the guru in empowerment. The second is Yidam, corresponding to devata meditation, the method used to develop the state discovered in the initial realization, The third stage is the Dākinī, insofar as the Dākinī is the source of the activities based on guru realization and devata meditation. As the Base, the Dākinīs are the energies of life; as the Path, they are the activities of advanced practitioners; and as the Fruit, they are the actionless activities of the realized Masters. There is no prerequisite for attending this retreat, other than your desire to do so. However, we strongly recommend that you review the "Mini-Series: 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 Residential Meditation Retreat Retreat First Year: Fundamental Practices and Theoretical Foundations of Vajrayogini, Tara, Ekajati Vajrayoginī Vajrayoginī is a Tantric Buddhist Buddha and a Dākiṇī. The essence of Vajrayoginī is "great passion", a transcendent passion that is free from egoism and delusion: it works intensely for the welfare of others and for the destruction of ego-clinging. Vajrayoginī practice belongs to the Mother Tantra class of Anuttarayoga Tantras along with other tantras like Cakrasaṃvara and Hevajra Tantras. Vajrayogini is the female Buddha who takes forms, like a dancing Dakini , like a fierce, joyful, wrathful warrior, like a compassionate mother, single or embraced by her consort. She is the symbol of the vibrant intrinsic power of altruistic love and radical clarity. For Vajrayogini, this focuses on the transformation from ordinary grasping and clinging, to altruistic, supreme love, It focuses on the transformation of our identity and the re-inhabitation of the experience embodied in the energy of the yidam, the deity of meditation. It is a practice used to free the mind from the confines of its habitual reference points. This is a deep method of meditation based on the Vajrayana view of the mind, so that our identity is opened and aesthetically charged with the energies of the five wisdoms. Tara Tara is undoubtedly the most popular female Buddha. Her name means “star” in Sanskrit and she is believed to possess the ability to guide followers, like a star, on their spiritual path. Her name in Tibetan, Jetsun Dölma, means “she that saves”. In some Buddhist legends, it is said that she was born from one of Avalokiteshvara’s tears, shed in a moment of deep compassion. Other Buddhist legends, however, tell of a devout Buddhist princess who lived millions of years ago who became a bodhisattva, vowing to keep being reborn in female form (rather than in male form, which was considered more advanced on the path to enlightenment) to continue helping others. She remained in a state of meditation for 10 million years, thus releasing tens of millions of beings from suffering. Since then, she has manifested her enlightenment as the goddess Tara. Ekajati Ekajati is the supreme protectress of Ati Great Perfection Teaching, Dzogchen. She is a guardian of the tantric path and protects it from those who are unworthy. She removes obstacles to the life and accomplishment of those who do practice on the Secret Mantra path. Ekajati is the protector of secret mantras and "as the mother of the mothers of all the Buddhas," represents Absolute ultimate unity. Along with that, her ascribed powers are removing the fear of enemies, spreading Joy and removing personal hindrances on the path to enlightenment. She is considered the Queen of the Dakinis. Practicing with Dakini “sky dancers” is the most sacred aspect of the feminine principle in Tibetan Buddhism. Both spiritual and erotic, ecstatic and wise, playful and profound, fierce and peaceful—that are beyond the grasp of the conceptual mind. There is a place for our whole feminine being to be present, in all its guises. 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 in my renewed relationship with the Divine! 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 following online programs to acquaint yourself with the elements of a meditation practice. This will enable you to delve deeper and fully benefit from the group practice during the retreat. Mini-Series: Meditation Practice ~ Special Offer for Retreat Registrants: 30% Off! Valid until January 31, 2024. Workshop Series: 9 Drops of Clarity, Advanced Meditation Practice ~ Special Offer for Retreat Registrants: 30% Off! Valid until January 31, 2024. To help you register for the Special Offer, or learn more about the path of meditation, or for details on how to prepare for the Intensive Retreat, contact us at info@ontogony.com, we are happy to coordinate a Zoom Meet & Greet with an Ontogony Team Member who can offer guidance. Program Format: Residential Retreat of 6 Days and 5 Nights Program Dates: May 26 through 31, 2024 May 26, 2024: Arrival time is 11:00 am for registration, room check-in, and the program session starts at 12:00 pm. May 31, 2024: The closing session ends at approximately 1:00 p.m., followed by a light lunch before your return. Session Times: (Estimates only, due to the nature of Carlos de Leon's teaching style)
May 26, 2024 — 12:00 to 8:00 pm May 27 to 30, 2024 — 8:00 am to 10:00 pm May 31, 2024 — 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC; this beautiful property found 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. Tel: (604) 463-8149; Toll-Free: (866) 463-8165 Address: 14500 Silver Valley Road, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2R3 Website: http://www.loonlake.ubc.ca Language: English Program Material Access: On-Demand in the Ontogony Classroom for two years from May 31, 2024. Accommodation & Tuition Options in Canadian Dollars, Inclusive of GST (Goods & Services Taxes) Program Fee: Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals; 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners beginning with lunch on May 26, 2024, and concluding with a light lunch on May 31, 2024. Options for lodging are on a first-come-first-served basis. We recommend that you register early, reserve your choice of accommodation, and provide us with the name of your roommate(s), otherwise we cannot guarantee your selection of lodging. If your choice of lodging is a double or quad room and we are not able to fulfill the roommate requirements, an upgrade charge will apply to your tuition fees. Please Note: All Payment Plans must be secured with a credit card that we can enter into our secure banking system. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Before registering for your choice of lodging, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Ontogony Team: info@ontogony.com to confirm availability and to ensure we have a roommate(s) for you to share with if you are not providing us with an option. KOERNER LODGE REGISTRATION FEE & SPECIAL OFFER: Valid until December 21, 2023 Koerner Lodge: Single Room Option A – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,123.89 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,598.89 CAD is due on January 15, 2024. B – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,230.08 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,705.08 CAD is due in two instalments; the first payment of $852.54 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,336.28 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,811.28 CAD is due in three instalments; the first payment of $603.76 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. Koerner Lodge: Double Room Option A – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,014.74 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,489.74 CAD is due on January 15, 2024. B – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,115.48 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,590.48 CAD is due in two instalments; the first payment of $795.24 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,216.21 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,691.21 CAD is due in three instalments; the first payment of $563.74 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months.. Koerner Lodge: Quad Room Option A – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $1,910.55 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,385.55 CAD is due on January 15, 2024. B – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,006.08 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,481.08 CAD is due in two instalments; the first payment of $740.54 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,101.61 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,576.61 CAD is due in three instalments; the first payment of $525.54 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. SPECIAL OFFER: Valid December 22 to February 28, 2023 Koerner Lodge: Single Room Option A – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,123.89 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,230.08 CAD. The first payment of $1,115.04 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,336.28 CAD. The first payment of $778.76 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. Koerner Lodge: Double Room Option A – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,014.74 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,115.48 CAD. The first payment of $1,057.74 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,216.21 CAD. The first payment of $738.74 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. Koerner Lodge: Quad Room Option A – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $1,910.55 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,006.08 CAD. The first payment of $1,003.04 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,101.61 CAD. The first payment of $700.54 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. EARLY BIRD: Valid February 29, 2024 to April 8, 2024 Koerner Lodge: Single Room Option A – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,359.88 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,477.87 CAD. The first payment of $1,238.93 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. Koerner Lodge: Double Room Option A – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,238.60 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,350.53 CAD. The first payment of $1,175.27 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. Koerner Lodge: Quad Room Option A – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,122.84 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,228.98 CAD. The first payment of $1,114.49 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. REGULAR TUITION: Valid from April 9, 2024 Koerner Lodge: Single Room Option A – Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,595.86 CAD, due at the time of registration. Koerner Lodge: Double Room Option A – Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,462.46 CAD, due at the time of registration. Koerner Lodge: Quad Room Option A – Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,335.12 CAD, due at the time of registration. JOHNSON YEW REGISTRATION FEE & SPECIAL OFFER: Valid until December 21, 2023 Johnson Yew: Single Room Option A – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,010.80 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,485.80 CAD is due on January 15, 2024. B – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,111.34 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,586.34 CAD is due in two instalments; the first payment of $793.17 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,211.88 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,686.88 CAD is due in three instalments; the first payment of $562.29 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. Johnson Yew: Double Room Option A – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $1,906.62 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,381.62 CAD is due on January 15, 2024. B – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,001.95 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,476.95 CAD is due in two instalments; the first payment of $738.47 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Registration Fee & Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,097.28 CAD. The Registration Fee of $525.00 CAD is due at the time of enrolment to save your seat. The balance of $1,572.28 CAD is due in three instalments; the first payment of $524.09 CAD is due on January 15, 2024; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. SPECIAL OFFER: Valid December 22 to February 28, 2023 Johnson Yew: Single Room Option A – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,010.80 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,111.34 CAD. The first payment of $1,055.67 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,211.88 CAD. The first payment of $737.29 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. Johnson Yew: Double Room Option A – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $1,906.62 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,001.95 CAD. The first payment of $1,000.97 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. C – Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,097.28 CAD. The first payment of $699.09 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the 15th of the following months. EARLY BIRD: Valid February 29, 2024 to April 8, 2024 Johnson Yew: Single Room Option A – Early Bird: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,234.23 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Early Bird: Johnson Yew Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,345.94 CAD. The first payment of $1,172.97 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. Johnson Yew: Double Room Option A – Early Bird: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,118.46 CAD, due at the time of registration. B – Early Bird: Johnson Yew Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,224.39 CAD. The first payment of $1,112.19 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the 15th of the following month. REGULAR TUITION: Valid from April 9, 2024 Johnson Yew: Single Room Option A – Regular Tuition: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,457.65 CAD, due at the time of registration. Johnson Yew: Double Room Option A – Regular Tuition: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,330.31 CAD, due at the time of registration. Program Access: On-Demand in the Ontogony Classroom for two years from May 31, 2024. GENERAL CANCELLATION POLICIES AGREEMENT TO TERMS & CONDITIONS: In completing your registration for the Retreat, you agree to the policy set forth by Ontogony Evolution LTD 2023-2024. 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: 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. GENERAL PROGRAM ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES Agreement with the following is requisite for enrolment in Residential Retreat: Dakinis Meditation Intensive Retreat (Year One):
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...