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Welcome!

Here are some frequently asked questions, please let us know if you feel others should be added to this list.

Why should I meditate?

When should I register?

As soon as you know you plan to attend the program. Space is limited for many Tail of The Tiger programs and in some cases you must first apply to the program with the program leader. If so, you will not be eligible to register until your attendance has been approved.

What should I bring?

* If you are sleeping on the floor of the meditation hall or in a tent, please bring all necessary bedding including sheets, blankets or a sleeping bag, and a pillow. Foam mattresses will be provided.
* A battery-powered alarm clock. (In most cases, there will be a 6:30 wake-up bell throughout the house. Those sleeping in the meditation hall will need to remove their items before the 7 a.m. meditation session, ideally by 6:45.
* Bring clothing suitable for your program and the season, including loose fitting, comfortable clothes for meditation and yoga, as well as warm clothing (winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves) in winter for walks. In summer, you may want short-sleeved shirts and bathing suits for nearby lakes. For evenings in warmer months, a sweater or light jacket is recommended.
* Many programs provide social occasions and dinners, so you may want to have one or two clothing options for these events.
* Comfortable walking shoes for hiking the trails in the hills surrounding Karmê Chöling. Indoor shoes should be easy to slip on and off, as shoes cannot be worn in meditation halls. In the winter, it is recommended that you bring warm winter boots.
* A flashlight (with extra batteries) if you are staying in a tent, in the shrine room, or at our guesthouse, Ashoka Bhavan.
* A shawl, blanket, and warm socks if you need extra layers for warmth in the shrine room.
* Toiletries (including shampoo, soap, lotion, sunscreen) and your own towel. You can also buy toiletries in our cafe.
* A bag or pack to carry your texts or other items.
* A long distance calling card. (These can also be purchased at the cafe.)
* You may want to bring money for the following: shopping at the cafe (including t-shirts, gifts, chocolate, cards, cigarettes, and vitamins) or at Samadhi Books (which sells a wide variety of books and practice materials in the town of Barnet and online at www.samadhicushions.com), as well as for a teaching gift (if applicable) and other purchases you may want to make. An ATM is available one mile from Karmê Chöling at the Barnet General Store.

What is the typical daily schedule?

This description is typical but, individual programs vary, and you should expect changes to this schedule upon arriving for your program.

The first day listed for the program dates is the arrival day, and you are expected to arrive between 3-6 pm. Dinner is served at 7 and the opening program talk usually occurs at 8 pm. The last day of the program is the departure day and you can plan to leave by noon. Some directors continue to teach on departure day so you may wish to confirm the departure day schedule prior to purchasing travel tickets. All other days generally begin at 8 am with breakfast and end at roughly 9 pm.

How do I get to Karme Choling?

What is the deposit and refund policy?

* Programs under $500/$100 deposit
* Programs over $500/$200 deposit
* Deposits are refundable up to two weeks prior to the program (less a 10% processing fee).
* We may cancel any registrations for which deposits have not been received within a week after the registration.
* Two weeks before the start of the program, deposits and payments become nonrefundable. If you contact us before the start of the program, we will transfer the full amount to a future program of your choice, good for one year. (Transferring a second time involves a 50% deduction, after which deposits and payments become nontransferable.)
* We will not refund or transfer any deposits or payments after a program has begun.

If you will be late for a program and would like us to hold your accommodations, please call before 5 p.m. on the arrival day.