Teachings and Translation
Retreats and events are held either in English or in French.
Translation into other languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Chinese) is also available at larger retreat according to demand. Please tell us your translation needs when you register. Please check the page for each event to learn more.

If you do need translation, bringing your own earphones (3 mm jack) will improve the sound quality and your listening comfort.

Important
Retreat teachings are based on Tibetan Buddhism, and are not intended to serve as a substitute for psychotherapy. We recommend that you tell your doctor or therapist about your stay at Lerab Ling, and that you do not interrupt any current treatment.

Lerab Ling does not accept any responsibility in this regard.

Arrival and departure

When planning your trip, please arrange to be present on the very first day and remain until the end of the retreat. It is essential to participate in the first session of the retreat. The schedule for the first session is indicated on the page for each event.

Creating the Best Conditions for Your Own Retreat

Be sure to make all necessary arrangements (mail, buying your tickets, confirming your flights, bank transfers, etc.) before you arrive at Lerab Ling. Making sure that all is in order beforehand will allow you to enter into the retreat more fully.

Silence is an essential way of creating a retreat atmosphere. Periods of silence can be expected, and certain areas will be reserved for silence throughout the day.

We would discourage you from bringing on retreat mobile phones, books, videos, cassettes or CDs other than those about the Dharma, as well as newspapers or magazines. There is no internet connection available on-site.1

Other Recommendations for preserving the retreat environment:
•    Temple Etiquette
•    Basic Lerab Ling guidelines are here
•    Out of respect for the monastic community, please adopt proper dress code (avoid miniskirts, shorts and singlet tops).
•    Please leave cars in the parking area: for the safety of everyone on site and to keep a retreat environment, it is not permitted to drive on site.

Services
When on retreat,the following services are available on site:

•    Reception Desk, open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, for information on accommodation and transport in the region, and to post any mail. (it is not possible to receive personal phone calls or emails, except in an emergency.)
•    Telephone Booth (Telephone cards are sold at the Reception Desk.)
•    A small shop that offers a range of Dharma objects, along with books and teachings on DVD or CD. The shop takes cheques drawn on French banks and cash in euros, as well as MasterCard and Visa.
•    Drinks and snacks can be purchased during some retreats.
•    Mugs and thermos flasks are also available for purchase.

Food

La Source serves on-site vegetarian meals. Consult La Source Fees  in the section Accommodation.

Please book in advance, when you register for your retreat.

PLEASE NOTE: preparing and cooking meals is strictly forbidden in all rooms, tents, and other on-site areas. People staying on-site are obliged to sign up for 3 meals a day.

Medical care

Lerab Ling cannot offer medical care, consultations, or medicines, as it has neither the staff nor the appropriate facilities to do so.

The closest doctor is in Le Caylar, 11 km from Lerab Ling. For more serious problems, medical facilities are located in Lodève, 15 km away. If you are currently being treated for a medical condition, or if you have allergies of any kind (insect stings and bites, asthma, etc.) please bring your own medication with you.

1 For urgent communication, there is an internet café in Lodève and in Lunas. Use of the internet and checking emails at Lerab Ling is restricted to Rigpa managers (e.g. National Directors, Teaching Services Directors).