Entering the Path: An Introduction to Buddhist Practice
Wake up, be kind. A friendly, plain-language introduction to the path.
- $300 tuition (goes to $350 on January 1)
- 20% off lodging with code
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center.
About the retreat
The Buddha once compared his teachings to a raft. A traveler reaches a wide river with no bridge, ties branches together, and paddles across. On the far bank, he doesn’t carry the raft on his head for the rest of the journey. The raft was for crossing. Many of us come to Buddhism mid-crossing, when a belief, a role, or an old answer has stopped holding.
This four-day retreat is a friendly introduction to that raft. In the mountains of northern Colorado, you explore the core teachings in plain language: the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, and the Five Remembrances. You learn to meditate from the ground up, with a new technique each day. Sessions blend teaching, guided meditation, small group conversation, and walks on the land.
No experience is needed, and you don’t need to become a Buddhist. You can use what you learn to be a better whatever you already are. On the final day, an optional refuge ceremony welcomes anyone who wants to formally begin the path.
You go home with a map of the path, a practice you can keep, and a simple reminder: wake up, be kind.
What makes this retreat distinct
- Designed for complete beginners
- See how the teachings fit together as one clear map, instead of scattered ideas
- Build a meditation practice you can keep at home, with a 30-day plan to carry it forward
- Secular and practical: these teachings are tools, not beliefs
Ready to join?
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
Register at Drala Mountain CenterThe journey
The retreat unfolds across 7 sessions, each building on the last.
- 1Thu evening
Opening: The Raft
Welcome, the story that frames the weekend, and how to sit.
- 2Fri morning
The Four Noble Truths
What hurts and why, and how it can change.
- 3Fri afternoon
Walking on the Land
Taking the practice outdoors with walking meditation on the grounds of Drala.
- 4Sat morning
The Five Precepts
Ethics as trainings rather than rules: practical ways to cause less harm to yourself and others.
- 5Sat afternoon
Meditation Instruction
Building a practice you can keep, followed by a mindful hike to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya.
- 6Sat evening
The Five Remembrances
A quiet evening with one of the oldest contemplations in Buddhism.
- 7Sun closing
Refuge in Plain Terms
Closing session and taking it home, with an optional refuge ceremony for anyone who wants to formally begin the path.
What to expect
Each day blends multiple modes of practice and learning. You won't sit and listen for hours — every session is a mix of teaching, practice, and engagement.
- Designed for complete beginners
- A new meditation technique each day, taught step by step
- Story-driven teachings in plain language
- The same small group all weekend for honest conversation
- Walking meditation on the land, with an optional walk to the Great Stupa
- Quiet hours to journal, rest, and wander
- An optional refuge ceremony on the final day
Who this is for
No prior experience required. Beginners and longtime practitioners are equally welcome.
- People new to Buddhism who want to understand how the teachings fit together
- Anyone in a season of change, when old answers no longer fit
- People who want a meditation practice they can actually keep at home
- Listeners of the Secular Buddhism Podcast ready to experience it in person
- People of any faith or none who want practical, secular wisdom for work, family, and relationships
Schedule at a glance
Tap any day to see the full breakdown. Tentative — subject to change. All sessions include a mix of teaching, guided meditation, group dialogue, and experiential exercises.
- 2:00–5:00 PM
- Guest arrival
- 6:00–7:00 PM
- Dinner
- 7:30–8:30 PM
- Opening session: The Raft
From past retreats
What past participants shared about their experience.
Whether you're new or experienced, Noah's teachings are approachable, grounded, and easy to apply in everyday life.
After driving to work “with Noah as my copilot” for over two years, listening and more than just learning, feeling better with myself, the world, and generally with what life brings my way. To have the opportunity to experience these lessons in person, surrounded by people who, like me, are looking for more peace within themselves and the world, was a unique experience that I plan to repeat this year and that I hope more people get to experience.
Katie and I both really loved the retreat experience last year. Drala is a beautiful setting in the mountains. Accommodations were comfortable and convenient to the meeting place and meal hall. Most of all, we really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere created by so many searching souls. We will definitely be attending again this year.
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
The venue
Drala Mountain Center is a contemplative retreat center set in the mountains of northern Colorado. The land is home to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in North America, and the destination of a mindful hike during each retreat.
The setting is intentionally simple: mountain air, open landscapes, and space for stillness. Meals are taken communally, lodging is comfortable but uncluttered, and the rhythm of the days is built around presence rather than productivity.
What's included
- 3 nights lodging (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) in the option you choose
- All meals and drinks during the retreat
- Dietary accommodations: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
- All teaching sessions, guided meditations, and group activities
- A 30-day plan to carry your practice forward at home
- Access to Drala Mountain Center grounds and facilities
Pricing & lodging
- $300 tuition (goes to $350 on January 1)
- 20% off lodging with code
Lodging is selected separately at checkout on the Drala Mountain Center registration page. Total cost = tuition + lodging option of your choice. All options include meals and drinks.
Logistics
- Arrival
- Thursday, April 22, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM
- Departure
- Sunday, April 25, at 12:30 PM
- Check-in
- Guest Services Cabin at Drala Mountain Center (after-hours packet available by the door)
- Drala contact
- Travel
- Drala provides directions and rideshare information on their website. The center is about 1.5–2 hours from Denver International Airport, in the mountains northwest of Fort Collins.
Frequently asked
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Ready to join?
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
Register at Drala Mountain Center