Venerable Tejassī has been supporting the start of a new Dhamma Retreat Center in Mexico called La Gracia in Zipolite, Mexico (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UafrLYZ5swdeED3v6)
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The center welcomes any sincere spiritual practitioner. This isn’t a casual meditation hangout, it’s a space with real spiritual charge. While being a Buddhist-informed environment, different traditions, faiths, or paths are honored.
Practitioners are required to follow these five precepts while living at La Gracia (inside and outside of the center):
1) Not to kill any living being. 2) Not to take anything that is not given. 3) Celibacy. 4) Not to lie. 5) Not to take any intoxicants.
This form is the first step of registration for upcoming programs including the Residential Stay, Artist Residency, and September Group Retreats.
After submitting your application, you will receive a response regarding your request within approximately ten days.
Residential Stay (July–October)
From July through October, La Gracia will host a four-month Residential Stay where practitioners can come for any length of time, offering an environment for self-directed individual development within a supportive community setting. This residency is intended for practitioners who are in a process of cultivating their spiritual life, whether that be through their meditations, contemplations, or projects such as writing or art.
Each day, you’re welcome to join optional morning meditation sessions before dawn and at dawn a Standing Meditation on the beach with Venerable Tejassī. Upon request, there is also an opportunity for one-on-one guidance with Venerable Tejassī, as well as occasional small group meetings.
(please note Residential Stays are also available during the Artist Residency.)
Practitioners take care of their own food during residential stays, there is a market nearby and food can be stored and cooked in the communal kitchen.
Artist Residency (August)
During August, La Gracia will host a self-directed Artist Residency, open to artists of all disciplines. This residency supports participants in strengthening sincerity within their craft, revivifying the source of creation within them, and honing sensitivity of mind and body as a foundation for meaningful creative work.
Artists take care of their own food during residential stays, there is a market nearby and food can be stored and cooked in the communal kitchen.
September Group Retreats with Venerable Tejassī
Jhāna Retreat: September 2nd–13rd
Heart-Opening Retreat: September 16th–27th
These retreats offer a structured container for practice, including meditation periods, Dharma Sharings, mindful service, and group connection.
In general, the season will include (depending on the specific program):
- Sitting and Walking Meditation periods
- Dharma Sharings - Beach Qi Gong
- Mindful Eating and Rest
- Communal Service
- Group Circle
- Supportive offerings such as Yoga Nidra and Breath-Work
There is an18$ USD charge for food per day during the retreats, prepared by volunteers.
Offering Structure (Gift Economy)
La Gracia operates on the principle of the gift economy, or dāna. Rather than traditional fee-for-service transactions, the center offers its residential stays and group retreats as an act of generosity.
This is not a “free” service; it’s a move from “what do I get?” to “how do we support each other?”, it’s a conscious shift from entitlement to reciprocity, a deep transition from marketplace thinking to community responsibility.
Although Group Retreats charge $18 USD per day for food, the costs of facilities, utilities, and maintenance are real. As is the care for the teacher. It is our intention to keep the center accessible to anyone who wishes to practice. Participants are invited to reflect on this and give accordingly. Generosity is the mechanism that allows the center to exist.
Here's a short PDF that goes into further detail:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EXAdefe5ZhOSPvSs2diEz2ASNn1OeZc_/view?usp=sharing
For questions or additional support, please contact:
maybelcentral@gmail.com
heart.path.sangha@gmail.com