Question 1

How to Register

Accepted Answer

Registration
The application can be found under the 'Register' form on TMC's website.
Complete the form and send it to TMC by mail or email (contact details are on the form).
Submit the form with full payment for the retreat period.
The application will be posted two months before the retreat start date.

Confirmation
Registrations will be confirmed no later than 15 days before the retreat begins

Note:
Due to limited facilities, monks and nuns will participate as yogis.

Question 2

Retreat Fee

Accepted Answer

Cost:
$30 per day (includes room, two meals, and weekly laundry).

Payment Methods:
Cash
Check (Make payable to TMC or Tathagata Meditation Center)
PayPal
Zelle (tmc.zelle@tathagata.org)
Please include your name, email, and retreat month with your payment.

Question 3

Refund Policy

Accepted Answer

Full Refund: 
Cancellations made at least one week before the retreat start date.

No Refund: 
Cancellations within one week of the start date of the retreat you have registered for are non-refundable. 
There is no partial refund for either late arrival or early departure.

Question 4

Electronic Devices Policy

Accepted Answer

All yogis are required to surrender their electronic devices (including cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, etc.) to the Tathāgata Meditation Center (TMC) office at the time of check-in. These devices will be securely stored for the entire duration of the retreat.

In the event of an urgent or emergency situation, yogis may contact the TMC office to request temporary access to their device. The retreat coordinator will consider any such request.

Question 5

Accommodation

Accepted Answer

Single rooms with communal bathrooms.

Question 6

How are rooms assigned?

Accepted Answer

Rooms are assigned based on each yogi’s age and health condition to ensure maximum comfort and safety. This helps us create a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy their stay and practice worry-free.

Question 7

What to bring

Accepted Answer

Water Bottle
Bring a refillable water bottle and leave it outside the meditation hall. This will allow you to practice continuously without returning to the dining hall for water.

Bedroom Items
The center provides thin mattresses. For added comfort, you should bring a bed sheet, a pillow, a blanket, or a sleeping bag.

Personal Hygiene Items:  
               Baring the bath towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo. We also recommend a pair of slippers for use in the bathroom.

Comfortable Shoes
Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your walking meditation.

Question 8

Dress Code

Accepted Answer

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is modest and does not reveal the figure. Avoid body-hugging attire. Females are kindly requested to use a shawl to cover the front.

Acceptable:
Pants
Short-sleeve T-shirts
Loose skirts or long pants (for females)
Knee-length shorts (for males, with knees covered)

Not allowed:
Shorts
Tank tops

Weather Note:
San Jose’s weather can vary, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons. Pack layers to stay comfortable in both the meditation hall and outdoors.

Question 9

Laundry

Accepted Answer

Laundry service is provided once a week, and the center is now offering this service for free.

Question 10

Food

Accepted Answer

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available for both breakfast and lunch.
Juice is served at 4 PM.

Note:
Food  consumption is allowed only in the dining room.

Question 11

Can I bring my own food?

Accepted Answer

Small ready-made/prepared dried food is allowed. 
Cooking is not permitted. 
Food is not allowed in bedrooms.

Question 12

Car-Parking

Accepted Answer

On-site parking is available for all retreat participants. 
Please note, however, that Tathagat Meditation Center is not liable for any loss, damage, or theft involving vehicles or personal belongings left in them.

Question 13

Airport and Shuttle

Accepted Answer

Nearest Airports:
San Jose (SJC) -7 miles
San Francisco (SFO) -38 mils

Shutter Service:
TD Airport Shuttle: (669) 226-2222 | thandhucairport@gmail.com

Tathagata Meditation Center

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