Environment

The Palyul Retreat Center is located on an old farm among state forests in upstate New York. Because of weather patterns affected by the Great Lakes, Catskills and relative proximity to Canada, the temperature varies unpredictably even in summer. You could experience chilly evenings and perhaps even chilly, overcast, rainy days. However, summer days can also be sunny, warm, hot and humid with temperatures reaching to 90° F. So, be prepared for a range of temperatures, from low 40's to low 90's, and for sunny hot, humid to beautiful, breezy, crystal-blue-skies to grey and rainy weather.

Families and Childcare

Families are welcome at the Palyul Center, but should take note: there is no child care currently provided at The Palyul Center.

Often parents will make arrangements among themselves to watch the children play in the Children's Playroom or in the lawn outside the Dining Hall.

Please be aware: If you choose to bring your children, you do so at your own risk.

Further, please consider other retreatants. Avoid allowing your children distract other practitioners from their study and practice by allowing them to play in and around the temple. There is a close-circuit TV in the children's playroom so that parents can participate in the teachings while keeping their children entertained.

Parents must control their children at all times while in the temple or be asked to leave. You may hire a babysitter to watch your child while you are in the center, but you do so at your own risk. The local town offices in Greene may be able to direct you to local babysitters.

Hiking and Wildlife

Walking along the farmland roads or through state forests can be a wonderful meditative pastime. Please prepare yourself properly and follow these guidelines when walking outside the camp perimeter:

· Sign out on the centers off-site sign-out sheet and verbally tell someone you are going and when to expect you back.

· Always walk with a companion.

· Take at least a quart of water per person.

· Do not drink from local streams as there are many cattle farms nearby that have contaminated them.

· Please do not disturb planted fields or grazing cattle. Plants may be at a delicate juncture in their growing cycle and cattle may produce less milk when frightened.

· If hiking through state forest, wear bright colors.

· Heed all "No Trespassing" signs.

· In season, be alert for hunters.

Lyme Disease

There are many deer in the area and, although this area is much less afflicted, these deer may be infested with the tick that carries Lyme Disease. There are new vaccines for Lyme Disease available now, so consult your doctor prior to leaving for the retreat about the possibility of getting vaccinated. It may take several months for the vaccine to take effect. In any case, insect repellant is recommended.

Internet/Email Access

Computers are available at the library in Greene, NY for those who wish to check email but do not have a portable email device.

For those who have wireless devices, Wi-Fi is available during lunch hour during the retreat. It is not available at other times in order to keep retreatants focused on their religious practice and study. It is also only provided as long as this access is not abused. "Abuse" means utilizing internet to harm others or create a negative environment. We all want the atmosphere at the retreat to be as extraordinary as possible!

Laundry

Commercial laundry service is available in Greene.

Please be considerate of your fellow retreatants and refrain from utlizing sinks and showers for washing and drying clothing.

A new laundry room has been built near the Tent bathhouse. If you would like to donate using PayPal, click here.

Mail

Please have your mail addressed to:

(Your Name)
C/O The Palyul Center
359 German Hollow Road
McDonough, NY 13801

Recommended Packing List

No sleeping bags or extra blankets!!! No linens! Please be sure to bring your own!

Clothing:

· Sample packing list for summer: expect a mix of weather, humid and hot to cold and chilly. There may be rain and colder weather because of the phenomena known as "lake-effect" or balmy, breezy beautiful days. Bring water-proof boots, rain coat, a sweater or fleece jacket, preparing for a range of temperatures. See Environment to view high and low temperatures.

· Loose comfortable clothing for practice. Please, when dressing for comfort in the shrine tent, also keep in mind that attire respectful to the teachers and the sangha of monks should be preferred.

· Work clothes for rota shifts.

· Layered clothing that includes a light layer for hot days and a warm layer for cool days and a hooded windbreaker and light gloves are useful.

· Dress-up clothes for special occasions.

· Avoid: Short shorts, halter tops, muscle tees, sarongs, bathing suits or trunks.

· Sample packing list: 2 short-sleeved shirts, calve-length skirt (ladies), loose khaki pants or blue jeans, over-sized tee shirt, leggings (ladies), bermuda shorts, warm socks, pull-over sweater or sweatshirt in fleece or wool, warm cardigan, rain coat, down vest, warm socks, slip-on shoes, sandals. If we get a lot of rain, it can get muddy!

Other:

· Shawl or small blanket for cool days in the meditation hall.

· Rain gear including water-resistant boots.

· Sturdy walking shoes: warm, water-resistant over-the-ankle boots are recommended as the grass is often laden with due in the early mornings.

· Clothes hangers. There are no closets in the rustic dormitories and very limited drawer space.

· Cushions. The Palyul Center will provide special cushions for Tsa Lung. These will be purchasable. There are some cushions provided in the main temple, but feel free to bring your own for your comfort. You should put a name tag on this to prevent any mix-ups.

· Flashlight and extra batteries. Although there is lighting on the land, many of the backcountry roads are not lit.

· Warm bedding: blankets and/or sleeping bag suitable for very cool temperatures, pillow and pillow case, twin size sheets, and a bath towel. No blankets or sleeping bags are available at the center.

· Day pack or other small carrying bag

· Canteen or water bottle

· Insect repellent and sunscreen, sunglasses.

· Toiletries

Optional items: bedspread, throw rug, alarm clock, dharma books and pictures. A battery-operated lantern is advisable for nighttime study. No candles, kerosene or oil lamps as fires are not permitted in the tents. This includes smoking.

Suggestions for Optional Reading:

The following books are compiled based on their relevance to the subject matters being covered at this year's retreat. The texts will not taught during retreat but can make a good augmentation and enhancement of one's appreciation of the teachings one will receive.

A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Shantideva, (many translations exist)

The Excellent Path to Enlightenment, by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo as explained by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, 1987

The Four Thoughts, by Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, by Sogyal Rinpoche.

Words of My Perfect Teacher (Kunzang Lama'i Shelung), Patrul Rinpoche, translated by the Padmakara Translation

Telephones

Pay phones are located at the Dining Hall, near the restrooms.

These pay telephones will accept outgoing local calls only so a pre-paid calling card or credit card will be useful.

Emergency calls only can be received at the office: 607-656-9640.

You should also give those who may have an urgent need to contact you the monk residence number: 607-656-4645.

Forewarn possible callers that English is not the first language in that household and only call in case of an emergency. Callers should ask for Lama Lobsang Chophel or Lama Tsewang Norbu in the event of a true emergency. Please do not use this number for any other reason.