PROGRAMS

Solitary Retreats

Solitary Retreats in Great Cloud Refuge under the guidance of FCM’s Dharma Teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, offer a unique experience in modern America—the opportunity to spend time away from the myriad distractions of daily life that so often hinder our looking deeply within and waking up.

FCM members can schedule Solitary Retreats lasting from three to seven nights in the tranquil space of GCR on the campus of FCM’s Tampa Practice Center.  The only requirements are previous attendance at silent group or solitary retreats, and having an established teacher-student relationship with Fred. 

Solitary retreats differ from group retreats. On solitary retreat you can learn how to dwell alone in happiness and well-being. The experience presents an extraordinary opportunity to meditate and study on your own, in a tranquil space, without the distractions of daily life, or even group retreats. On solitary retreat, you first meet individually with Fred to set your personal focus, intentions, and daily meditation schedule. Each day and night then affords the opportunity to practice on your own, relying on your own inspiration and self-discipline to touch deep inner reservoirs, to awaken strengths and abilities that you may have doubted lay within you, and to realize your intentions for retreat. In short daily interviews with Fred, you also have the opportunity to benefit from Fred’s relentless energy, deep insight, and abiding wisdom helping to prod you out of the familiar and comfortable, helping you to wake up. 

Accommodations

All solitary retreatants stay in Great Cloud Refuge, our residential retreat facility located on the campus of FCM’s practice center on North Nebraska Ave. in Tampa. As many as 3 people may be scheduled for solitary retreat at the same time in Great Cloud Refuge—each person having their own room, providing their own linens and vegan food. Kitchen and eating space are available, and the FCM garden is available for walking meditation. Retreats start in the afternoon of the day you enter GCR and end with departure on the morning after your last night.

Cost/Dana

The daily cost is $35/night payable directly to FCM. The per-diem covers the cost of your room in Great Cloud Refuge, but does not include food or dana. As has been the tradition since the time of the Buddha, priceless Dharma teachings are given freely. Any dana you may wish to offer for the teachings may be given by check made out to Fred or cash and given directly to him at the conclusion of your retreat. Thanks to the generosity of donors, financial assistance is available to members who could not otherwise do a solitary retreat.

Scheduling Solitary Retreats

FCM members please click here for important information and instructions for scheduling a solitary retreat.