Milk Lake

Milk Lake - Shambhala Retreat Centre

Milk Lake is a rural retreat centre nestled in rolling farm country about one hour and 20 minutes southwest of Halifax, in Nova Scotia’s beautiful and scenic South Shore.  Three large, well-appointed cabins offer quiet seclusion for retreat or time alone for meditation and contemplation; writing, study, or artistic endeavours; or simply getting out into the country for relaxation in a peaceful, uplifted environment.  The largest cottage, Buddhalocana, is also ideal for couples who wish to spend time together for meditation and study or a quiet holiday in the countryside.

Milk Lake is owned by Shambhala, an organization founded by the late renowned Tibetan meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and currently led by his son and successor Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.  Shambhala teaches meditation and contemplation in the context of joining meditative awareness, fearlessness and gentleness with every aspect of secular life.  The resident director of Milk Lake is a qualified Shambhala and Buddhist meditation instructor who can provide instruction and support for beginning and experienced retreatants.

Retreats based on other spiritual traditions are also welcome.

Location

Milk Lake is located a few minutes off Exit 16 on Highway 103, about half way between Halifax and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia’s southernmost port.  The former dairy farm forms an arc on the shores of Five Island Lake (re-dubbed “Dragon Lake”), one of many picturesque lakes in the area.  The Atlantic coast, just a 15-minute drive to the east, offers beaches, nature preserves and a number of public resorts.  The historic towns of Lunenburg, Liverpool, Bridgewater, and Mahone Bay are all within easy driving distance, and the Kejimkujik National Park is about 40 minutes away.  Of special interest to Shambhala Community members, Mill Village, where Chogyam Trungpa spent 1984 in retreat, is just down the road.

The Cabins

There are three fully appointed cabins available to rent, from as short as a weekend to as long a retreat as you wish to accomplish; their names are "Samayatara", "Mamaki", and "Buddhalocana".  All have indoor plumbing and offer a choice of woodstove or electric heating.

The three wood-built, well-lit cabins are all (unless otherwise noted) equipped with

• Meditation shrine with implements and pictures (Shambhala and traditional Buddhist)
• Meditation cushions and practice table
• Electricity
• Running hot and cold natural well water
• Indoor bathroom with sink, toilet and shower (2 cabins) or bathtub (Buddhalocana)
• Efficient Vermont Castings woodburning stove
• Split wood and kindling ready to use (two cabins have indoor woodsheds)
• Optional electric baseboard heating
• Refrigerator/freezer
• Propane gas range with oven
• Microwave
• Coffeemaker and toaster
• Cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery
• Bed frame(s) with spring or foam mattress
• Chairs, tables, lamps, floor rugs
• Full recycling/composting capacity

How Do I Request A Reservation?

All cabins are $30 (CDN & US) per night single occupancy; $45 per night double occupancy ($15 per additional adult per night).  Go to the Reservations page to request a cabin.

---