FAQ

Stay at Felsentor

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A RETREAT?

The registration is done via our website: Under “Program” select the retreat you wish to attend, click on “Register” in the description and fill out the form. There is also the possibility to make personal comments (change of address, allergies, etc.). The registration will be confirmed automatically. Your place is now reserved. A few weeks before the seminar starts, we will send you the invoice and general information about the seminar. The invoice amount should be transferred by the day of arrival at the latest or paid in cash or by card (VISA, Maestro, Master-Card) on arrival.

I HAVE REGISTERED BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION. HAS MY REGISTRATION ARRIVED?

Our registration confirmations are swallowed by some spam filters. If in doubt, please check your spam folder or add our address reservations@felsentor.ch to your address book.

I HAVE REGISTERED FOR A RETREAT AT VERY SHORT NOTICE. CAN I PAY THE INVOICE AMOUNT IN CASH UPON ARRIVAL?

Yes, that is possible.

HOW CAN I PAY AT THE FELSENTOR: WITH THE CARD? IN EURO? 

You can pay in cash at our place, either in Swiss Francs or in Euro; card payment is also possible (VISA, Maestro, Master-Card). Please remember in advance to bring enough cash (also for the Dana contribution for the teachers).

ARE THERE STILL FREE PLACES FOR THE RETREAT I WANT TO VISIT?

Unless otherwise stated in the program, there are still places available. If a retreat is fully booked, the message “Booked out/waiting list” will appear, meaning that your registration will be redirected to the waiting list.

CAN I RESERVE A SINGLE ROOM FOR A RETREAT?

You can reserve a single room when you register. The allocation of a single room depends on the number of participants in a retreat and can therefore often only be decided at short notice. If we can offer you a single room, we ask you to pay the supplement in cash upon arrival (card payment is not possible).

IS A RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Unless otherwise stated, generally yes. In case of doubt please contact us by phone or mail.

WHY IS ONE HOUR WORK MEDITATION PER DAY AN INTEGRAL PART OF ALL STAYS AT FELSENTOR?

Work (Samu/Karma yoga) is valuabe both as practical assistance as well as a central point of spiritual practice in Zen and in various Buddhist and Hindu traditions, since it is seen as a possibility to practice mindfulness and an open mind.

WHY IS FOR MANY SEMINARS "DANA" SPECIFIED INSTEAD OF A FIXED AMOUNT?

In Sanskrit Dana means "the gift", and is a freely chosen amount of money to the teachers. This corresponds to the Buddhist tradition, according to which the value of a teaching cannot be measured with money. So it is freely passed on or given. It is up to the recipient what they can give in return. Giving and generosity are also qualities of the heart that we cultivate through giving. We thank you for your willingness to let the tradition of Dana live on today!

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH NO OR LOW INCOME TO RECEIVE A REDUCTION?

For this purpose we have set up a solidarity fund: Depending on the funds available, we can grant discounts on request. Otherwise you can “work off” a part of the retreat costs with us, for example by helping us with washing dishes during the retreat and/or cleaning the house before or after the retreat. Please contact the office if you are interested in such a solution.

CAN I ATTEND A SEMINAR WITHOUT STAYING OVERNIGHT AT FELSENTOR?

No, that is not possible.

CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT AT YOUR PLACE WITHOUT ATTENDING A SEMINAR?

Unfortunately, no. We are a seminar center, not a hotel. If you would like to take a few days for a personal retreat, we recommend that you visit our practice days.

CAN I ARRIVE LATER OR LEAVE EARLIER FOR A RETREAT?

In the interest of the teachers and all participants, retreats can only be attended as a whole. No price reductions can be granted for late arrival or early departure.

CAN I ARRIVE ONE OR MORE DAYS EARLIER OR LEAVE LATER?

No, unfortunately this is not possible. We recommend the “be and mee” (charming Bed & Breakfast in Rigi-Kaltbad: www.be-mee.ch) to our guests who want to stay overnight before or after a retreat on the Rigi.

WHEN CAN I MOVE INTO MY ROOM ON THE DAY OF ARRIVAL?

The room is available on the day of arrival from 3 pm and on the day of departure until 10 am.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE RAILWAY STATION TO YOU WITH MY LUGGAGE?

The path between the Romiti railway station and Felsentor is not lit, stony and steep, not suitable for wheeled suitcases. We recommend a rucksack or a travel bag, the weight of which you can carry. On arrival and departure, we offer luggage transport. Depending on weather and road conditions, especially in winter, luggage transport is not always guaranteed.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, rainwear, torch, slippers and alarm clock, if necessary an adapter for Swiss sockets. Hair dryers are available; bed linen and towels are provided by the house.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN SEAT CUSHION / YOGA MAT?

You may bring your own accessories, but you don’t have to: meditation cushions and benches, as well as chairs and yoga mats are available at our house.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SIT ON A CHAIR TO MEDITATE?

Yes, of course.

CAN I TAKE MY PET WITH ME?

Our seminar center is not suitable for pets.

HOW CAN I UNSUBSCRIBE? WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR DEREGISTRATION?

The following fees apply when you cancel your registration: Up to three weeks before the retreat begins, a processing fee of 60 CHF will be charged. After that, the total amount is due (regardless of whether the amount has already been paid in or not). If a replacement person is provided or if someone from the waiting list moves up, the amount paid minus the 60 CHF processing fee will be refunded.

I FORGOT SOME OF MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS WITH YOU WHEN I LEFT. CAN YOU KEEP IT FOR ME?

You can pick up or have personal belongings sent to you in the course of one month, after which time they will be disposed of.

Zen Practice

WHICH CLOTHING IS SUITABLE FOR MEDITATION?

For our seminar guests there are no strict dress code at Felsentor. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing for sitting. To maintain meditative silence not only acoustically, but also optically we prefer dark, restrained colors and avoid flashy patterns or clothing that rustles a lot.

WHAT IS A SESSHIN?

A sesshin (literally: “getting in contact with the heart-mind”) is an intense Zen practice period lasting several days.

WHAT IS A ZAZENKAI?

A zazenkai takes place about once a month at Felsentor. It is a full day sitting meditation in silence, including working meditation (samu), dharma talk (teisho) and formal tea in the Zendo.

WHAT IS THE POINT OF THE MANY BOWS, AND WHY DO YOU PROSTRATE YOURSELF?

Bowing is generally a gesture of respect, gratitude or greeting. Since most of our seminars take place in silence,  a bow is often the simplest, most suitable expression for the situation at hand. Prostration is also practiced in many traditions; they are an expression of awe and respect, not so much in front of an outside Buddha image, but basically before Buddha-nature, the radiant awakened quality within ourselves.

WHAT IS ORYOKI?

Oryoki is a contemplative form of eating together, which is traditionally practiced in Japanese Zen monasteries.

Garden Café

WHEN IS YOUR GARDEN CAFÉ OPEN? WHAT IS YOUR SELECTION?

Our garden café for hikers is open all year-round; small snacks, hot and cold drinks and in summer vegan ice-cream, homemade cakes and sandwiches are available on a self-service basis. For larger groups please contact us in advance by phone or e-mail.

IS IT ALLOWED TO USE THE FIREPLACE IN YOUR PAVILION? 

Hikers are welcome to use the fireplace to warm up in winter. It is not intended for grilling sausages; we ask for your understanding!

IS IT ALLOWED TO ENJOY OUR OWN PICNIC IN YOUR GARDEN CAFÉ?

Yes, this is possible.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESERVE YOUR GARDEN CAFÉ FOR PARTIES? DO YOU ALSO PROVIDE CATERING SERVICES FOR EXTERNAL EVENTS?

We would like to, but this is currently beyond our capacity. We ask for your understanding!

Animal Shelter

CAN I VISIT YOUR ANIMAL SHELTER AT ANY TIME?

Our animal shelter is open to all interested parties and visitors. For the welfare of the animals, please respect their sleeping and rest times, especially over lunchtime.

DOES THE TRAIL LEAD THROUGH THE ANIMAL PROTECTION CENTER TO KALTBAD?

There is no official hiking trail through the animal protection center.