Frequently Asked
Questions
What types of programs are offered at BCBS?
We offer Residential, Online, and Path and Online Immersive Programs that invite deep engagement with Buddhist study and practice across a wide variety of subjects and Buddhist traditions, most of which are suitable for both beginning and experienced practitioners.
Residential Programs
BCBS Residential Programs take place on our beautiful campus in Barre, Massachusetts and typically include sitting and walking meditation, talks, small and large group discussions, time for questions and reflection, and some periods of noble silence. Consisting of 35 participants or fewer, our Residential Programs invite deep engagement and connection with both other participants and teachers.
Online Programs
BCBS Online Programs take place through video conferencing and offer convenient access to Buddhist study, practice, and spiritual community all over the world. Our Online Programs include events, weekend retreats, multi-week courses, and longer, more in-depth explorations. Like Residential Programs, Online Programs typically include talks, small and large group discussions, time for questions and reflection, and guided meditation. We provide detailed instructions and ongoing support to ensure participants are able to smoothly navigate technology and fully engage in these programs.
Path Programs
BCBS Path Programs take place over the course of several months to over a year and include a combination of online and/or residential components. Providing an ongoing relationship with a consistent cohort of participants and teachers over time, our Path Programs foster collective, far-ranging Buddhist inquiry.
Immersive Online Programs
BCBS Immersive Online Programs take place through video conferencing over several months and offer convenient access to Buddhist study, practice, and spiritual community all over the world. Providing an ongoing relationship with a consistent cohort of participants and teachers over time, our Immersive Online Programs foster deep practice and study. Our current Immersive Online Programs are Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation, Mindfulness of Breathing, and Foundations of a Soulmaking Dharma.
Do I need to be Buddhist to participate in BCBS programs?
How do I register?
Why are there different fee levels for the same program?
BCBS keeps prices as affordable as possible and offers Tier Pricing and Financial Assistance options to keep programs accessible.
Tier Pricing: You may choose a tier and pay according to your means. Tier 1 covers the actual cost of the program. Tiers 2 and 3 are subsidized rates made possible through the generosity of donors. The Benefactor rate enables you to offer additional, tax-deductible support to BCBS and fellow program participants. Please select the highest tier that fits your budget to help BCBS keep programs accessible.
Financial Assistance: Besides Tier Pricing, you may request additional financial assistance on the registration page.
Generosity/Dāna: Program fees do not include payments to teachers. Please consider supporting the teachers with dāna (generosity) at the end of your program.
Does BCBS offer financial assistance?
Through the generosity of our community, we’re generally able to offer up to three scholarships per person per year for those in need, so please don’t hesitate to request financial assistance. We have particular scholarship funds dedicated to support young adults and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Financial assistance of up to 50% of the supported fee can be claimed during registration. For financial assistance greater than 50% of the supported fee, please indicate how much you’re able to pay and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What is teacher dana and why is it important?
Following a long Buddhist tradition, our teachers offer the Buddhadharma out of a spirit of generosity (we use the term “dana,” which is the word used in classical Indic languages including Sanskrit and Pali). Program fees do not include compensation for teachers, though we do reimburse them for travel and other basic costs. Some of our teachers live only on freely offered dana contributions as a life practice; it is an inspiring, counter-cultural way of life. There will be an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to your teachers at the end of your program.
What is the cancellation policy at BCBS?
We are committed to creating a supportive and accessible environment for all participants. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we have established Cancellation and Refund Policies to provide clarity and flexibility to our community.
What if I have a complaint or a conflict while at BCBS?
To help uphold the standard of ethical behavior at our study and practice center, BCBS’ Board of Directors has created an Ethics Committee, composed of board members and senior staff, that is responsible for receiving and addressing complaints of unethical behavior at BCBS by teachers, staff, participants, or volunteers.
The committee can be contacted through Executive Director Richard Henning at (978) 355-2347 ext. 21 or richardh@buddhistinquiry.org. Questions or complaints will be handled or investigated as appropriate.
Do you have a Code of Ethics for those who teach at BCBS?
At BCBS, we believe that the foundation of a Buddhist spiritual life rests upon ethical conduct. In keeping with this understanding, and for the long-term benefit of the community at large, we ask all teachers to uphold our Code of Ethics, which is based on the five traditional Buddhist precepts.
Does BCBS offer continuing education units (CEUs)?
Some of our programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs). If a particular program is eligible for CEUs, it will be indicated on its program information page. There is a $40 fee for CEUs, which will increase to $50 in 2025; only participants who request CEUs will be charged the fee.
For psychologists: Some programs are co-sponsored by BCBS and The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy (IMP). IMP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists and maintains responsibility for all BCBS programs offering CEUs to psychologists.
For social workers: The Collaborative of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Boston College, and Simmons College School of Social Work authorize social work continuing education units for programs that meet the criteria outlined in 258 CMR of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers. Please note that NASW accreditation does not guarantee acceptance by all state boards. Please check with your licensing board to determine if the program you’re interested in is eligible for CEUs.
Please email contact@buddhistinquiry.org with any questions about a specific program’s CEUs.
How do lottery programs work?
We offer lotteries to accommodate high-demand programs and/or a teacher’s desire to achieve a particular demographic balance. Specific lottery information can be found on a program’s information page. Those selected from the lottery will receive an email from us including a link to make an initial deposit. You must make a deposit within three days of receiving this email to confirm your enrollment. If you’re 100% committed to attending a program but know you’ll be unreachable when lottery results are announced, please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org
How is BCBS reducing risk of COVID?
BCBS no longer requires COVID testing to attend retreats. This decision was made after the CDC updated COVID and all respiratory virus recommendations as of March 1, 2024, aligning care and protection strategies for COVID with those of the flu and RSV.
Rest assured, our commitment to the safety and health of everyone at our retreat center remains unwavering. COVID tests and masks will continue to be readily available. We will also continue to ask everyone on our campus who has symptoms to mask, test, and report any positive results to the Program Manager for support and guidance.
Of course, we will continue to monitor conditions and adapt our policies as necessary to ensure the safety of everyone at our retreat center.
How does BCBS accommodate participants with disabilities?
We are committed to disability justice and regard accessibility as a civil right and we strive to make our residential and online programs as accessible as possible. Both the Farmhouse and Dharma Hall are wheelchair accessible. Hearing assistance devices are available in both locations as well. Closed captions are available for all of our online programs. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Does BCBS offer affinity spaces and/or programs?
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Some of our programs are offered specifically for particular groups, including those who have been historically marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). If a particular program is affinity-based, it will say so on its program information page. For other programs, teachers sometimes offer affinity spaces. Please email contact@buddhistinquiry.org with any questions about a specific program’s affinity options.
How do I get to BCBS?
BCBS is located in central Massachusetts, about 2 miles north of Barre center. By car, we are 50 minutes northwest of Worcester, MA, 1.5-2 hours west of Boston, MA and 3.5-4.5 hours northeast of New York, NY. There is no public transportation service directly to Barre.
Address
149 Lockwood Road
Barre, Massachusetts 01005
By Car
From Worcester
Take Route 122 North to Barre (approximately 22 miles). Then see “From Barre Town Common” below.
From Boston
Take Route 2 West to Gardner (exit 83). At the traffic circle, take Route 68 South to Route 62 (approximately 9 miles). Then take Route 62 West to Barre (approximately 7 miles). Then see “From Barre Town Common” below.
or
Follow I-90 W to Cambridge St in Worcester. Take the Quinsigamond Ave exit from MA-146 N. Take MA-122 North (left) to Barre. Then see “From Barre Town Common” below.
From New York and points south / western Massachusetts
Take I-91 to I-90 (Mass Pike) East to Palmer (exit 63). Take Route 32 North to Barre (approximately 25 miles). Then see “From Barre Town Common” below.
From Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts
Take Route 2 East (exit 50 off I-91) to Route 122 South (exit 70). Follow 122 South to Barre Center (about 18 miles). As you approach the Barre Town Common, turn left onto Pleasant Street where Route 122 makes a sharp right. Don’t take this right turn. Then see “From Barre Town Common” below.
From Barre Town Common
Follow Route 122/32 North through Barre center and past Barre Library on your left. Just after this, continue straight onto Pleasant Street. You will be leaving Route 122/32 at this point. Proceed 1.7 miles along Pleasant Street. Turn right on Lockwood Road (you will see a rock with BCBS carved on it). The BCBS Farmhouse is at the end of Lockwood Road, about 1/4 mile from Pleasant Street.
By Bus or Train
Take a bus or train to Worcester, MA via:
Peter Pan
800-343-9999
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Amtrak
800-872-7245
Then take a taxi to BCBS via Worcester Yellow Cab (508-754-3211), which provides 24-hour service from Worcester to Barre, or Relaxie Taxi (Tony’s cell: 774-696-1298).
By Airplane
Major airlines fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The most convenient transportation from Logan to BCBS is Knight’s Airport Limousine Service. A 10% off discount code for all rides to/from BCBS is included in your registration confirmation. Knight’s Limo also offers discounts to AAA members and senior citizens. Call 800-822-5456 or book online.
Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) is also an option. From the airport, take Worcester Yellow Cab (508-754-3211), which provides 24-hour service from Worcester to Barre, or Relaxie Taxi (Tony’s cell: 774-696-1298).
Ride Share
If you need a ride or can offer a ride to or from BCBS, please visit the BCBS/IMS ride share page, available to folks enrolled at BCBS or IMS, an affiliated center just down the street. While you’re welcome to preview rides needed or offered, you’ll need a password to post or coordinate a ride, which you can find in your registration confirmation.
What room options are available on campus?
There are 22 single rooms and 4 double rooms on campus. Each room is simply and comfortably furnished with a twin bed, closet, desk, and chair and contains an alarm clock, flashlight, and fan. Please plan to bring your own twin sheets, pillowcases, and any extra blankets or comforters you might need. If you’re taking public transportation or are otherwise unable to bring your own linens, we have linens available. Otherwise, all beds come with a mattress cover, light blanket, heavy comforter, and two pillows. Each floor has access to shared one-person bathrooms and showers. Unless you have specific health or accessibility needs, we cannot accommodate specific room requests. Please email contact@buddhistinquiry.org with any questions or concerns you have about staying on campus.
Can I stay an extra night on campus before or after my program?
For a modest fee you can stay an extra night before or after your program as long as it isn’t scheduled back-to-back with another program. Please note that we will not be serving meals before dinner on opening day or after lunch on closing day, so you will need to arrange your own meals during off-program hours. Coffee, tea, cereal, bread, peanut butter, tahini, and fruit are available at all times in the dining room. Yogurt, milk, dairy-free milk, gluten-free bread, butter, Earth Balance, jams, and hard boiled eggs are available at all times in the community fridge. You’re welcome to bring and store your own food and beverages in the limited space available in the dining room and community fridge as well.
What does it mean to attend a program on campus as a commuter and where can I stay?
What is a typical schedule like for residential programs?
A typical residential day starts at 6:30 am and ends at 9:00 pm. Check-in is from 2:00 – 5:45 pm on opening day and lunch is served at 12:00 pm on closing day after the program concludes. Please keep in mind that each program is unique and schedules sometimes vary. Most programs have a schedule something like this:
Opening Day
2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in
4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)
5:50 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 pm Program Opening/Evening Session
Middle Day(s)
6:30 am Wake-up Bell
7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice
7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 am Yogi Job
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Morning Session
12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session
5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session
Closing Day
6:30 am Wake-up Bell
7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice
7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 am Yogi Job
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Morning Session
12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)
What is the food like on campus?
We serve three nutritious vegetarian meals a day.
We do our best to provide gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please understand that we are a small center and cannot accommodate all dietary needs.
The dining room has coffee, tea, cereal, bread, peanut butter, tahini, and fruit available at all times. The community fridge always has yogurt, milk, dairy-free milk, gluten-free bread, butter, Earth Balance, jams, and hard-boiled eggs.
You’re welcome to bring and store your own food and beverages in the limited space in the dining room and community fridge.
Please be aware that our kitchen uses ingredients that are allergens to some people – such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy – to provide sources of protein in a vegetarian diet. We cannot remove these allergens from our menu to accommodate individual program participants. Our kitchen staff members are trained in safe food handling, including the prevention of cross-contamination, but please note that we do not have the facilities or resources to ensure that trace amounts of allergens are not present in our food. If you have a serious food allergy, please keep this in mind as you decide whether a BCBS program is suitable for you.
Please reach out to Kitchen Manager Tim Newton at timn@buddhistinquiry.org with any questions or concerns about your dietary needs.
What should I bring if I'm staying on campus?
Comfortable clothes and footwear for study and practice sessions as well as outdoor activities. Please check the weather before your program. We recommend bringing plenty of layers. If it will be particularly snowy/rainy, we recommend bringing two pairs of shoes (indoor/outdoor). In winter, you might want to bring removable traction devices and/or snowshoes.
Twin sheets, pillowcases, towels, and any extra blankets you might need. If you’re unable to bring your own linens, we have linens available. Otherwise, all beds come with a mattress cover, light blanket, heavy comforter, and two pillows.
Wristwatch and headlamp. This is to allow you to put aside your cellphone during the program. Each room contains an alarm clock, flashlight, and fan.
Unscented toiletries, feminine hygiene products. To support those with sensitivities, please be sure to use unscented products. Shampoo and conditioner are provided in the showers.
Prescription Medications, etc. If you’re taking any, please be sure to bring enough for the duration of your program. Being on retreat is not an appropriate time to pause your medications.
Food, beverages, or supplements specific to your dietary needs. While we do our best to provide options for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, we are a small Center and are unable to accommodate all dietary needs. You’re welcome to bring and store your own food and beverages in the dining room and community fridge.
In the warmer months, bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. We will have some available.
Special meditation props. We provide basic zabutons (mats), zafus (cushions), chairs, and blankets in the Dharma Hall. Please bring any extra meditation props you might need, such as additional cushions or a meditation stool.
Can I bring perfume or other scented products?
To support participants with odor sensitivities and/or chemical allergies, we ask you not to bring or use perfumes or scented products. We provide unscented soap, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer, if you’re unable to bring your own.
What is a yogi job and why is it important?
Will I have cell service and/or Wi-Fi on campus?
Can I bring a service animal with me?
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, BCBS welcomes service animals (who are trained to perform a particular service and are required because of a disability). We are unable to accommodate pets or emotional support animals. If you will be bringing a service animal to BCBS please contact us at least ten days before the program to coordinate housing and other needs at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.
Where can I find dharma talks from my program and/or other programs?
To listen to dharma talks from your program, visit dharmaseed.org. Please keep in mind that not all BCBS programs are recorded for Dharmaseed. If the dharma talks from your program are restricted to participants, we will include a code in the email we send out the day after your program ends. To explore dharma talks from other BCBS programs, visit our recordings page or check out our YouTube channel, updated regularly.
Do I need to download particular software to attend online programs?
We use Zoom to host our online programs, available for download at Zoom’s Download Center. Downloading this software is optional. You can still attend our online programs via Internet browser on your supported phone, tablet, or computer by using the link we provide in the welcome email we send out in the three days leading up to your program.
When will I receive a link to access my online program?
When you enroll in an online program, you receive a registration confirmation right away and a welcome email within three days of your program start date. The welcome email contains the Zoom meeting link as well as any relevant program materials. Please reach out to contact@buddhistinquiry.org if you need help accessing your online program.
Will my online program be recorded and made available to me when the program concludes?
Not all online programs are recorded. If a program will be recorded and made available to you, it will say so on the program’s information page and in the welcome email. We include instructions for accessing recorded programs in the email we send out the day after a program concludes.
