Unearth Your Inner Clarity

The Zen Diamond Mining Retreat | April 18–20, 2026

Starting at $375
Register

What to Expect

A Journey into the Earth and the Self.

In the heart of Herkimer, NY, lies a unique opportunity to reconnect with your body and your community. Join us for a three-day "Major Reset" where we combine the ancient discipline of Zen training with the tactile, rewarding thrill of diamond mining.

Whether you are swinging a hammer in the mines or sitting in silent meditation, this retreat is designed to help you strip away the "rough" of daily life to reveal the clarity beneath.

No prior Zen training required.

We believe that swinging a hammer at a rock can be just as meditative as sitting in silence. Expect to get your hands dirty, feel the weight of the tools, and find focus in the physical effort of discovery.

❋ Mindful Labor

Our meals are a collective practice. We aren't just eating; we are nourishing the community. Expect to chop, stir, and serve alongside your peers as part of our shared mindfulness.

❋ The "Zen of the Kitchen"

Our martial arts sessions are designed to wake up the body’s energy (Qi), while our sound bowl meditations are designed to settle the mind. No experience is necessary—just a willing spirit.

❋ Dynamic Stillness

While the lodge has power, we encourage you to put the screens away. Use this time to reconnect with the physical world, the people around you, and the rhythm of the Earth.

❋ A "Digital Sabbatical"

Early Spring Energy: April in Upstate NY is "waking up" season. It might be misty, muddy, or bright—embrace the unpredictability of nature as part of the practice. The Mine is about 30 minutes away from the lodge.

Our Stay

We will be staying at the Pine Lake Lodge. The lodge has eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, two indoor and one outdoor bar, commercial kitchen, kitchenette, two large common areas, pool table, dart board, grill, large yard with picnic tables, fire pit, horseshoe pit and corn hole.

1050 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY 12032

Why Join Us?

Know anything more fun and thrilling than diamond mining? And if you need any more reasons:

  • Physical Grounding: Move your body through martial arts and focused mining.

  • Communal Spirit: Engage in the "Zen of the Kitchen" through collective vegetarian meal preparation.

  • Deep Relaxation: Realign your nervous system with sound bowl meditations and the tranquility of Pine Lake Lodge.

  • Family Friendly: Integrated activities for children so the whole family can find their center.

Investment

  • Adults: $375 (Community Ambassadors and Inner Circle members get $20 off)

  • Children: $220

  • Includes:

    • 2 nights at Pine Lake Lodge,

    • packable lunch & snacks and all vegetarian dinners,

    • Zen/Martial Arts training,

    • and a 1-day full access pass to the mines. (Optional: Upgrade to a 3-day mine pass for +$26/person)

Saturday, April 18

The Grounding

Theme: Transitioning from the noise of the city to the stillness of the woods.

Departure from MA (Recommended for those mining Saturday)

8:00am

Optional Mining: Get an early start at the Herkimer Mines

12:00pm

Arrival & Lodge Set-up: Welcome to Pine Lake Lodge

4:00pm

Communal Rhythm: Group 1 Cooking / Group 2 Free Time

5:00pm

Opening Dinner: A shared vegetarian feast

6:00pm

Zen Training: Martial arts and evening meditation

7:30pm

Social Hearth: Connection, tea, and optional relaxation

9:00pm
Sunday, April 19

THE SEARCH

Theme: Deep work, tactile focus, and the joy of discovery.

Wake up call

6:30am

Morning Practice: Zen Training (Adults) / Kids Breakfast & Play (Group 3)

7:00am

Community Breakfast

8:30am

Departure to the Mines

10:00am

Mining Part 1: Focused excavation and presence

10:45am

Field Lunch: Sandwiches at the mine

12:15pm

Mining Part 2: Continuing the search

1:00pm

Return to Lodge: Rest and cleanup

4:00pm

Communal Rhythm: Group 2 Cooking / Group 1 Free Time

5:30pm

Evening Dinner

6:30pm

The Resonance: Sound bowl meditation

8:00pm

Social Time

8:30pm
Monday, April 20

THE INTEGRATION

Theme: Carrying the clarity back home.

Wake up call

6:30am

Morning Practice: Zen Training (Adults) / Kids Breakfast & Play (Group 3)

7:00am

Community Breakfast

8:30am

Final Mine Departure: (For 3-day pass holders) or Free Morning

10:00am

Homeward Bound: Return journey to MA

1:00pm

What to bring

Pro tip: The Herkimer Diamond is actually a double-terminated quartz crystal, renowned for its clarity. Some people find the most peace by breaking open large rocks, while others prefer "surface hunting" on their hands and knees. Both are valid paths to the same center.

    • Sturdy Boots: Hiking boots or work boots (no sneakers/sandals in the mines).

    • Work Gloves: Thick leather or rubber-dipped to protect from sharp rocks.

    • Safety Glasses: Essential for when you’re breaking rock/using hammers.

    • A 3 to 5-Gallon Bucket: To carry your treasures back to the lodge.

    • Kneeling Pad: A garden pad or piece of foam makes mining much easier on the joints.

    • Tweezers: For the "micro-zen": picking out tiny, perfect crystals.

    • Small Pouches/Bags: Ziplocs or cloth bags to keep small "diamonds" safe.

    • Step Stool: A small folding stool lets you sit comfortably while mining.

    • Picnic Blankets: For outdoor meditation or lounging at the mines.

    • Weather Gear: Upstate NY in April has big temperature swings.

    • Rain Shell: A light waterproof layer for passing showers.

    • Warm Layers: Think fleece or wool for the cool mornings and evenings.

    • Loose Clothing: Sweats or yoga pants that allow for kicks and deep lunges.

    • Layers: The lodge can be cool in the morning; bring a hoodie or light fleece.

    • Yoga Mat/Zafu: If you have a favorite meditation cushion or mat, bring it along!

    • Indoor Shoes: Slippers or "house shoes" to keep the mud out of the sleeping quarters.

    • Toiletries: Don't forget the basics; we are in the woods!

    • Reusable Bottle: For staying hydrated during martial arts and mining.

    • Extra Socks: Kids + mud + mines = many sock changes.

    • Quiet Games: For social hours or downtime between activities.

    • Layers: For any evening walks around the Pine Lake property and cold mornings.

Book Your Stay

Retreat offered in collaboration with the ArtiZen Press LLC.

Register