Co-hosted by InsightLA and Big Bear Retreat Center
Registration for this retreat opens soon
*For any questions or support for registering or preparing for this retreat, contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org*
In this 9-night/10-day retreat, we will explore Vipassana meditation in the practice style of Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Sayadaw’s approach is free from rigid forms, influenced by his previous life as a layperson and his interest in adaptable practice. Nonetheless, his teachings are rigorous, emphasizing Right View, Awareness, and a relaxed, gentle, continuous practice attitude throughout the day.
You will explore how to create conditions for awareness to arise naturally; experience the continuity of meditation practice regardless of your posture or location; and discover wisdom and other beautiful qualities of mind and heart through your practice. Most importantly, you will learn to practice meditation in a way that you can continue to practice at home.
The retreat will be held in noble silence (no talking), and yogis are expected to keep five (or eight) precepts. The days include sitting, walking, work meditation, hiking, eating – and all of these are included in one’s practice time. There is a Dharma talk and instruction given every day, practice discussion in groups, and the option to sign up for individual guidance. Near the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to practice listening and talking with other yogis who might become your Dharma friend after the retreat.
“The whole path of mindfulness is this: whatever you are doing, be aware of it.”
-Dipa Ma
Retreat Fees:
*retreat fees do not include teacher dana-donations: more information below*
Single room with private bath $3,240
Single room with shared bath $2,790
Double room with shared bath $1,800
Triple room with shared bath $1,008
Financial support: In addition, we have available options for those needing financial support. A limited number of scholarship options are available. We ask that these be prioritized for those that identify as marginalized communities. Contact us guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.
Retreat Schedule:
August 19: 2-4pm Registration and Arrivals
August 28: 11am-12pm Retreat Closing and Checkout
*A detailed arrival-day schedule will be provided around 3-weeks prior to your retreat. A full retreat schedule will be provided upon arrival at registration.
Please plan to attend the entirety of the retreat, leaving early is highly discouraged unless emergency or extenuating circumstances arise. Contact staff if this is the case.
Accommodations:
The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use. Our residential cabins and rooms are simply furnished with a balance of comfort and simplicity. All beds are twin, and all bedding is provided by the center.
*Rooms are in shared cabin spaces (shared living room and outdoor deck available), with 3-4 bedrooms in each cabin typically shared amongst 3-6 guests.
The Meditation Hall:
Our beautiful meditation hall is a large room that accommodates most meditation and movement retreats. We have supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies. If you’re unsure, please contact us or visit our welcome guide for more details.
Meals:
The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.
Teacher Dana:
As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support.
Work Meditation: This retreat will include a daily work meditation service period, or “yogi jobs”, around 30-minutes a day. This is an opportunity to practice in service of community and bring your practice into daily roles at the center. More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration. It is always an option to opt-out of this, particularly if you have mobility or other concerns.
Rideshare: For this retreat we have set up a self-organized rideshare page that you can visit at anytime before. We will send email reminders closer to the retreat. We encourage ridesharing when possible. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/yrhofb
Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a rapid test on arrival day + a second test 3 days into the retreat. Masking and vaccines are optional. Guests are asked to bring their own rapid tests (2) or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be available at center for those that did not bring.
Cancellation Policy: Please visit BBRC’s website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy
8 weeks $100
4-8 weeks $175
2-4 weeks $300
<2 weeks No Refunds
For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit bigbearretreatcenter.org
