Co-hosted by InsightLA and Big Bear Retreat Center
Book early and get $100.00 off listed prices. Offer valid until Apr 10, 2025. For any questions or support for registering or preparing for this retreat, contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org*
For more details and to register for this retreat, visit Big Bear Retreat Center: When Awareness Becomes Natural: a Sayadaw U Tejaniya Practice Style Retreat (August 9 – 17, 2025).
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This retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced meditators.
Registration for this retreat closes on July 26th, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. If looking to join after this date, please inquire at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
In this 9-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 practices. 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 the 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, 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, as well individual and group practice discussion. Sayadaw’s book will be provided to read as needed.
The retreat schedule will include periods of group practice as well as periods of self-directed practice. Near the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to practice listening and talking with other yogis who may become your Dharma friends on your spiritual journey.
This retreat will offer a particular practice style. We ask that you embrace the teachings with an open heart and mind, allowing yourself to fully experience the wisdom shared.
WHAT IS A SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT?
Also known as Vipassana, or Insight, this is a retreat held for several days in the practice of “noble silence” with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation throughout the day. There are teacher-guided sessions and talks, as well as self-guided periods. There also will be interview opportunities with the teachers to talk about your experience. Silence usually begins after dinner on arrival day and ends after breakfast on departure day. All are asked to hold the practice and silence throughout the entire time and to not leave the retreat early, so as to support the fullness of practice. Read more here on what to expect and sample schedule.
GENEROSITY
Retreat Cost & Fees:
Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees, as is the tradition of these retreats (see below). We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.
Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
Dana (Generosity) for Teachers (not included in registration fees):
The spirit of generosity is a foundational component to the Buddhist path. It supports the development of lovingkindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness and encourages non-attachment. Learn more about the practice of generosity.
As part of this tradition, many meditation teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer their teachings without set fees or compensation. BBRC reimburses teachers’ travel costs and provides teachers with meals and accommodations while teaching, but teachers receive no direct compensation from the retreat center. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “teacher dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. When we all take part in the offering and receiving of dana, we join a large circle of generosity. Learn more about this offering and tradition from IMS.
Click here for the Big Bear Retreat Center’s Cancellation Policy.
Is this your first retreat? Read more about retreats at Big Bear Retreat Center.
