To join this retreat please email support@insightla.org.
Vipassana retreats are set up so that people can have few duties but to be aware of their experience moment to moment. When removing distractions we become more familiar with the working of our minds and of the particular negative habits that create needless stress for us (worry, annoyance, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, jealousy, the inner critic, etc.) When shining the light of awareness on these habits, they naturally recede and weaken and in their place the positive habits of mind grow (love, kindness, compassion, gratitude, happiness, self-respect and appreciation).
Join LC and Melissa for this 7-day retreat where you will be guided in mindfulness of the mind and body and encouraged to practice being aware of all you do throughout the day. There will be an option to take 8 precepts on this retreat. It is not required but you are encouraged to do so. This means not eating after lunch.
“The whole path of mindfulness is this: whatever you are doing, be aware of it.”
-Dipa Ma
“Melissa McKay and Lien Chi “LC” Tran are two of the most experienced practitioners amongst the new generation of teachers.”
-Jack Kornfield
Teaching Team
Melissa McKay – Teaching Remotely
LC Tran – Teaching In-Person
Thomas Davis – Assistant Teaching In-Person
Schedule
Check-In: Saturday October 23rd 2:00-4:00pm
Check-Out: Friday October 29th 12:00pm
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The daily rhythm of a retreat usually involves alternating periods of stationary and movement meditation, nature walks, meals and tea, as well as practice meetings, dharma talks and rest periods. The first session usually begins before breakfast. Each morning the teachers offer continuing meditation instructions for the day. The whole retreat is a succession of mindfulness training, breathing practices, deep awareness of the body and environment, meditations on the nature of feelings, and awareness of mind are from the Buddhist Insight Meditation tradition.
Stationary Meditation: Stationary meditation is at the heart of silent retreats. In stationary practice silence and stillness develop, concentration deepens, and awareness expands. The training of the heart brings kindness and compassion for all that arises. We come into presence and learn to find freedom in the midst of life as it truly is.
Movement Meditation: Graceful and wise movement on the earth is also a way to practice meditation. On retreat, periods of movement meditation alternate with periods of stationary meditation. Through walking practice we learn to sustain meditative awareness through movement. In movement meditation, we become aware in the midst of activity. Throughout the retreat we learn to cultivate a mindful awareness in all postures, sitting, walking, and lying down.
Eating Meditation: An awareness of food, and the mindful understanding of the entire process of nourishment and eating is included in the practice at retreats. Retreatants are encouraged to bring the same calm, focused attention to eating as is brought to stationary and movement meditations. Mindful eating is a wonderful context for the arising of insights. Every bite of food we eat contains, rain, sun, earth and the work of many, many beings.
Dharma Talks and guided meditations: Each day, the teachers present a different set of teachings that are central to practicing mindfulness and compassion. These teaching can be applied to our own experience. Sometimes the talks focus on retreat practice, and sometimes they offer teachings for wise living in the world.
Pricing: The price of the retreat includes accommodation for 6-nights and all meals for the duration of the retreat.
Single Room $350 per night
Shared Room $180 per night
Donations/Dana: Please note that the price of the retreat covers accommodation, food, facilities, and other InsightLA expenses. To allow the teachers to continue their dharma work, support from the students is needed. There will be an opportunity to contribute at the end of the retreat to the teachers.
Yogi Jobs: Participation in this retreat will involve a light working meditation to support the community experience. When you arrive you will be assigned a daily task to complete with mindful attention. Please let us know if you have any physical challenges that might impact your ability to perform certain tasks. Please also bring long pants, closed toe shoes, and a shirt that you can change into in the event you are assigned a yogi job in the kitchen.
Accommodations: The center consists of 13 separate buildings and cabins for dining, meditation, and sleeping. The single-story residence cabins are large fully furnished and comfortable cabins with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for shared use. Cabins include both single and double rooms, a living room, central heating, a full kitchen, and a deck outside in nature. Cabins are simple yet fully set up for a comfortable stay in the mountains during retreat.
The Center: Big Bear Retreat Center offers a tranquil space nestled in the forested mountains. This natural environment offers the opportunity to settle and practice in nature. We offer several miles of secluded hiking trails, quiet forested land submerged in nature, and decks for outdoor practice and relaxation.
Meals: The center provides fresh, healthy vegetarian meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time and practice while at the center. Additionally offered are fresh daily juices.
We are deeply grateful to our community members for their understanding, patience, and support through this challenging and life changing chapter of our journey together. We are eager to move into the next phase of our adventure. In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlies all of our activities, primarily ahimsa (do no harm), we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend any in-person event. If you certify that you meet this requirement please select ‘yes’ on the registration page.
We are monitoring the COVID protocols in San Bernardino County where masks are currently not required indoors for vaccinated individuals. If by the start of retreat masks are required by San Bernardino County, we will require masks indoors. Everyone entering BBRC (including staff, teachers, and participants) must provide proof of a negative PCR covid test within 48-72 hours of arrival. We will also have rapid tests available at the center if anyone experiences symptoms during the retreat. To reduce exposure, everyone (including staff, teachers, and participants) must remain on property for the duration of the retreat.
Each cabin and building has an outdoor deck space with ample space for Stationary and Movement Meditations.
- Morning Instructions will be held indoors with the option to sit outdoors and listening via speakers.
- The Dharma Talk will be held midday outdoors with heat lamps (weather permitting) with an option to sit indoors and listening via speakers.
- Silent Stationary, Movement, and Eating Meditations will be scheduled throughout the day and can be done both indoors and outdoors with heat lamps located at Sitting and Dining.
To offer or join a ride share, click Sign-Up to the left. Thank you for supporting fellow practitioners.
