Retreat presented by Big Bear Retreat Center
*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: The Sure Heart’s Release, October 2024
Are finances a barrier to attend? We strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to anyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way, we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you. We ask that these be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or in financial need. Contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.
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A SILENT INSIGHT MEDITATION RETREAT
Monday, October 14th – Saturday, October 19th
The primary focus of teachings throughout this retreat will draw upon the timeless instructions from the Satipatthana Sutta, the heart of the Buddha’s instructions for the establishment of Mindfulness.
Together, we will explore various methods for attending to our experience with kindness and wisdom that lead to the sure heart’s release: the purification of conduct, the purification of mind, and the development of insight. The cultivation of these qualities direct us to a radiant heart of freedom.
Held within the traditional structure of noble silence, the program will include instructions for sitting and walking practice, Dharma talks, and group practice discussions. Over several days we will develop the foundations of mindfulness and the heart qualities of the brahma viharas in a contemplative container of kind awareness.
The daily schedule will alternate periods of sitting and walking. We will also emphasize a continuity of Mindfulness throughout meals, resting, and mindful work-as-practice. We hope you will join us. Suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
This retreat is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
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.
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. If you have mobility or health concerns please reach out and we will find alternative accommodations. More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration.
Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat. Visit the ride-share page.
Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a proof of a negative rapid test on arrival day for all yogis, teachers and staff. A re-test will be required on the third day by dinner. Masking and vaccines are optional.
Guests are asked, when possible, to bring their own rapid tests or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be provided by the center by request only.
For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org
Cancellation Policy: Please visit our 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
Scholarship and Financial Support Cancellation Fee Policy:
8 weeks $75
4-8 weeks $150
< 4 weeks No Refunds
