In deep meditation, as in everyday life, we may encounter the negative habits that create needless stress for us (such as worry, annoyance, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, jealousy, or the inner critic).
But when the light of awareness shines on these habits, they naturally recede and weaken. In their place, the positive habits of mind grow (such as goodwill, kindness, compassion, gratitude, happiness, self-respect and appreciation).
Allow awareness to become natural on this 6-night vipassana retreat.
What to Expect on a Vipassana Retreat
Vipassana practice has the potential to lead us toward liberating insight into experience.
On this 6-night retreat, you will be guided in mindfulness of the mind and body and encouraged to practice being aware of all you do throughout the day.
Vipassana retreats are set up so that people can have few duties. This gives us more space in which to become aware of our moment-to-moment experience.
We will become more familiar with the working of our minds, and also more wise in how we see and respond to experience.
“The whole path of mindfulness is this: whatever you are doing, be aware of it.”
-Dipa Ma
Where Is This Retreat Located?
This retreat will take place in-person at the Big Bear Meditation and Mindfulness Retreat Center. The 100-acre property is nestled among the ancient Juniper and Pine forests of the Southern Californian Mountains near the town of Big Bear Lake (a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles).
Attendees may choose from triple, double or single room accommodations in single-story cabins. Most dietary restrictions are accommodated. Learn more here or click the Register Now button to see room & board availability.
Schedule:
Attendees should plan to arrive and check in between 2-4pm on the first day of the retreat.
The retreat ends at 11am on the last day. Please be checked out of your cabin by 12pm.
COVID-19 Policy:
Attendees must read and agree to the COVID-19 policy below.
Transportation:
Please try to carpool or offer a ride to others by signing up here. Thank you for supporting the earth and your fellow practitioners.
About LC Tran
Lienchi was born into a Buddhist family and began her path of meditation in 1986. Since, she has been ordained 3 times and has attended many retreats ranging from 10 days to 2 years. Through personal experience, Lienchi knows awareness is the path by which wisdom arises. Learn more about LC here.
About Kim Allen
Kim Allen has been practicing Insight meditation since 2003 and has trained intensively with Theravādan monastics, masters of other Buddhist traditions, and Gil Fronsdal at the Insight Meditation Center and Insight Retreat Center. Her teachings and retreats weave classical Dharma into a contemporary context. Learn more about Kim here.
Testimonials:
“LC Tran and Kim Allen are two of the best teachers I’ve been fortunate enough to sit retreat with. If I had to recommend a retreat experience to a friend, it would definitely be with these two. I came to retreat full of frustration and doubt about my practice. All the teachings were so useful. The practice time was just the right amount. The guidance and special 1:1 meetings that were offered to all of us were so outstanding. I’m leaving with my faith restored and my trust in myself to proceed. I always put stars on the dharma talks I want to re-listen to, guess what they all have stars!!!”
“I loved LC’s humor, colorfulness, and excitement around the dharma. And I loved Kim’s direct, kind, stable (rock-type energy). No doubt separately they are a wealth of knowledge, but together felt balancing in a way that shaped a full retreat experience. And how nicely their exchanges handed off in openness for the other to come in and share talk space to round out information was beautiful.”
“What a perfect setting in the grandeur of a 7,000 foot pine forest to hold a mindful meditation retreat – complete with a beautiful sitting hall and deck, dining hall, and very comfortable cabins. For me, seeing the sun glistening through pine needles and the stars shining at night put me in a spacious, interconnected mind state. Thank you.”
“This was an absolutely wonderful retreat experience. The environment at Big Bear Retreat Center is relaxing and beautiful, with hiking trails and serene natural views everywhere. The vegetarian meals were outstanding…each dish seemed prepared with care and love, and full of flavor. The staff was professional yet warm and approachable. I will go back again and again!”
Dana/Generosity
Teacher compensation is not included in the registration fee. There will be an opportunity at the end of retreat to make a donation to the teachers. Thank you for your support! *note: as of June 2023, we will not be accepting cash and there is not an ATM at BBRC. Credit cards and checks are accepted.
COVID Requirements
- Proof of full vaccination
- Proof of negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival
- Masks: optional (subject to change)