This annual retreat aims to provide a space to reconnect with beginner's mind - our natural capacity to see through expectations and prejudice and respond to our inner and outer worlds with gentle curiosity and wisdom. People with many years of experience as well as actual beginners are invited to give your practice a refreshing boost, surrounded by the quiet, natural beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains. Meditating together and supporting each other, away from our usual schedule, gives us the chance to go deeper and refresh our perspective on life.
This year's theme is Mirror-like Wisdom as an aspect of beginner's mind - our ever-present potential for seeing experience just as it presents itself, nothing added or taken away. It's like the bright dawn right before the sun rises, when the air is clear and cool and the the light is blue and mysteriously revealing.
Each day will begin and end quietly with meditation. Mid morning and afternoon sessions will include instruction and guided, mindful dialogue. Weather permitting we plan to spend a fair amount of time outside in nature.
All activities are optional and while we invite you to enjoy the flow of the schedule and stretch your comfort zone just a little, we also encourage you to listen to your body and participate in whatever way is most helpful.
Food Work Periods: Vegetarian food and simple menus are provided and cooking and cleaning are shared by everyone on the retreat. If you have a preference please let us know in advance.
Free Time: Jikoji is a beautiful place and there will be time to explore the area, hike up to the ridge, and/or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Meditation Experience: There will be meditation without instruction in the morning and evening so if you have not taken one of our meditation courses we recommend dropping in to one or two of our Thursday 7pm classes. Contact us for more information.
Sliding scale: Please pay what you can afford within the range: $265-$200. Plus optional dana for the teacher. (SFBC teachers are volunteers - all fees go to support running costs.) Paying the higher end of the scale helps those who need a lower rate - this is particularly helpful this year as Jikoji's prices have risen. If you are unable to come because of money please contact us as we are sometimes able to offer reductions.
Payment Info
Sliding Scale Payments: If you can please pay the maximum amount to help those who need a lower rate. If you wish to pay a lower amount please select the minimum amount and then in the shopping cart please add a donation to top up the amount you wish to pay.
Deposit: You can also make a deposit to book and then pay the remainder later.