This retreat is now full - if you would like to be on the waiting list please email us.
Connecting with the heart (and soul) of our practice
Our annual winter meditation retreat is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from our usual distractions and enjoy the many benefits of living and meditating together in a simple, supportive and mostly silent space.
This year our focus will be on connecting with the heart, trusting experience, and staying connected and curious about whatever arises.
Padmadharini has practiced and taught meditation for many years and has recently completed a two year training as a hospital chaplain. She is enthusiastic to share what she is learning through working with people who are actively dying.
The Gift of Silence
The retreat will be mostly silent except for teachings, meditation reviews and mindful communication. It's a rare chance to take a break from making conversation and to see what happens when we let ourselves be.
Food and Work Periods
Vegan food and simple menus are provided and food preparation and cleaning are shared by everyone on the retreat. If you have a preference please let us know in advance.
Free Time
There will be plenty of free time to hike or stroll around the area or relax.
Meditation Experience
There will be periods of instruction towards the beginning of the retreat, but the early morning meditation sessions will not be led, and as the retreat deepens there will be less input. If have not taken one of our meditation courses and don't have much experience we recommend coming to these before the retreat. Contact us for more information.
Dharmadhara
Is a rustic residence with a very beautiful shrine room, located in Lake County – about 2.5 to 3 hours North of San Francisco. Accommodation is currently quite limited during winter months when it is too cold for most people to camp. There are 2 small dorms, and several cots and mats for sleeping in the living room or shrine room. There are no private rooms.
Weekend option
If you cannot stay for the full week there may be the option to leave on Monday 23, depending on numbers, but our indoor sleeping space is limited so it's possible this won't happen. Send us an email for more information or to be on the waiting list. It's likely to be quite cold but if you are prepared to camp and/or can drive please let us know in your email as that may make a difference to whether we can accommodate you.
Payment Info
Please pay the highest amount you are able within the range of $500 to $700. This helps us to cover the cost of the retreat leader, the cook, and others needing help with costs.
If you need to request a rate lower than $500 please email us at info@sfbuddhistcenter.org.
Select Paypal or Pay by Check. You can pay in full now or pay a minimum of $200 deposit. Thank you.
To register enter the amount you wish to pay now in the box below and click + Add to Cart. At the end of your registration you will have the option to choose pay by paypal to pay now, or choose pay later to pay later or by another method (eg check). If you are part of the team leave the donation amount blank and choose pay later.