| An extended retreat period offers the rare opportunity for sustained, dedicated practice. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing profound clarity and depth of Insight practice. Instructions will follow the traditional four foundations of mindfulness, influenced by the teachings of Mahasi Sayadaw and other Theravada (Insight Meditation) traditions, and will be supported by a variety of skillful means. The teachings will encompass training in the heart qualities of lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with a daily schedule structured around periods of silent meditation, guided instructions, Dharma talks, practice meetings with teachers, and optional mindful movement.
This retreat is also suitable for practitioners who wish to exclusively develop concentration (samādhi) through mindfulness of breathing or lovingkindness (metta) practice, with individual guidance by the teachers.
These extended retreats (as with all retreats at Spirit Rock) are NOT open for self-retreats. |
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2025-03-16
The Five Recollections: Turning Toward Truth
44:08
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Devin Berry
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Explores the Buddha’s teachings on aging, illness, death, loss, and karma—brought to life through Dharma reflections and evocative stories, inviting us to meet impermanence with wisdom, presence, and the freedom to love fully.
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2025-03-18
Dharma of Time and Space (Retreat at Spirit Rock)
45:02
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Anushka Fernandopulle
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The past and future are only thoughts in the present. But even the present moment is constructed, concocted, conditioned and may not exist absolutely as we believe it to be. Our experience of the senses is dependent on our sense organs thus animals have different eyes and experience the world very differently. Different human cultures experience and interpret sense experience differently as well. Plus practice tips on week 3 of a monthlong retreat.
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2025-03-23
The Lion’s Roar: Courage in These Times
37:14
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Devin Berry
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Rooted in the simile of the Lion Sutta (4.33), this talk explores how the power of the Lion’s roar—Buddha-Dharma—awakens the courage to face suffering with clarity, inner steadiness, and a heart aligned with truth and presence.
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