Land as Dharma Teacher (August)

With Erin Treat and Brian Lesage

August 11 - 18, 2026

Date and Time Details: Check-in is from 3:00-5:00 on the first day of the retreat. The retreat will close mid-morning on the last day of the retreat. (Learn more)

PRICE: We offer a sliding-scale pricing structure, ranging from $2,625 - $665. These prices do not include add-on items. (Learn more)

DANA: This is a dana-based retreat. (Learn more)

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Shuttle Service is available for this retreat. (Learn more)

NOBLE SILENCE: This retreat will be held in noble silence. (Learn more)

SCHOLARSHIP: If you require additional scholarship assistance beyond the published scholarship rate (35%), you can apply. These additional scholarships are available on a limited basis. (Learn more)

  • Casita Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,750.00
  • Casita Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,470.00
  • Casita Scholarship Rate – $980.00
  • Yurt Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,750.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,470.00
  • Yurt Scholarship Rate (A lower rate would help me attend) – $980.00
  • Tent Cabin Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,435.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,190.00
  • Tent Cabin Scholarship Rate – $770.00
  • Hermitage - Supporting scholarships and land stewardship – $2,625.00
  • Hermitage - Supporting scholarships – $2,275.00
  • Hermitage - A secluded cabin – $2,065.00
  • Tent Camping – $665.00

Join us in an exploration of Dharma through connection with the land of Vallecitos. This retreat is designed to offer support for experienced practitioners in insight meditation (Vipassana).

When we have an established foundation in Dharma practice, we can open to discovering new ways of perceiving. As the understanding of classical Dharma deepens even further, the land itself can meet us right in each moment as teacher and guide.  An immeasurable wisdom and compassion may be discovered in our personal relationship with land.

This exploration will be supported through cultivating an embodied presence and mindful awareness that embraces our experience with acceptance and wisdom.

We will provide meditation instructions in Vipassana and Brahma Vihara practice with sitting, standing, lying down, walking, and hiking practices. Additionally, there will be individual practice discussions and a daily talk on Buddhist practice.

The retreat will be held in noble silence to cultivate a quiet receptive mind and  meditation process, with the exception of teacher meetings and group discussions.

Prerequisite:  Practitioners must have done at least 14 days of silent Vipassana meditation retreat (total, not consecutive). 

 

 


Cancellation Policy:

  • 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
  • 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
  • 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund

About the Teachers

Erin Treat

Erin Treat lives in Durango, CO and has been practicing Buddhist meditation for 30 years.  In addition to serving as the Guiding Teacher of Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center since 2013,  she teaches regularly at Spirit Rock and the Insight Meditation Society.  She served for 20 years in leadership on the Teaching Council of the Durango Dharma […]

Learn more about Erin Treat

Brian Lesage

Brian has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1988 and has taught since 2000. He has studied in the Zen, Theravada, and Tibetan schools and was ordained in the Rinzai Zen tradition in 1996.  His training in Vipassana Meditation includes doing extended meditation retreats in Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, and India as well as numerous retreats in the […]

Learn more about Brian Lesage