Insight Meditation Retreat

We invite you to follow the advice of the Buddha and come to the forest for a traditional insight meditation retreat. People who have done meditation practice in a wilderness setting are profoundly moved by the experience and often report a new sense of enchantment and connection with the world.

This meditation retreat is designed to introduce you to the practice of mindfulness or insight meditation, and/or to cultivate and deepen your existing practice. Insight meditation embodies the essence and wisdom of the teachings of the Buddha and has been the foundation of Buddhist teachings for 2,500 years.  It is a simple and direct meditation practice, extraordinary in its simplicity, its lack of dogma and, above all, its results.

The retreat day is spent in silent meditation and includes group sitting periods alternating with walking meditation outdoors.  Each day there is progressive instruction in mindfulness practice, daily meetings with the teachers and a discourse from the teachings of the Buddha.  Some days the afternoon schedule will include spending time in the woods.  We will hike the majestic old growth forests of the magical La Manga wilderness that borders the ranch.  You will reconnect with the natural world and experience the high mountains in a way you’ve never done before!

To support the meditation process, complete silence is maintained throughout the retreat except during meetings with your teachers. Your teachers are committed to being available to you if you need to talk with them outside of the scheduled meetings. We welcome beginners and seasoned practitioners; this retreat is suitable for all levels.