The Natural Path to the Heart's Liberation: A Silent Vipassana Retreat in the Forest

With Brian Lesage, Erin Treat and Yong Oh

July 21 - 28, 2018

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.

PRICE: We offer a sliding scale structure. Prices for this retreat range from $630-$980 (not including dana). (Learn more)

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

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

SCHOLARSHIP / FELLOWSHIP AVAILABILITY: All awards have been made for this retreat. No longer accepting applications for scholarships or fellowships.

  • Casita Supporting Rate – $1,295.00
  • Casita Actual Rate – $1,015.00
  • Casita Base Rate – $910.00
  • Yurt Supporting Rate – $1,295.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate – $1,015.00
  • Yurt Base Rate – $910.00
  • Tent Cabin Supporting Rate – $980.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate – $840.00
  • Tent Cabin Base Rate – $735.00

Join us to practice the timeless teachings of the Buddha as a pathway to discover inner peace, freedom, and the compassionate heart.  This retreat is designed to offer and support a practical introduction to insight meditation, known as Vipassana in the Buddhist tradition.  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.  This silent retreat will focus upon cultivating embodied presence and mindful awareness that embraces the human experience with acceptance and wisdom.

Following the early Buddhist tradition, we will utilize the natural surroundings to support our inner exploration.  Insight meditation practice will be supported by daily vipassana and lovingkindness meditation instructions, including walking meditation outdoors in a spectacular natural setting.

In addition to individual practice discussions with the teachers, there will be an evening talk on Buddhist practice. To cultivate the meditation process, complete silence is maintained at all times throughout the retreat except during teacher interviews and group discussions.  The retreat is suitable for those new to meditation and also seasoned practitioners.  All are welcome.

About the Teachers

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

Erin Treat

Erin’s love for wild nature, her passionate commitment to serving collective liberation, and decades of working as a bodyworker are all palpable in her Dharma. Erin is Guiding Teacher at both Vallecitos and the Durango Dharma Center, and is a Core Teacher at Spirit Rock.  She served as core faculty of the sixth Community Dharma Leaders […]

Learn more about Erin Treat

Yong Oh

Yong Oh serves as a teacher on the Dharma Council for the Durango Dharma Center and has sat on the board of directors since 2019. Yong began meditating through the Soto Zen tradition and eventually transitioned to study, practice, and teach in the Insight tradition. He is a visiting teacher for the Chattanooga Insight Meditation […]

Learn more about Yong Oh