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

With Brian Lesage and Erin Treat

August 19 - 25, 2017

Date and Time Details: Registration opens at 3:00 on the first day of the retreat. The retreat will close shortly after breakfast on the last day.

Price: We offer a sliding scale structure. Prices for this retreat range from $570-$825. (Learn more)

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

Shuttle: Shuttle service is available for this retreat. (Learn more)

  • Casita (Highest Rate) – $1,170.00
  • Casita (Middle Rate) – $990.00
  • Casita (Lowest Rate) – $840.00
  • Yurt (Highest Rate) – $1,170.00
  • Yurt (Middle Rate) – $990.00
  • Yurt (Lowest Rate) – $840.00
  • Tent Cabin (Highest Rate) – $930.00
  • Tent Cabin (Middle Rate) – $780.00
  • Tent Cabin (Lowest Rate) – $630.00
  • Tent Camping – $540.00

Please note that outstanding balances will be automatically charged 30 days prior to your retreat. Please see our Registration Information to learn more.

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 Treat lives in Durango, CO and has been practicing Buddhist meditation for nearly 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 Center.  Erin […]

Learn more about Erin Treat