Dates: Sunday, May 5, 3:00pm – Thursday, May 9, 11:30am; 4 nights
Registration Fee: $150, PLUS a donation to the teachers and retreat staff — see details below. Code 248R19.

This retreat is now in progress. 

Retreat Description:
The Seven Factors of Awakening are at the heart of Buddhist practice. These qualities can be thought of as “anti-hindrances”, counteracting those forces in the mind that keep us caught in delusion. Through cultivating mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, collectedness, and equanimity, we transform ingrained habits that limit our growth and block our capacity to love.

Through first meeting life as it is and starting where we are, we will turn our minds to these Seven Factors, each one leading to the next, setting the wheel of Awakening rolling. The framework of the Precepts, Noble Silence, chanting, and simple ceremonies will provide a monastic container to hold and inspire us during this retreat. While silent residential retreat experience is recommended, it is not required to attend this retreat.

This retreat is open to all genders.

PLEASE NOTE: Retreatants are encouraged to keep 8 Precepts for the entire length of this retreat. For those who choose not to keep the 6th Precept, a light supper will be available.

The Eight Precepts:
1. Not intentionally killing or harming any living creatures.
2. Not stealing, or concerning oneself with the possessions of others.
3. Not engaging in sexual activity of any kind.
4. Not lying or using speech harmfully. (On retreat this precept is usually observed as Noble Silence–keeping the silence unless there is a practical necessity to speak.)
5. Not taking intoxicating drink or drugs.
6. Not eating after mid-day. (Optional)
7. Not seeking amusements or wearing special bodily adornment. (On retreat one dresses and acts in a modest and restrained manner.)
8. Not using sleep indulgently.

Registration Fee & Cancellation Policy:
A $150 registration fee is required to reserve a space in this retreat. A retreat of this length would normally cost $500. This registration fee is a discounted rate for this monastic retreat and covers a portion of the “value of the goods and services received” by attending this retreat. This discounted rate is not tax-deductible. You will have the opportunity at the end of the retreat to make additional offerings to Spirit Rock — offerings to Spirit Rock totaling more than $500 are tax-deductible.

On the last day of the retreat, participants will be invited to offer dana or make offerings in three categories: support for the retreat teachers, support for the retreat cooks and retreat managers, and support for Spirit Rock. The word “dana” means generosity and simply translates into a heartfelt donation. Your support offered to the teachers, retreat staff, and to Spirit Rock will help us continue to offer this unique annual monastic retreat and everything we do here.

Cancellation policy for this retreat:
If you cancel >4 weeks (April 8), we will offer you a full refund.
$150 cancellation fee, if you cancel <4 weeks before the retreat (April 9 or later).
No refunds after 3pm PT May 3.