All Programs at Spirit Rock

Dates: September 30, 2023 – May 4, 2024; specific dates below.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sliding Scale: $2100 – $3500. Code LD3T23.

Application deadline: September 15, 2023

PROGRAM DATES: September 2023 – May 2024

All large group sessions:
Saturdays
9:30am – 4:00pm US Pacific Time

Program Opening: September 30 (Required) – 9:30am-11:30am PT
Session 1: October 14
Session 2: November 4
Session 3: December 2
Session 4: January 6
Session 5: February 3
Session 6: March 2
Session 7: April 6
Session 8: May 4

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES:

Preferred pre-requisites (strongly encouraged, not required):

• A minimum of 10 days of any combination of: silent residential meditation retreats, daylongs, or mindfulness workshops
• At least 2 years of meditation practice
• For white-identified applicants, priority will be given to those who have done or are signed up to take a white awareness, antiracist, and/or racial equity training
• Priority is offered to those practicing Vipassana (Insight Meditation)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

This program is to be held entirely online and designed for meditators and Buddhist practitioners wishing to engage wholeheartedly in a deep exploration and practice of Dharma through the study and teaching of the Buddha’s “Noble Eightfold Path.” Using the classic Buddhist teachings of sīla, samādhi, and pañña (ethics, meditation, and wisdom), we will look at how we cultivate mindfulness, kindness, and balance given the inner stresses of modern life, and the outer challenges of social inequity and the pressure of climate change.

This will be a practical, experiential, and meditative program exploring the Buddha’s teachings on the eight limbs of the Dharma path: Wise Understanding, Wise Motivation, Wise Action, Wise Livelihood, Wise Communication, Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, and Wise Concentration. Through the support of these teachings we will inquire how to live and respond to life with awareness, wisdom, and compassion.

In this journey, we will create a vibrant learning community to study, meditate, and inquire into these key areas of Buddhist teaching and how to make these teachings practical and relevant in our current social milieu. Our meditation practice and what is happening around us politically, socially, and globally are not separate. As we explore the Eightfold Path teachings, we will apply what was taught 2600 years ago to what we live and experience in our contemporary lives.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Monthly large group sessions (recorded)
• Monthly small group sessions
• Daily and monthly home practices and readings
• Monthly written reflections
• Monthly Q&A (recorded)

PARTICIPATION COMMITMENT:

• Must attend Program Opening on September 30, 2023 – required!
• Must attend at least 6 of 8 large group sessions live (and access recordings of any missed sessions)
• Meditation: 20-30 min/day recommended
• Reading, journaling, and written reflections: 4-8 hr/month
• One small group meeting with teachers (held during a large group session)
• Q&A Sessions: 1 hr/month (highly recommended but not required, and will be recorded)
• Wed, Nov 15 – 10:00am PT
• Wed, Jan 10 – 6:00pm PT
• Thurs, Feb 15 – 10:00am PT
• Wed, March 20 – 6:00pm PT

APPLICATION TIMELINE AND PROCESS:

April 27 – September 15, 2023: Applications open and accepted on a rolling basis until program is full.
September 20: Final notifications sent out
Deposits due: Within 3 days of acceptance notification

All applications will go through a screening process by the teachers and will be formally accepted on a rolling basis throughout the application period until the program fills, or until September 15, 2023, whichever comes first. Applications received after the program is full or after September 15 (again, whichever comes first) will automatically be considered for the waitlist. You are encouraged to apply early.

All applicants will be notified of their status no later than September 20, 2023, via email.

TUITION

Sliding Scale: $2100 – $3500. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports the teachers of this program as well as Spirit Rock, staff, and your fellow practitioners. Any amount offered above the Base rate of $2100 is a tax deductible donation to Spirit Rock, and your generosity will enable and support the participation of others.

Standard Sliding Scale:
Benefactor – $3500
Sustainer – $2650
Base – $2100

Scholarship Sliding Scale:
Scholarship rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to those needing financial support.
Scholarship Rate 1 – $1950
Scholarship Rate 2 – $1650
Scholarship Rate 3 – $790
Scholarship Rate 4 – $525 (Reserved for BIPOC)*
*Scholarship Rates 4 is limited and reserved for BIPOC folks only who may experiencing acute financial hardship. If closer to the program start there are unallocated scholarships for this rate, these may become available for non-BIPOC folks.

Participation in LDP requires a financial commitment. ALL participants have the option of paying in full, or a 30% deposit at the time of acceptance. Payment plans are available for all levels of the sliding scale.

If you choose to pay a deposit, you can set up three monthly installments for the remaining balance which will be due in October, November, and December 2023. Installments can only be set up on credit cards. Please contact us if you have any questions.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Participating in LDP will require your commitment of both time and financial resources. If you need to withdraw from the program, the following fee structure will apply. Cancellation fee is deducted from the program fees paid; fee is a percentage of the total amount agreed to pay. These fees apply to all participants.

$50 non-refundable, flat fee for all applicants August 1 – September 15
10% fee: September 16 – September 29
25% fee: September 30 – October 14
50% fee: October 15 – November 4
No refunds = On or after November 5

Go Here to Learn More: Living Dharma Program Details

Dates: August 25 – December 9, 2023; specific dates below.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sliding Scale: $2500 – $5000. Code ML3T23.

Registration deadline: AUGUST 23, 2023

PROGRAM DATES: August – December 2023

All large group sessions:
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. US Pacific Time
Online via Zoom

Fri-Sat, Aug 25-26 (2 days); Opening Weekend
Fri, Sept 22
Fri, Oct 20
Fri, Nov 17
Fri & Sat, Dec 8-9 (2 days); Closing Weekend

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

This online certificate training program is open to and designed for leaders and aspiring leaders in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. We will cultivate mindful and compassionate leadership skills and practices to embody our care for ourselves and others, with a mindset of service to community and the world.

A core, distinct pedagogical approach of this program is participating in and co-learning with a supportive community of like-minded peers both in the large group and small monthly pod meetings. Through lectures, group discussion, guided meditations, readings, reflections, experiential exercises, and personal meditation practice, we will cultivate skills and behaviors that can be applied directly to our personal and professional lives. By developing and incorporating these intentional practices, we will strengthen professional relationships and workplace environments, expanding impact beyond our own learning for the broader benefit of our work and organization(s).

This program includes training in three realms: personal, relational, and organizational. Some included themes are:

• Mindful, compassionate, values-aligned leadership
• Cultivating well-being: self-care, rest, and resilience
• Self-awareness and self-management: emotional intelligence and working with difficult emotions
• Transforming professional and personal relationships through embodied, skillful communication
• Courageous conversations
• Empowering and inspiring people and teams
• Coaching and mentoring: compassionate accountability
• Fostering and co-creating belonging

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Monthly large group sessions – online (recorded)
• Monthly team sessions
• Daily and monthly home practices and readings
• Monthly written reflections
• Monthly Q&As – online (recorded)
• Optional opt-in affinity groups

PARTICIPATION COMMITMENT:

• Must attend at least 5 of 7 large group sessions live (and access recordings of any missed sessions)
• Meditation: 20-30 min/day recommended
• Reading, journaling, and written reflections: 4-8 hr/month
• Team meetings: 1 hr/month
• Q&A Sessions: 1 hr/month (highly recommended but not required, and will be recorded)
• Attend ONE program orientation (highly recommended, especially if you have not used LearnDash before)
  • Friday, August 18; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. US Pacific Time
  • Tuesday, August 22; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. US Pacific Time

TUITION

Sliding Scale: $2500 – $5000. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports the teachers of this program as well as Spirit Rock, staff, and your fellow practitioners. Any amount offered above the Base rate of $2500 is a tax deductible donation to Spirit Rock, and your generosity will enable and support the participation of others.

• Benefactor – $5000
• Sustainer – $3000
• Base – $2500

The following rates are available for those needing financial support. The Supported Rate is unlimited and available to those in need.

• Supported – $2100
• Mudita/Karuna Scholarship – $1750*
• Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BIPOC) Scholarship – $790*

*Both Mudita/Karuna Scholarship and BIPOC Scholarship rates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; and both are reserved for those truly experiencing financial hardship.

Participation in MLT requires a financial commitment. ALL participants have the option of paying in full or a 30% deposit at the time of registration. Those paying a deposit can set up installments. All program fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to the start. Payment plans are available for all levels of the sliding scale. Please note: If you register less than 2 weeks prior, a payment plan is not available. Installments can only be set up on credit cards. Please contact us if you have any questions.

CANCELLATION POLICY**

$100 fee: On or before August 23, by 5:00 p.m. US Pacific Time
$500 fee: August 24 – September 22
No refunds: On or after September 23 (applies to all participants)
**Fees reduced by half for scholarship participants

Go Here to Learn More: Mindful Leadership Training Details

Dates: Wednesday to Monday, May 24-29, 2022 (5 nights). Code 252R23.
Registration Fee: $150; Full Sliding Scale: $150-$2600, PLUS a donation to the teachers — see details below.
Arrival Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Departure Time: 11:00 a.m.

Registration opens approximately 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 24, 2023.

RETREAT TO BE HELD ON THE LAND!

Open to: Everyone

Description:
Through investigating our own direct experience in meditation and action, old patterns of holding and pushing away can begin to unravel. The freedom we seek is found by turning towards the truth of impermanence, and by embracing the limitations of this world with compassion and care.

This monastic retreat will be held in Noble Silence. There will be periods of guided and silent meditation, Dharma reflections, chanting and simple ritual, guided movement practice, Q&A, and group practice discussions.

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. This retreat may not be a good match if you are unable to meet the limited intake of food requirement.

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 minimum $150 registration fee is required to reserve a space in this retreat. A retreat of this length would normally cost $1025. This registration fee is a discounted rate for this unique 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 $1025 are tax-deductible.

On the last day of the retreat, participants will be invited to offer dana or make offerings in two categories: support for the retreat teachers and support for Spirit Rock. The word “dana” means generosity and simply translates into a heartfelt donation. Your support offered to the teachers and to Spirit Rock will help us continue to offer this unique annual monastic retreat and everything we do here. To read more about the practice of dāna, go to Dāna: The Practice of Generosity.

Cancellation policy for this monastic retreat:

• Full refund = 4 weeks or more before the retreat (April 26)
• $150 cancellation fee = between 2-4 weeks before the retreat (April 27-May 10)
• No refunds = less than 2 weeks before the retreat (May 11)

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Room Occupancy Update*: We have returned to double and single occupancy rooms. Many of our rooms are single occupancy (only 16 of 80 rooms are double occupancy). We have also returned to offering a “guaranteed single room” rate; these rates are limited (16). This rate guarantees a single room while helping to support scholarships and all we do here at Spirit Rock. The remaining single rooms are not exclusive to the top end of the sliding scale; however, they are initially prioritized for those with serious medical needs.

*Subject to change depending upon COVID-19 situation.

IMPORTANT – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.

Date & Time: Saturday – Monday, May 27 – 29, 2023; 10:00am-4:00pm US Pacific Time
Please Note: This program will be offered as a hybrid: on-land (“commuter” retreat; non-residential) and online.

On-Land (in-person) Sliding Scale: $210-$885. Our sliding scale options include financial support for our teachers. Code JB2M23.

Online Sliding Scale: $75-$1008. Our sliding scale options include financial support for our teachers. Code JB2Z23.

Description:
The Buddha advised us to overcome unhealthy states and develop states of true well-being such as gratitude, kindness, and compassion, and he encouraged us to deepen these beautiful states whenever possible. A profound support in doing this is to connect with the unnameable mystery from which all states emanate–what Ven. Ajahn Sumedho called “The Shining through of the Divine.” In this non-residential practice retreat we will focus on cultivating states of well-being, and rather than taking ownership of them, connecting to the source within us from which they arise. As they shine through, they become a gift to everyone in our lives.

This retreat is for practitioners who want to deepen their meditation practice through heartfelt connection to our natural goodness, well-being, and joy. It includes periods of sitting and walking meditation with instructions, practice-oriented talks, and practice discussions with the teachers.

On-Land space is limited due to COVID protocols in place, please register for the In-person event only if you can join us on the land. If you can only join us remotely online, please register for the Online version and you can participate by Zoom or watch the program later.

Teacher: Ofosu Jones-Quartey
Sliding Scale: Donation-Based (Dāna). Please support our Spirit Rock teachers, staff, and scholarships by giving as generously as you can. Code 22BV23.

Open to all self-identified BIPOC

Description:
The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Sangha is a weekly gathering of self-identified BIPOC practitioners that provides a safe place to meditate and explore the Dharma. As a beloved community, this sangha supports exploration of the Dharma in light of our experiences. Together, we will cultivate an environment that welcomes diverse voices and builds community.

Online: We are offering this program online via Zoom for you to join us remotely.

Teacher(s): Diana Winston
Sliding Scale: $0 – 108. Code 22ML23.

Join us for “Spirit Rock Live: Monday Nights with Jack Kornfield and Friends”!

For over 35 years now, the Monday Night sitting group at Spirit Rock has been a welcoming refuge to gather, hear the teachings of the Buddha, and practice insight meditation together as a community. The program includes a 30-40 min guided meditation, a short break, and a dharma talk. Learn more here.

This is a Livestream program with Closed Captions available. If you are unable to join us on this day and would like a recording to view later, please register before the end of the day on the night of the program (US Pacific Time). You will have ~90 days from the original program date to watch.

View a recording of Spirit Rock Live: Monday Nights with Jack Kornfield & Friends…

Dates: Tuesday to Sunday, May 30 – June 4, 2023 (5 nights). Code 254R23.
Arrival Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Departure Time: 11:00 am
Sliding Scale: $275-$2600, PLUS a donation to the teacher(s).
Supporter Rate w/guaranteed single room – $2600
Benefactor – $2050
Sustainer – $1575
BASE – $1025
Reduced Rate – $650
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K, or YA) – $275

Registration opens approximately 9:00 am Pacific Time on January 30, 2022.

RETREAT TO BE HELD ON THE LAND!

Description:
Like the Buddha, people for millennia have sought refuge, clarity, and wisdom in nature. On this silent, outdoor retreat in the serenity and beauty of the hills and meadows at Spirit Rock, we explore potent awareness and sensory-based meditations that open us to insight, interconnection, and peace.
On this retreat, we will cultivate a receptive, embodied quality of attention. This awareness supports learning from nature’s teachings on impermanence, the illusion of our separateness, and the interdependence of all life. We will also explore how nature evokes not only profound insight but also brings forth the capacity for resilience and inspired action in these ecologically-challenging times.
There will be nature-based sitting and walking practice, Dharma talks, and group meetings, as well as time to explore the beauty of nature with contemplative presence both alone and in community. Be prepared for unexpected delight, mystery, silence, and illumination.
This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Please note: During much of this retreat we will practice together outside in the company of the natural world. There will be an option of moving indoors if inclement weather should be present. Early morning and late evening practices will mostly be indoors (unless you choose to sit outdoors).

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Scholarship offerings: In returning to the land, we returned to our pre-pandemic scholarship options and policies. All scholarship rates require a minimum fee ($55/night). Scholarships are limited to TWO per calendar year for on-land retreats. And, while we are not able to offer “no one turned away”-type of scholarships for in-person retreats, they are still available for online offerings.

Hemera Fellowships – are you eligible? Learn more…

Room Occupancy Update*: Starting on March 27, 2022, we returned to double and single occupancy rooms. Many of our rooms are single occupancy (only 16 of 80 rooms are double occupancy). We have also returned to offering a “guaranteed single room” rate; these rates are limited (16). This rate guarantees a single room while helping to support scholarships and all we do here at Spirit Rock. The remaining single rooms are not exclusive to the top end of the sliding scale; however, they are initially prioritized for those with serious medical needs.

*Subject to change depending upon COVID-19 situation.

IMPORTANT – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.

Teacher: TBD
Sliding Scale: Donation-Based (Dāna). Please support our Spirit Rock teachers, staff, and scholarships by giving as generously as you can. Code 22WM23.

Description:
Our Wednesday Morning Meditation & Talk is led by Sylvia Boorstein, Donald Rothberg, Heidi Bourne, or other guest teachers. With more community emphasis than the large Monday night gathering, this group welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners to explore Dharma with an emphasis on everyday life, social engagement, and lovingkindness.

Online: We are offering this program online via Zoom for you to join us remotely.

Teacher: JD Doyle
Sliding Scale: Donation-Based (Dāna). Please support our Spirit Rock teachers, staff, and scholarships by giving as generously as you can. Code 22RS23.

Open to all self-identified LGBTQIA+

Description:
The Rainbow Sangha is a weekly gathering of self-identified practitioners within marginalized gender and sexuality groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and gender non-conforming. Together, we’ll explore the Dharma in ways that welcome our lived experiences and build community that honors our diverse voices.

Online: We are offering this program online via Zoom for you to join us remotely.

Teacher(s): Grace Fisher and Friends.
Sliding Scale: Donation-Based (Dāna). Please support our Spirit Rock teachers, staff, and scholarships by giving as generously as you can. Code 22TM23.

Open to all self-identified women

Description:
This drop-in group offers women a place to come together in community to share our wisdom and strengthen our sense of belonging in the world. The group is led by Grace Fisher or guest teachers, and includes time for silent meditation, teachings, and group discussion. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome.

Online: We are offering this program online via Zoom for you to join us remotely.

Dates: 5 Thursdays, June 1 – June 29, 2023
Times: 1:00pm – 3:00pm US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: Dana Program, $0-$108. Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Code SF2G23.

Please Note: This retreat is offered online only. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Description:
People under the grip of greed, hatred, and delusion do “evil” things. The Buddha himself had to contend with deeply wounded people causing terrible harm, including a famous serial killer, a patricidal king, and his own cousin trying to murder him. Their stories reveal a powerful and nuanced Buddhist approach to crime and justice that reinforces the core teaching that harmful action is born of ignorance, and can always be met with compassion and forgiveness.

We will read about Aṇgulimālā the serial killer, Ajatasattu the patricide, Devadatta the traitor, and a group of monks lost in factionalism and toxic politics. Evil in the Buddhist world is personified by Māra the deceiver, who the Buddha meets on the eve of his liberation. In these stories we see the workings of karma (kamma), and a vision of restorative justice where even the worst evil-doer can eventually be fully liberated.

While beginners are welcome, this class may be most engaging for practitioners with some experience in meditation and Buddhist teachings. With extensive supplementary material, this class aims to make the discourses of the Buddha an accessible, inspiring support for practice.

Please Note: Though the classes in the series will build on each other, attendance at all classes is not required.

All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 3, 2023; 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: $30-$140. Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Code JK2D23.

Description:
The awakened heart has immense capacities for tender compassion, profound love, and renewed joy. We need all of these as we navigate the challenges of this moment, from the pandemic and other global crises to the ongoing struggles around civil rights and the climate emergency. Come together to enhance skillful ways to hold our collective fears and losses, and to build a sense of hope and beauty even amidst these difficult times. These gifts of the heart can be practiced, activated, developed, and opened.

Join in this day of meditations, stories, and dialogue, illuminating your own inner gifts, held by teachings on love, gratitude, forgiveness, and the true nature of the heart. This will be a day of virtual community, sharing visionary perspectives, training, and blessings. All are welcome!

All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 3, 2023; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: $0-$108. Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Code KF1G23.

Description:
The Buddhist holiday of Vesak (Pāli: Visākha Pūjā) celebrates the birth, liberation, and death of the Buddha. Siddhattha Gotama of the Sakyan clan attained liberation at the age of 35, taught for 45 years, and died at the age of 80. The full moon of June is dedicated to the celebration of this extraordinary human being. Traditional rituals include offering flowers, incense, and candlelight, and the devotional practices of chanting and bowing.

Come together to celebrate the Buddha and express our gratitude for the gifts this tradition has brought to our lives and the world. We will share simple chants in Pāli and English, stories of the Buddha’s life, and meditations to help us connect with our love for this path and the teacher who brought it into the world. We will also explore how to practice the Buddhist holidays in the context of Insight Meditation and global Dharma culture.

All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.