Retreats

Discover a Deeper Way of Living Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center offers a retreat for almost everyone. Our schedule carries a...
  • Casita Supporting Rate – $1,110.00
  • Casita Actual Rate – $870.00
  • Casita Base Rate – $780.00
  • Yurt Supporting Rate – $1,110.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate – $870.00
  • Yurt Base Rate – $780.00
  • Tent Cabin Supporting Rate – $840.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate – $720.00
  • Tent Cabin Base Rate – $630.00
  • Tent Camping Actual Rate – $600.00

Date & 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 $540-$840 (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.

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Returning to Nature: A Retreat on the Four Elements

With Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni and Jaya Rudgard

July 14 - 20, 2018

The Buddha frequently recommended practice out of doors, encouraging us to enter the world where tranquillity and silence are so readily available. As our society becomes increasingly speedy and noisy, separating us further from our true nature, this recommendation could not be more appropriate. Drawing on the rich resources of Vallecitos’ stunning natural surroundings, we will participate in this age-old tradition of turning towards nature as a support for spiritual practice.

The focus of our practice together will be the on Four Elements – earth, water, fire and wind. While we are all familiar with these qualities in the external world, we can miss the play of them within our own body and mind and so miss the profound teaching that is pointing to a place of freedom and letting go.

Throughout the retreat meditation guidance and Dharma teaching will be offered on this theme as well as times of silence and opportunity for discussion. Through our practice and contemplation and the support of the natural world, we will create an opportunity for deeper insight to arise into the true nature of what we take to be “me” and “mine”. There will be guided sitting, walking and standing meditations as well as unguided ones and optional daily qi gong.

This is a very special opportunity to sit with a monastic. Guests will have the option to take 5 or 8 precepts. A light evening meal will be offered as part of that option.