Cultivating the Wise Heart: Practicing the “Divine Abodes” (Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity)

May 4th - 11th, 2027

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Arrival: May 4th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Departure: May 11th, 12:30 PM

Tuition:
Dana + 7 nights lodging (see below for more information about dana)

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
This retreat is offered on dana – a generosity based practice supporting teachers which has been traditional since the time of the Buddha. Registration covers lodging and meals – while your generosity supports both teacher and teaching.

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

In this retreat, we will learn the wonderful practices of lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.. These qualities are the Divine Abodes (Brahmaviharas) (or Four Immeasurables, in the Tibetan tradition), the four expressions of the awakened heart.

All of these practices strengthen clear seeing and wisdom, self-confidence, self-acceptance, generosity of spirit, steadiness of mind and heart, and skillful action, revealing our fundamental kindness and wisdom, in a culture in which heart and mind are often disconnected. In the last part of the retreat, we will also offer guidance for bringing these practices into daily life, including in challenging situations—whether in our relationships, our work and community lives, or in our efforts at social change.

What to Expect

The retreat will generally alternate silent sitting meditation and walking meditation. Core instructions in the different practices will be offered, along with talks, discussion, regular meetings with the teacher, and daily Qigong sessions.

These “heart practices” are one of the treasures of Buddhist tradition, and are not so often taught. They can be developed through regular practice and very easily and wonderfully brought into daily life.

Here is an overview talk from on Lovingkindness that can give a sense of Donald’s teaching in this area: The Nature and Challenges of Metta Practice and How It Deepens

FAQs

Why do we have the retreat in silence?
Silence helps us to develop a deeper inner focus. It can be a little strange at first, but we get used to it quickly..

Is it okay to come if I am relatively new to meditation?
Yes, it’s okay. There will be a lot of individual guidance and the aim is to deepen at one’s own pace, without pushing too much.

Do I need to be a “Buddhist”?
No. At my retreats, I often have people who don’t call themselves “religious,” or who identify their main religious affiliation as Jewish, Christian, Muslim, etc. The retreat is about developing love and kindness and compassion, which are quite universal and beyond any specific tradition.

Do I need to attend all the sessions?
Generally yes, especially the sessions where there are instructions and teaching. That being said, there’s a lot of room for individual consultation and guidance and making the retreat work for each person.

Teacher Testimonials

“I attended my first retreat with Donald in 2014 and have attended about one a year ever since. He’s a core reason why my practice has grown tremendously. Donald is a phenomenal teacher. He’s very knowledgeable, has a deep personal meditation practice, has a great sense of humor, communicates well, and has an immense breadth and depth of experience.“
–Alex L.

“Donald’s broad knowledge, experience, sense of humor, and easeful good nature repeatedly offer an inviting, supportive space to explore and be with whatever happens to appear on retreat. I am always appreciative.“
–Ginny C.

“Donald has traveled the path of meditative insight for over five decades and guides it as a local. His teachings are remarkably clear and organized and he dedicates himself to his students with an impressive energy fueled by compassion. His spiritual mentorship over the years has facilitated a deepening of practice and subtle but profound psychological shifts which have considerably improved to my well-being.“
–Nupur D.

“Donald has a deep love for the Dharma and a genuine joy in sharing it with others. When I first heard him teach, what stood out to me was his excitement about the history of the teachings. He brings a wealth of knowledge from both the Theravāda and Tibetan traditions and shares it in a way that’s accessible, grounded, and inspiring. His presence is both humble and empathetic, and I’m grateful for his practice and offerings as a teacher.“
–Hannah M.   

Program Schedule

Day 1

Tuesday, May 4th 

2:00 – 5:00 pm Registration
5:30 – 6:00 pm Orientation
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Day 2-7

Wednesday-Sunday, May 5-10

6:30 – 7:30 am Qigong and Sitting Meditation
7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast
9:15 – 12:30 pm Seated and Walking Meditation or Practice Meetings
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
2:30 – 5:30 pm Seated and Walking Meditation, Lovingkindness Practice
5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:30 pm Walking Meditation, Dharma Talk, and Chanting

Day 8

6:30 – 7:30 am Qigong and Sitting Meditation
7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast
9:15 – 12:30 pm Seated and Walking Meditation or Practice Meetings
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Depart from the Land

Retreat Faculty

Donald Rothberg, Ph.D.

Donald Rothberg, Ph.D., is on the Teachers Council at Spirit Rock in California, teaches worldwide on insight meditation, lovingkindness, transforming the judgmental mind, mindful communication, and socially engaged Buddhism. He has practiced insight meditation since 1976, and has also received training in Tibetan Dzogchen, psychotherapy, and trauma work. He has helped guide many training programs [...]

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Junior Suite
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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