Mindfulness On and Off the Cushion

March 24 - 28, 2027

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Arrival: March 24th, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Departure: March 28th, 12:30 PM

Teacher Compensation This retreat is offered on a dana (generosity) basis for the teacher. Dating back to the time of Buddha, the dana system is an ancient form of reciprocity and a healthy gift economy based on open-handedness and trust in community. It is the foundation of Buddhist practice rooted in the understanding that generosity opens the heart, creates connection to others, and keeps the teachings alive. Your registration fee covers lodging and meals only. At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana directly to the teachers. Any amount is welcome!

Add extra nights at 50% off

Teacher Compensation This retreat is offered on a dana (generosity) basis for the teacher. Dating back to the time of Buddha, the dana system is an ancient form of reciprocity and a healthy gift economy based on open-handedness and trust in community. It is the foundation of Buddhist practice rooted in the understanding that generosity opens the heart, creates connection to others, and keeps the teachings alive. Your registration fee covers lodging and meals only. At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana directly to the teachers. Any amount is welcome!

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

People often think of mindfulness as something you do. This retreat will emphasize that while this is true mindfulness is how you live your entire life. Mindfulness helps you to remember to be present throughout all of life’s ups and downs.

This retreat will have periods of traditional mindfulness sitting and walking practice, some simple chanting and dhamma talks on essential Buddhist teachings. There will also be time to be outside and enjoy the beauty of the natural setting.

What to Expect

  • The entire retreat will be in silence except for brief Q&A periods
  • Sitting meditation with instructions
  • Formal walking meditation with instructions
  • Daily opening and closing chants
  • Daily dhamma talks

Why Attend?

  • Take a close look at traditional Buddhist teachings and practices
  • Learn how you can apply Buddhist teachings to your daily life out in the world
  • Learn the value of silence and stillness in a world that encourages the opposite.

Retreat Faculty

Barry Gillespie

Barry Gillespie was introduced to formal meditation practice in 1978, through the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram. After taking a combined Ashtanga Yoga and Vipassana retreat in 1999 he began exploring Theravaden Buddhist practice, sitting many long retreats at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA. His principal teacher is [...]

Lodging

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

Off Land
Participants who wish to commute from home or arrange their own accommodations off-campus (for example, a bed and breakfast, camping nearby)  pay tuition, plus $54/night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of our facilities.

Car Camping
We have 5 primitive parking spots in the Rigden parking lot, for simply parking and sleeping. This includes food and access our bathhouses in Rigden Lodge
Note: We don’t have any water or electric hook ups for RV’s.

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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