2027 Grounding in the Dharma
With Mary Stancavage, Ian Challis, Valerie Cusson and Jokai Blackwell
March 31 - April 4, 2027
Grounding in the Dharma is open to experienced and new practitioners.
Buddhist practice offers a path to connect with ourselves and a way to live in harmony with others. This retreat will remind us of the simplicity of the teachings that offer freedom from greed, aversion, and ignorance, and a path to liberation.
An in-person, multi-day retreat is a rare and invaluable opportunity to practice. Coming together, we will cultivate the energy and support that allow the body-mind to find refuge in the kind embrace of Buddhist teachings. It is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
We will follow a time-honored schedule of meditation, daily movement and qi gong, dharma talks, delicious vegetarian meals, and time for rest, all held in a container of silence. Please join us in coming home to what is truly important, in the company of friends, for the benefit of all.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT
This is a silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers.
Learn more ABOUT THE RETREAT & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.
Registration closes on March 24, 2027.
If joining after this date, please contact us.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT
ABOUT SILENT RETREATS & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.
This is a silent mindfulness retreat, alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers.
GENEROSITY: RETREAT COST AND FEES
We strive to keep our retreats as financially accessible as possible. Your registration fee directly supports BBRC’s operations, covering your lodging, meals, and our dedicated staff. However, it does not include compensation for our teachers.
Rooted in tradition, our teachers share their wisdom without a set fee. Instead, participants are warmly invited to offer dāna (a donation of generosity) directly to the teachers at the close of the retreat.
While deeply appreciated and encouraged, dāna is never required. Learn more about dāna here.
IS COST A BARRIER?
Scholarships are available for those with reviewed, demonstrated financial need. Due to limited funds, not all requests can be honored. Contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information
SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE
Preparing for your retreat
We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.
Getting to BBRC
We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.
Accommodations
We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.
Meals
Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.
FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG
Our goal is to create a deeply inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. Whatever your race, gender, sexuality, ability, or background, it is our wish to provide a space where you belong.
As you plan your trip, please consider our unique environment:
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We are at 6,500 feet of elevation in a mountain town that experiences all four seasons.
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Our facilities are spread across a hillside, with outdoor walkways between buildings.
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We are located two hours from LA and near three major airports. Learn more about getting here.
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We are committed to accessibility. Please contact us to discuss any ADA needs.
Check out our Planning Your Retreat page for more resources, and contact us if we can help you prepare for your stay.
HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER
Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila
I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!
Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura
About the Teachers & Facilitators
Mary Stancavage
Mary Stancavage has practiced meditation, yoga, and cultivated a spiritual practice for over 35 years and in 2009 was empowered to teach Buddhadharma. Mary is based in the Los Angeles area and teaches classes, retreats and does individual mentoring both locally and internationally. She has taught mindfulness at recovery centers, has co-facilitated Year-to-Live groups since 2008, […]
Learn more about Mary Stancavage
Ian Challis
Ian has been practicing and studying within the Insight Tradition of Buddhism since 2005.A long time resident of Seattle, he now makes his full-time home in Palm Springs. He is a founding board member and past president of Insight Community of the Desert. Ian is a graduate of the Community Dharma Leader training program of […]
Learn more about Ian Challis
Valerie Cusson
Valerie Cusson M.Ed., has found meaning, community and her spiritual home in the dharma since 2001 when she checked out a book about the Dalai Lama from her local library. A few years later she discovered Vipassana meditation and the heartfelt teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. The peace she had sought for so long began […]
Learn more about Valerie Cusson
Jokai Blackwell
Jokai moved to Southern California from the UK in 2000 to study residentially at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center. During his formal training, Jokai completed the full Zen koan curriculum. In 2014, he received Dharma Transmission (authorization to teach) in the White Plum lineage of Zen Buddhism from Charles Tenshin Fletcher Roshi, and Inka (final approval) […]
Learn more about Jokai BlackwellCategories : Insight, Meditation, Meditation Retreat, Silent Retreat, Vipassana