2027 The Convergence of Wisdom and Love

The Convergence of Wisdom and Love is open to experienced and new practitioners.

For generations, practitioners have stepped away from the intensity of daily life to sit in the quiet of their own hearts. A silent retreat offers us a chance to slow down, listen deeply, and remember what’s always been here.

To be mindful of goodness brings love; to be mindful of pain also brings love. This asymmetry is the miracle of mindfulness. As the attention stabilizes, we begin to sense the poignancy of our wish to be happy. In turn, this love informs how we engage with the world.

This is an all-terrain practice: sitting, walking, eating, or resting, we’ll bring awareness to it all. Through stillness and shared silence, we’ll explore how each moment conditions the next, how mindfulness ripens into wisdom, and how the face of wisdom is love.

The retreat will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, practice instructions, group practice discussions and dharma talks. All are welcome.

Registration closes on March 16th, 2027.
If joining after this date, please contact us.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

I appreciated Matthew’s intelligence and skill as a teacher and brilliant way that he articulates the intensity of the human experience. I appreciate the depth of his own practice, his empathy, wisdom and his humility and willingness to share his own vulnerability. I appreciate his ability to communicate complex and dense concepts about suffering, human behavior, the nature of our minds and nervous systems and what can orient us towards less suffering.

Matthew Brensilver is a special teacher – such a lovely balance of experience, insight, humanity and humility. So much wisdom, shared in such a generous way.

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.

ABOUT SILENT RETREATS & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

This will be a hybrid online retreat. The teachings in the meditation hall will be live-streamed for online participants. Visit this page to sign up for the online retreat.

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:

• We are at 6,500 feet of elevation in a mountain town that experiences all four seasons.

• Our facilities are spread across a hillside, with outdoor walkways between buildings.

• We are located two hours from LA and near three major airports. Learn more about getting here.

• 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