Dharma Dharma: The Unfolding of Nature (approved registrations only)

Camping and Awareness in Nature

Wednesday, September 4th – Sunday, September 8th
Registration closes August 21st at 11:59pm Pacific Time

A retreat offered in the Thai forest tradition. Participants must submit an application, interview with the teacher, and be approved to attend.

This unique retreat will be offered by Leinchi (LC) Tran as a more informal week of practice in community and nature following the more traditional practices of the Thai forest tradition. Retreatants will be camping (1-2 bedroom spots available), following their own practice routine, and have daily interviews with the teacher. Access to one indoor cabin common space (kitchen and restrooms) is available. Only lunch will be served (self-service breakfast will be available) and no dinner will be served.

Dharma means nature. The Dharma-Dharma retreat is a unique format, which invites yogis to experience and learn about our own nature (body and mind) while immersed in the nature all around us.

In this retreat, we will utilize the ancient technique of living simply with noble silence and staying within body and mind, while learning through observing the unfolding of nature.    By being in a community where everyone is oriented toward mindfulness and wisdom, the mind will learn to relate to other beings and to itself in a more sacred and loved way. Walking under the sky, sitting under the trees, sleeping in tents, and gathering in a circle
for Dharma discussion…our modern, conditioned systems will be reset and refreshed for a better way of living.

What to expect: Designated camping in nature spots, first come, first choice. Bring your own camping gear or arrange for rental in advance.  Simple, vegetarian meals (self-serve breakfast and lunch, afternoon alms round) and offerings at the center, dharma talks and instruction, spacious time for practice in nature.  We will become more familiar with the working of our minds, and also more wise in how we see and respond to experience.

Open to all experience levels, there will be an interview with the teacher pre-retreat to explain the practice and determine suitability for this retreat.

Schedule:

All attendees should plan to arrive and check in between 12pm-4pm on the first day of the retreat.

There will be an evening talk for everyone and daily check-ins, everyone is asked to please plan to attend these.

Practice time throughout the day will be open and flexible to each individual.

Cost:

Dana-based (donation) at any rate above $0

This retreat is offered as a dana-based fee (any amount above $0). The practice of Dana is to give freely from the heart. Please consider giving an amount that is comfortable for you to support this retreat’s fees.

*retreat donations do not include teacher dana-donations: more information below*

Meals:

The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.

Teacher Dana: 

As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support. Learn more here about the practice of dana.

Planning your trip: If you are booking a flight for your trip our recommendation is to search for flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT) whenever possible. If your travel plans require you to land at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to your arrival at BBRC for retreat. Registration opens on Arrival day from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Most retreats close by noon or later on departure day so please allow yourself adequate time for travel to the airport. Please visit our Getting to Big Bear page on our website for more detailed travel recommendations.

Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat.  Visit the ride-share page

Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a proof of a negative rapid test on arrival day for all yogis, teachers and staff. A re-test will be required on the third day by dinner. Masking and vaccines are optional.

Guests are asked, when possible, to bring their own rapid tests or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be provided by the center by request only.

For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org

Cancellation Policy: Please visit our website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy