Love and Awareness: The Heart That Knows

Join us in the natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains for this silent insight meditation retreat.

Awareness and love are not two separate paths but one living expression of wisdom. When the heart is open, awareness becomes tender; when the mind is clear, love naturally shines through. This retreat invites a relaxed exploration of that meeting point — cultivating mindfulness that is infused with care, and love that is grounded in knowing.

Through sitting and walking meditation, silence and gentle inquiry, we learn to rest in awareness, welcoming all experience with clarity and compassion. As the heart steadies and softens, wisdom unfolds naturally — revealing a peace that does not depend on conditions.

Together in community, we will explore letting go of distractions, cultivate simplicity and contentment, and support a renewed sense of connection with our own bodies, hearts, and minds.

The structure of this Vipassana retreat includes guided meditations with time for Q&A each day, silent sitting and walking meditation periods, rest, mindful eating instructions, Dharma talks, time in nature, and small group meetings with the teachers to support your practice.

Love and Awareness is open to experienced and new practitioners.

Registration closes on July 8, 2027.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

This retreat was one of the most beautiful, healing experiences of my life. The deep wisdom and kind compassion could be felt in every moment. Every lesson and meditation helped me immensely.   – Bridget

Gentle, extremely knowledgeable. Funny, caring, and tender.   – Liz

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:

• 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