Simplicity and Stillness: Cultivating the 5 Spiritual Strengths [On Land]

Early bird discounts extended to November 30th!

This in-person retreat is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

During this weeklong spring insight meditation retreat, we will learn to slow down and attune to the fresh simplicity of our present moment experience, rest in stillness, and connect with the heart’s inner capacity for healing and freedom.

We will be exploring the cultivation of the 5 spiritual strengths or the 5 spiritual faculties that the Buddha taught: cultivating mindfulness, confidence and trust, persistence, concentration, and wisdom to support the development of our meditation practice. We’ll tend to the heart and mind with compassionate mindfulness and strengthen our connection with ourselves and each other, with time for enjoying nature, deep rest, and practice surrounded by nature.

Together we will explore some of the supports for presence: letting go of distraction, the deliberate cultivation of simplicity and contentment, and a renewed sense of connection with our own bodies, hearts, and minds in community. By bringing mindful attention to our moment to moment experience, we can learn to cultivate resilience amidst change and grow in awareness, love, and wisdom.

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 instruction, Dharma talks, and small group practice discussion meetings with the teacher.

Registration for this retreat closes on April 10th, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

What retreat participants have to say

“The natural beauty of Big Bear Retreat Center offers the perfect space to feel interconnected to all life and to open to the beautiful teachings we experienced this week.  The cabins, meditation hall, food, and  staff all supported our opportunity to become still and stable, to open our hearts to all of life.  Thank you for this beautiful experience.  I’ll be back.” – Cheryl T

“Celeste provided an amazing experience for my first on-site silent retreat. It was a bit intense, but after settling in, I was grateful to be guided through their teachings. The retreat center was a wonderful experience all around and I would recommend anyone considering a stay to not hesitate to attend.”  – Anonymous

COSTS & FEES FOR REGISTRATION

Registration fees for this retreat include lodging, meals, and all fees to put on the retreat. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees (see below). Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. Please contact us if cost is a barrier in any way to attend.

DANA (GENEROSITY) FOR TEACHERS

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, and rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood. 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. More information will be shared at the end of your retreat and after – this dana goes directly to the teachers and supports them in continuing to offer these teachings year after year. Read more here about the practice of Dana (Generosity), read more from Cloud Mountain on Dana for Dharma Teachers, and from Insight Meditation Society (IMS) here. 

SEE OUR CABINS AND CAMPUS

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to accessibility. Big Bear Retreat Center has faith in the power of belonging and generosity. Please review our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs. 

Location  – Big Bear Retreat Center sits at an elevation of 7,000ft in a small mountain community in Big Bear Lake, California which is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Physical – We recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity. Please contact us to share your specific needs so we can make your retreat as comfortable as we can. 

Financial  – We recognize that economic opportunity is not currently equal for all, please contact us if finances are a challenge in any way, as we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you.