Ancient Wisdom, Present Freedom: Follow the Buddha's Recipe for Liberation (380R26) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on October 7, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on November 5, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

In need of a scholarship? – see “Scholarship offerings” information below.

Description

Join us in following the Buddha’s powerful recipe for liberation left to us in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. The Buddha called this method the “direct path,” as it opens us to liberating insight here and now. This powerful practice method has been passed down to us in the Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness and in commentaries on and refinements of this text drawn from many years of practice and insights, including from our venerable teachers in the Burmese lineage, Mingun Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw, Taungpulu Sayadaw, Sayadaw U Pandita, Sayadaw U Tejaniya, Dipa Ma, Rina Sircar, and others.

During our time together, we’ll immerse ourselves in these teachings and cultivate mindfulness and clear seeing in every posture—sitting, walking, standing, and lying down—and in all daily activities. This supports a seamless integration of life and practice. The fruits of the path emerge naturally through our wholehearted engagement with this simple yet profound way of being.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

Assistant Teacher: Brett Wheeler

Financial Details

Sliding Scale fees are for 7 nights including food and lodging. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports Spirit Rock’s efforts in offering lower sliding scale rates and supporting the large number of scholarship requests.

Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.

Supporter Rate w/guaranteed single room – $4270
Benefactor Rate – $3430
Sustainer Rate – $2590
Basic Rate – $1715
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $665

Scholarship offerings: Scholarships are limited to those with significant financial need. If you need a scholarship to attend, do not continue registering now as this will disqualify you from a scholarship opportunity in this retreat. We encourage you to complete the Scholarship Interest Form – Click Here. Scholarship allocation dates are included in the form.

Pay in full or Payment plan: You can either pay in full or pay a deposit when you register. Payment plans are available to everyone! If you choose the deposit option, the remaining balance will be automatically charged to your payment card in equal installments on a monthly basis. Full payment is due two weeks prior to the retreat start.

Cancellation Policy (Residential Retreats):*
Standard Cancellation Fees:

• $50: On or before 12 weeks (Aug 14)
• $100: 8-12 weeks before (Aug 15 – Sep 11)
• $175: 4-8 weeks before (Sep 12 – Oct 9)
• $300: 2-4 weeks before (Oct 10 – Oct 23)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Oct 24)

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• Full refund: On or before 12 weeks (Aug 14)
• $75: 8-12 weeks before (Aug 15 – Sep 11)
• $100: 4-8 weeks before (Sep 12 – Oct 9)
• $200: 2-4 weeks before (Oct 10 – Oct 23)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Oct 24)

*Fees reduced for serious illness or death in family

Retreat Commuter Option

The retreat commuter option will only become available once the retreat is FULL with a waitlist. However, if your personal circumstances preclude you from attending a residential retreat (e.g. staying overnight), please reach out to us as we may be able to offer you a commuter spot sooner and we would be happy to have a conversation with you.

Prerequisite to Attend as a Commuter:
You must have attended at least one weeklong silent residential retreat (5-7 nights) in Insight (vipassanā) meditation PRIOR to attending this retreat.

What is a Retreat Commuter?
A retreat commuter is a practitioner who attends a full residential retreat, including all meals, but they are not provided with overnight accommodations. Instead practitioners stay in their own home or find local accommodations. A communal resting area is provided during the day while on campus for the retreat. The retreat commuter is expected to attend the entire retreat just like residential retreatants. Special reduced rates are listed below for retreat commuters.

If you have questions about being a retreat commuter, please email Registration@spiritrock.org

Commuter Sliding Scale:
Sustainer-Commuter – $1295
Basic-Commuter – $875

Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats