Awakening through the Three Characteristics: A Women’s Liberation Retreat (260R25) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on May 20, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 19, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.

Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

Retreat to be held on the land

Open to: Self-identified women and nonbinary folks nourished in women-centered spaces

Description

The radical promise of the Buddha’s teaching is that it is possible to be at ease and free, even in unfree conditions. During this retreat, we will practice mindfulness and compassion, looking closely at the unfolding of moment-to-moment experience and at ways of perceiving that are grounded in the three characteristics of reality: all things are impermanent (aniccā), imperfect (dukkha) and interdependent (not “me or mine, or anattā). Nourished by the 2600-year-old tradition of Buddhist communities abiding in silence, stillness, kindness, and clarity, our time together will include mindfulness meditation in stillness, movement, and all daily activities.

This retreat will include teachings that lift up women’s journeys of awakening from a diversity of lineages and traditions. We welcome all who identify as women, as well as non-binary folks who feel nourished in spaces centering women. The retreat will be held in noble silence with the exception of teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

A Special Invitation and Aspiration!
Our aspiration for this retreat is to have a 50/50 ratio of BIPOC to non-BIPOC participants. Our strategy to achieve this while meeting the needs of Spirit Rock is to hold 50% of the spaces until July 20th for BIPOC retreatants. We are prioritizing all BIPOC participants. If you cannot register by July 20th, we encourage you to reach out to us even if the retreat might be full. After July 20th, any remaining unfilled spots will be open to all.

Financial Details

Sliding Scale fees are for 5 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.*

Supporter Rate w/guaranteed single room – $2750
Benefactor Rate – $2200
Sustainer – $1650
Basic – $1100
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $475
*Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.

Scholarship offerings: All scholarship rates require a minimum fee. These rates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and limited to those with significant financial needs. Scholarships are limited to TWO per calendar year for on-land retreats. And, while we are not able to offer “pay what you can” type of scholarships for residential retreats, we invite you to email us if the lowest rate does not fit your financial circumstance.

Hemera Fellowships for Residential Retreats – are you eligible and a first-time retreatant? Learn more details…

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024 – Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats have been updated..

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

• $100 On or before 8 weeks
• $175 4-8 weeks before
• $300 2-4 weeks before
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• $75 On or before 8 weeks
• $100 4-8 weeks before
• $200 2-4 weeks before
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before

**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.

Prerequisite to Attend as a Commuter:
You must have attended at least one 7-night or two 5-night silent, Insight (vipassanā) meditation residential retreats 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 – $900
Basic-Commuter – $600