Clearing the Path: Opening the Heart and Mind (258R25) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on February 19, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 14, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

Needing a scholarship? – see Scholarship offerings information below.

Open to: Everyone

Description

The Buddha spoke of five mental and emotional states that cloud the natural clarity of the heart: desire, aversion, restlessness, sloth and torpor, and doubt. These are known as the nīvaraṇāni, the hindrances, the universal experiences that make meditation feel difficult. The word nīvaraṇa means “to cover over,” so when unseen, the hindrances obscure reality, pull us out of presence, and lead us to believe that something must be fixed or changed before we can truly rest in the here and now.

On retreat, these forces often become amplified. But this intensity is not a problem—it’s a gift. It offers us the rare chance to witness the mind’s subtle strategies for disconnection with fresh eyes. Each hindrance is not a barrier, but a doorway. When met with patience, curiosity, and compassion, their grip begins to loosen. What once felt like an obstruction reveals itself as instruction.

This retreat is a deep exploration of the nīvaraṇāni as familiar companions on the path. We’ll investigate how these energies show up not only in meditation but in the fabric of daily life. Together, we’ll cultivate the liberating capacity to recognize, name, and gently release the hindrances, opening space for clarity, steadiness, and freedom to emerge.

As the hindrances settle, the heart reveals its natural radiance and qualities like kindness, calm, joy, and equanimity begin to shine forth. The mind, no longer agitated or dulled, becomes bright, pliant, and deeply receptive. In this space of quiet intimacy, we rediscover what has always been here: the possibility of awakening.

All are welcome. Whether it’s your first retreat or you’ve heard many, many talks on the hindrances, each moment is new, and the path clears one step at a time.

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

Financial Details

Sliding Scale fees are for 4 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 – $2200
Benefactor Rate – $1760
Sustainer Rate – $1320
Basic Rate – $880
>>”Special Offer” Reduced Rate – $600
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $380

Scholarship offerings: Our scholarship process has changed for 2025. Scholarships are limited to those with significant financial need. If you fall into that category, please complete the Scholarship Interest Form – Click Here. Important note: If you need a scholarship to attend, DO NOT register now. Registering at Basic Rate or above will disqualify you for a scholarship in this retreat.

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 2 weeks prior to the retreat start.

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

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

• $50: On or before 12 weeks
• $100: 8-12 weeks before
• $175: 4-8 weeks before
• $300: 2-4 weeks before
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• Full refund: On or before 12 weeks
• $75: 8-12 weeks before
• $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 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 – $720
Basic-Commuter – $480