Finding True Refuge in Uncertain Times (212R20)
Anushka Fernandopulle, Chas DiCapua, Kate Munding, Rev. Shinmu Tamori Gibson and Dawn Scott
November 10 - 14, 2020
Registration open until the end of the day on November 9th (Pacific Time), unless it fills prior to this time. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.
Retreat Description:
Global pandemic, elections, climate change, racial injustice, economic contraction. Where can we find true refuge in this uncertain time? Join us to explore this question through practicing Buddhist Insight meditation in sitting, walking, eating and mindfulness of daily activities. We will explore the deep well-being possible for us regardless of outer changing and unstable circumstances, and explore what knocks us off our balance.
The retreat community will be online, supported by guided meditations, Dharma talks, time for questions, and smaller group meetings with teachers. There will be a suggested schedule for you to follow at home.
To help settle your mind and heart during retreat, you will be encouraged to simplify your life by letting go of technology and communication (except for participating in the retreat), reading, writing and entertainment. We will explore the five ethical precepts that bring peace to our lives. Please join us!
All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.
Retreat Schedule Notes:
All times are Pacific Time. Retreat starts at 4:30 p.m. on Opening Day; ends at 12:00 p.m. on Closing Day.
Bolded lines indicate active teaching sessions where all are encouraged to attend.
Schedule subject to change.
Opening Day Schedule
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Tech Orientation (Optional)
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Opening Session
Main Days Schedule (for middle 3 days)
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Guided Sit
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 – Break
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Morning Instructions with Q&A
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Moving Meditation (self-guided) or Small Groups (Thu/Fri only)
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Guided Sit
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Moving Meditation (self-guided) or Mindful Activity
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Meal Break
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Instructions with Q&A
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Moving Meditation (self-guided) or Beginner Practice Support (Wed only)
3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Guided Sit
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Moving Meditation
5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. – Break
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Dharma Talk
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Moving Meditation (self guided) or Mindful Activity
7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Guided Sit and Chanting
Closing Day Schedule
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Guided Sit
7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Break
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Closing Session with Q&A
About the Teachers

Anushka Fernandopulle
Anushka Fernandopulle is a Spirit Rock Retreat Teacher who has trained for over 35 years in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Anushka studied Buddhism at Harvard College and then spent four years in full-time Dharma and meditation training in monasteries and retreat centers in the US, India and Sri Lanka. Anushka was invited to teach Dharma […]
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Chas DiCapua
Chas has been practicing mindfulness and Buddhist meditation, primarily in the Theravada school, for over 25 years, including over 2 years of combined time in silent, intensive retreat. He has trained with Burmese meditation masters, western monastics of the Thai Forest tradition and senior western Vipassana teachers. In 2003 Chas was invited to be the […]
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Kate Munding
Kate Munding sits on the Spirit Rock Teacher Council and is the guiding teacher for Assaya Sangha, a women's Buddhist meditation community-based in the San Francisco East Bay. Along with teaching retreats and daylong at Spirit Rock and other retreat centers, Kate is a teacher for Spirit Rock's Family Days and Family Retreats. In addition […]
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Rev. Shinmu Tamori Gibson
Rev. Shinmu Tamori Gibson (心無 田守 ギブソン) (fka Jozen) lives to study, nourish, and offer contemplative heart-body-mind practices and spaces rooted in compassionate wellness, anti-oppression, and interdependent liberation for all beings through the Buddhadharma. Shinmu is a Sotō Zen monastic priest ordained on November 12, 2023 by their teacher, Osho Zenju Earthlyn Manuel of the […]
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Dawn Scott
Dawn Scott has been practicing Insight Meditation since 2008. She is a graduate of the Insight Meditation Society’s teacher training program and is a core teacher of Spirit Rock’s Liberation, Emptiness, and Awareness Practices (LEAP) Program. Dawn has a deep love of long retreat practice and the Buddha's liberative teachings.
Learn more about Dawn ScottCategories : Multi-day, Online, Retreat