Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States (358R26) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on October 7, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 7, 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

The Buddhist path cultivates four powerful and transformative qualities: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. These qualities are innate human capacities, and can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart. Known as the brahmavihāras, or “sublime homes,” these states can serve as powerful supports both for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and responding to suffering in these turbulent times. We will explore techniques to develop each of the four sublime states and to release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world. Our time together will include silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, instructions, Q&A, and small group meetings with the teachers. This retreat is appropriate for both beginning and more experienced meditators.

The online retreat is offered as broadcast-only and will include: teacher-led meditation instructions and Dharma talks broadcasted live from Spirit Rock’s Upper Meditation Hall. Recordings of each teacher-led session will be posted within 24 hours after a session ends. All video recordings will be available for you to play and replay for 90 days after the retreat ends.

Important note: Online participation in this retreat is audit-only; that is, this online retreat does not offer interactions with the teachers (i.e., no practice meetings, no ability to ask questions during Q&A sessions, etc.), nor does it offer online small groups or affinity groups.

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

Financial Details

Sliding Scale fees are for 6 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 – $3660
Benefactor Rate – $2940
Sustainer Rate – $2220
Basic Rate – $1470
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $570

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 (Jun 15)
• $100: 8-12 weeks before (Jun 16 – Jul 13)
• $175: 4-8 weeks before (Jul 14 – Aug 10)
• $300: 2-4 weeks before (Aug 11 – Aug 24)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Aug 25)

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• Full refund: On or before 12 weeks (Jun 15)
• $75: 8-12 weeks before (Jun 16 – Jul 13)
• $100: 4-8 weeks before (Jul 14 – Aug 10)
• $200: 2-4 weeks before (Aug 11 – Aug 24)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Aug 25)

*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 – $1110
Basic-Commuter – $750

Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats