This is How Civilizations Heal: The Alchemy of the Three Poisons (363R26) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on June 5, 2026, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 13, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.

Applying for a residential scholarship? – see our Financial Support FAQ’s.
Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

Retreat to be held: Spirit Rock’s Community Meditation Center.*

Description

Toni Morrison wrote, “I know the world is bruised and bleeding. And though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge, even wisdom. That is how civilizations heal.”

Greed, aversion, and delusion—collectively known as the three poisons—are mind states that create separation by clouding the heart. Yet these energies also contain information that can lead us toward deep healing, helping us meet the chaos of the world with greater wisdom and care.

In this intimate, slower-paced retreat, we’ll take time to meet these three poisons with their antidotes: generosity, mettā, and wisdom.

Generosity can expand our sense of connection and remind us that we belong to one another. Mettā opens the heart, protecting us from both inner and outer harm, while wisdom helps us see things as they are and in right proportion.

*This retreat will be held concurrently with another, with all sessions located in the beautiful Community Meditation Center on the lower campus. It is a short 5-10 minute walk down the hill from the dormitories. It offers a unique opportunity to practice in a smaller, more intimate retreat environment.

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.

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 – $3050
Benefactor Rate – $2450
Sustainer Rate – $1850
Basic Rate – $1225
>>”Special Offer” Reduced Rate – $800
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $475

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 21)
• $100: 8-12 weeks before (Jun 22 – Jul 19)
• $175: 4-8 weeks before (Jul 20 – Aug 16)
• $300: 2-4 weeks before (Aug 17 – Aug 30)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Aug 31)

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• Full refund: On or before 12 weeks (Jun 21)
• $75: 8-12 weeks before (Jun 22 – Jul 19)
• $100: 4-8 weeks before (Jul 20 – Aug 16)
• $200: 2-4 weeks before (Aug 17 – Aug 30)
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before (Aug 31)

*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 – $925
Basic-Commuter – $625

Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats