Winter Insight Retreat (308R24)
Howard Cohn, MA, Leslie Booker, Lila Kate Wheeler and Teresa Todoroff
January 4 - 9, 2024
Registration open until 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on January 3, 2024. 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!
Description:
The Buddha’s teachings and meditation practices remind us of the ever-present possibility of waking up to a sense of well-being, presence, and true nature that does not depend on circumstances. This silent Insight Meditation (vipassanā) retreat is designed for both new and experienced meditators, and will include systematic instructions in vipassanā meditation following the four foundations of mindfulness. The retreat will also include lovingkindness meditation, meetings with teachers, and evening talks highlighting the central teachings of the Buddha and their practical application to our lives.
This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Financial Details
Residential Retreat Sliding Scale:*
Supporter Rate w/guaranteed single room – $2,875
Benefactor Rate – $2,250
Sustainer Rate – $1,725
Base – $1,125
Reduced Rate – $725
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult) – $300
*Fees DO NOT include a donation to the teacher(s).
Scholarship offerings: All scholarship rates require a minimum fee ($60/night). 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 in-person retreats, they are still available for online offerings as space allows.
Hemera Fellowships for Residential Retreats – are you eligible and a first-time retreatant? Learn more details…
Room Occupancy**: We have double and single occupancy rooms. Many of our rooms are single occupancy (only 16 of 80 rooms are double occupancy). We offer a “guaranteed single room” rate and these will be limited (16). This rate guarantees a single room while helping to support scholarships and all we do here at Spirit Rock. The remaining single rooms are not exclusive to the top end of the sliding scale; however, they are initially prioritized for those with serious medical needs.
**Subject to change depending upon COVID-19 situation.
IMPORTANT – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.
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:
Benefactor – $1,125
Sustainer – $850
Base – $575
About the Teachers

Howard Cohn, MA
Howard Cohn, MA, has a master’s in Counseling Psychology and has practiced meditation since 1972 and has led Vipassana retreats since 1985. He leads a weekly ongoing class in San Francisco. Howard has studied with many Asian and Western teachers of several traditions, including Theravada, Zen, Dzogchen and Advaita Vedanta, and has been strongly influenced […]
Learn more about Howard Cohn, MA
Leslie Booker
Booker is a heart-centered, spirit-driven activist and meditation teacher committed to creating a culture of belonging through her teaching and writing. She trained at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in their Mindful Yoga and Meditation (2012), Community Dharma Leaders (2017), and Retreat Teacher training programs (2020). Outside of her formal training, she shared the practices of […]
Learn more about Leslie Booker
Lila Kate Wheeler
Lila Kate Wheeler wanted to be a saint when she grew up. Nowadays she's aiming for a more open heart and a moment-to-moment encounter with reality. As 'Kate' she's a fiction writer, essayist, and travel journalist with books and prizes to her credit. As 'Lila' she teaches and practices in the Vipassana and Tibetan Nyingma […]
Learn more about Lila Kate Wheeler
Teresa Todoroff
Teresa joyfully revels in the precious opportunity to practice and serve the Dhamma. She began her contemplative inquiries as an adolescent and has been committed to the path of liberation, wisdom and compassion ever since. Her practice has been informed by many years leading young adults, retreat centers, and diverse communities across the US and […]
Learn more about Teresa TodoroffCategories : Multi-day, On-land, Residential, Retreat