Already Whole: Discovering the Freedom Within

What if the calm you’ve been looking for has been within you all along?

In Thailand, a renowned golden Buddha statue remained covered in clay for centuries, its hidden brilliance unseen until the outer layer began to break away. This retreat draws on that story to explore a simple but profound truth: beneath self-doubt, constant striving, and familiar patterns, there is already something whole, complete, and enough.

Across four days of guided teachings, meditation, group dialogue, walking practice, and reflection, participants will examine the “clay” that can cloud our sense of clarity and wholeness. With practical tools and supportive inquiry, the retreat invites you to look at how certainty-seeking, attachment to labels and stories, inner conflict, and habitual striving can keep us from seeing what is already here.

Who is This Retreat For?

Rooted in Buddhist wisdom and contemporary insight, this retreat is ideal for anyone longing for greater self-acceptance, inner peace, and freedom from patterns that feel limiting. No previous meditation experience or knowledge of Buddhism is needed.

By the end of the retreat, you’ll have practical tools to help you notice the gold in yourself and in the people around you, and to bring those insights into daily life.

Activities include guided meditation, contemplative teachings, small group dialogue, walking meditation, mindful hiking, journaling, and experiential exercises. All sessions are welcoming to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Program Schedule

Day 1
Thursday, September 10th – Arrival and Welcome
2:00-5:00pm | Guest Arrival
6:00-7:00pm | Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm | Opening Session: The Golden Buddha — Welcome, intentions, and the story that frames our weekend

Day 2
Friday, September 11th
7:00-7:30am | Morning Meditation
7:30-9:00am | Breakfast
9:00-11:30am | Session 1: The Clay of Certainty — Finding peace in uncertainty and learning to let go of the need for solid ground
12:30-1:30pm | Lunch
2:00-4:30pm | Session 2: Seeing with Fresh Eyes — Moving beyond the labels and stories we carry about ourselves and others
6:00-7:00pm | Dinner
7:30-8:30pm | Evening Reflection & Meditation

Day 3
Saturday, September 12th
7:00-7:30am | Morning Meditation
7:30-9:00am | Breakfast
9:00-11:30am | Session 3: The War Within — Understanding our habitual patterns and choosing what we cultivate
12:30-1:30pm | Lunch
2:00-4:30pm | Session 4: Already Home — The freedom of letting go of striving and discovering you've already arrived
4:30-5:30pm | Mindful Hike to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
6:00-7:00pm | Dinner
7:30-8:30pm | Evening Integration & Community Discussion

Day 4
Sunday, September 12th – Closing
7:00-7:30am | Morning Meditation
7:30-8:30am | Breakfast
8:30-9:00am | Room Check-Out & Packing
9:00-11:00am | Session 5: The Gold in Everything — Seeing interconnection and wholeness in ourselves and the world around us
11:00am-12:30pm | Closing Session: Integration, reflections, and taking it home

Retreat Faculty

Noah Rasheta
Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist teacher, best-selling author, and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast. He teaches mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy in workshops and retreats around the world, offering teachings that are practical and accessible. His work has reached millions and has been shared with organizations such as Apple and PwC. Noah led his first sold-out retreat at Drala Mountain Center.

Lodging

Several accommodation options are available during checkout. All options include healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

• Off Land: Participants who prefer to commute from home or arrange their own off-campus lodging, such as a bed and breakfast or nearby camping, pay tuition plus $40 per night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of the facilities.
• Car Camping: Five primitive parking spots in the Rigden parking lot are available for guests who wish to park and sleep there. This includes food and access to the bathhouses in Rigden Lodge. Note: there are no water or electric hookups for RVs.
• Single and Double Tents: Located in campgrounds across the property, these 12′ x 14′ tents include two twin beds, two bookcases, and a hanging clothes rack. Each campground has a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. Tents may be rented as singles or doubles. Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire and signs of that may still be visible this summer, though the areas are safe to use. Bedding is not provided; please bring twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow, and towels.
• Dormitories: Rooms accommodate up to 7-8 people and are gender-segregated, with men in one dorm and women in another. Bathrooms are shared down the hall and include shower stalls.
• Monk Rooms: A budget-friendly indoor option for participants who want more privacy but are comfortable using a shared bathroom. These rooms are located in the same hall as the Rigden Dormitories and include a bed with bedding, a private room and closet, a large window, a desk, and a desk chair.
• Single and Double Rooms: A good choice for guests who want both private space and a private bathroom. Each room includes a little more room, a dresser, a closet, and an attached 3/4 bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower, but no bathtub.
• Junior Suite: The Lodge Junior Suites feature a queen-size bed with a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet, private bath with bathtub, and a sitting area.