Join a five-day residential retreat devoted to insight and lovingkindness practice, held from September 27 - October 1, 2026, with Devin Berry, Tara Mulay, and Hakim Tafari.

This retreat invites participants to slow down, open to direct experience, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging through sustained meditation practice. Rooted in the traditions of Vipassana (Insight) and lovingkindness, the program is designed for those ready to step away from daily routines and settle into a quiet, supportive environment.

Accommodation Options

Private Room, Private Bathroom — $1,500. This room includes a single twin-sized bed, linens and pillow, bedside table, lamp, and a small clock with alarm feature. Many rooms also include a closet or clothes dresser and a small fan.
Private Room, Shared Bathroom — $1,100. This room includes a single twin-sized bed, linens and pillow, bedside table, lamp, and a small clock with alarm feature. Some private rooms may have two twin beds. Many rooms also include a closet or clothes dresser and a small fan.
Double Shared Room, Shared Bathroom — $660. This shared room includes two twin beds, linens and pillow, bedside table, lamp, and a small clock with alarm feature. Many rooms also include a closet or clothes dresser, a small fan, and a room divider.
A Frame Camping — $660. This option covers retreat costs, meals, and accommodations in an A-Frame structure, and if applicable teacher compensation. The A-Frame is a simple structure set in nature, reached by a short walk on a clearly marked trail to campus. Each A-Frame includes a twin bed with linens, a side table, a cassette toilet, and an outdoor shower.

Some room types are sold out, and availability is limited. A limited number of financial support options are also available, with priority given to those who identify as members of marginalized communities.

Please note: teacher dana/compensation is not included in the retreat fee, and there will be an opportunity to donate to the teachers during the retreat.

What to Expect

As part of the retreat experience, participants are asked to honor noble silence as directed by the teachers, remain on site for the full duration of the program except in the case of emergencies or medical needs, and refrain from using electronic devices while on retreat.

The retreat is open to adults 18 years and older. Participants under 18 may only register through a parent or guardian, and additional coordination is required in advance.

Big Bear Retreat Center also requests dietary information, prior retreat experience, and details related to gender, pronouns, age, lodging preferences, mobility needs, and accessibility so the team can support participants as fully as possible. Room-sharing with someone you know is generally discouraged on Insight silent retreats and requires prior teacher approval.

Community and Accessibility

In keeping with the center’s ongoing commitment to DEIA, participants are invited to share how they self-identify. This information is shared with the teaching team and helps inform future programming. Optional donation support is also available for those who wish to contribute to the Scholarship & Accessibility Fund.

By registering, participants agree to the retreat’s waiver, release, and community agreements, including the commitment to silence, full participation, and the photography release preferences selected during registration.

Meditation event in Big Bear

Meditation event in Big Bear