Mindfulness On and Off the Cushion

Mindfulness is often understood as a practice, but this retreat invites you to see it as a way of living. Rather than something reserved for the cushion, mindfulness can support you in meeting the full experience of life with greater presence, steadiness, and awareness through both challenge and ease.

About the Retreat

Throughout the retreat, participants will move between periods of seated and walking mindfulness practice, simple chanting, and dhamma talks centered on essential Buddhist teachings. There will also be time outdoors to rest in the natural surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the setting.

The experience is designed to help you deepen your understanding of traditional Buddhist practice while also exploring how these teachings can be carried into everyday life.

What to Expect

• The retreat will be held in silence, with the exception of brief Q&A periods
• Guided sitting meditation with instruction
• Formal walking meditation with instruction
• Daily opening and closing chants
• Daily dhamma talks

Why Attend?

• Explore traditional Buddhist teachings and practices in depth
• Discover practical ways to apply Buddhist teachings in daily life
• Experience the value of silence and stillness in a world that often moves in the opposite direction

Teacher Compensation

This retreat is offered on a dana basis for the teacher. Rooted in the time of Buddha, dana is an ancient system of generosity and reciprocity, built on trust, open-handedness, and community. It reflects the understanding that generosity opens the heart, strengthens connection, and helps keep the teachings alive.

Your registration fee covers lodging and meals only. At the close of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana directly to the teachers. Any amount is welcome.

Retreat Faculty

Barry Gillespie

Barry Gillespie first encountered formal meditation practice in 1978 at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram. After attending a combined Ashtanga Yoga and Vipassana retreat in 1999, he began to explore Theravaden Buddhist practice more deeply. He has since sat many long retreats at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA. His principal teacher is [[...]]

Lodging

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

• Off Land: For participants commuting from home or arranging their own off-campus lodging, such as a bed and breakfast or nearby camping. This option includes tuition, plus $40 per night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of the facilities.
• Car Camping: Five primitive parking spots are available in the Rigden parking lot for sleeping in your vehicle. This includes food and access to the bathhouses in Rigden Lodge. Please note that there are no water or electric hookups for RVs.
• Dormitories: Shared rooms for up to 7–8 people. These are gender-segregated, with men and women housed separately. Bathrooms are shared down the hall and include shower stalls.
• Monk Rooms: A budget-friendly indoor option for those who prefer a private room but are comfortable using a shared bathroom. Located in the same hall as the Rigden Dormitories, these rooms offer more privacy, along with a bed, bedding, private room, closet, large window, desk, and desk chair.
• Single and Double Rooms: Ideal for those seeking both personal space and a private bathroom. Each room includes a little extra space, a dresser, a closet, and a 3/4 bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower, without a bathtub.
• Junior Suite: Lodge Junior Suites feature a queen-size bed with a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet, private bath with bathtub, and a sitting area.

Program Details

• Dates: March 24–28, 2027
• Tuition: $1500 + 4 nights lodging