Easter Meditation Retreat, March 29–April 7, 2024 waitlist only
with Leigh Brasington and Rachael O'Brien
Rachael O'Brien and Leigh Brasington will lead this 10-day, 9-night Jhana and Insight Retreat in person at the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California. This is a rare opportunity for students to explore diverse approaches to Buddhist meditation under the guidance of two rigorous and experienced teachers.
The primary focus of the course is the Gradual Training, which describes the development of meditative stability (samatha) and insight (vipassanā) equally jointed together. This retreat is ideal for both beginning students and advanced meditators alike as they seek to cultivate greater depth in their practice. Those with no previous meditation experience as well as long-time practitioners will find great benefit in this silent meditation retreat. The course includes one-on-one interviews with students and daily dhamma talks by Leigh and Rachael. Leigh Brasington is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema, who asked Leigh to begin teaching before her death in 1997. Since then, Leigh has taught retreats almost continuously, becoming internationally known for his precise understanding and explanation of the meditative process. Notably, Leigh is the author of Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas and Dependent Origination and Emptiness: Streams of Dependently Arising Processes Interacting. More about Leigh can be found at www.leighb.com Rachael is a senior student of the late Bhante Vimalaramsi Mahathero, who asked her to begin teaching the Dhamma in 2015. For the past eight years, she has been teaching the TWIM approach to mediation through the combined practice of the Brahmaviharas and the Jhanas. Rachael is also profoundly influenced by the teachings of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. She values an ecumenical and pragmatic approach to early Buddhist practice. (Click here to learn more about Rachael and to listen to her talks from the 2023 Easter Retreat) St. Francis Retreat Center
Located 83 miles south of San Francisco International Airport, St. Francis Retreat Center is situated on a sunny hillside only a few miles from the historic town of San Juan Bautista east of Monterey Bay. The contemporary Spanish-style building complex is nestled among shade trees and vineyards on 70 acres of rolling hills and meadows. The spacious grounds and hiking paths are available for light exercise. Seated practice areas include a central meditation hall, a chapel, and contemplative areas ideal for seclusion. There is abundant indoor and outdoor space for seated and walking for practice.
Comfortable bedrooms include a private bathroom with shower with beds, pillow, linens, blankets, towels, wash cloth, and soap. A desk with reading lights provide comfortable and warm accommodation on chilly California nights. Double occupancy is available for couples and friends by prearranged mutual agreement only.
The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio garden seating. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style. In keeping with the Buddha's instructions on eating, students will take a vow not eat after lunch. This practice supports optimal mental energy for mediation. Meal service offers vegetarian or meat/fish entrees with gluten-free options including salads, fruits, and side dishes. Hot and cold beverages including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are available 24/7. Vegan entrees are not served; however, refrigerated food storage is available to those with special dietary needs.
Registration
Payment
Single Occupancy = $1575, Deposit Required = $500, Double Occupancy = $1385 per person This is a non-profit retreat. The teachings are free of charge. The fees paid only cover fixed costs for food, lodging, insurance, and travel expenses for teachers. The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers. Rachael offers the Teachings freely. Students will, however, have the opportunity to offer (Dana) a gift to her if they so choose as part of their practice of generosity. Payment / Refund Policy
Those arriving SFO by air may reserve ground transportation round trip to and from the retreat. Please email your arrival and departure information to the retreat manager. All travelers are advised to check in for departing flights 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours for international departures. For more information contact admin@TWIM.Foundation.
Retreat ground transportation
For those arriving by air, a passenger van service will be contracted to provide round-trip shuttle van and driver to and from the retreat center. Ground transportation is $150 per person Contact Ann at 540 250-1470. You will receive confirmation within 10-days. Once confirmed, please provide flight arrival and departure times to the retreat managers before booking airline or hotel reservations. Sign up HERE. Ground transportation is operated by a local airport van service that will depart from San Francisco: Friday, March 29, with one stop at the Milwood hotel then non-stop to St. Francis Retreat. Pick up Point #1: 1:00 PM. Pickup, San Francisco Airport International Terminal, Arrivals, Door 5 Pick up Point #2: 1:15 PM, Pick up, The Mlwood Hotel and Suites, 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California, 94030 3:15 PM, Arrive to St. Francis Retreat for check-in and orientation Return to San Francisco: Sunday, April 7, St. Francis Retreat to San Francisco 10:00 AM, Depart St. Francis Drop-off Point #1: 11:45 AM, San Francisco airport departure terminals Drop-off Point #2: 12:15 PM, The Milwood Hotel and Suites 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California, 94030 Arrivals at SFO should make flight and hotel reservations with adequate time to connect with either private transportation or ground the group transportation service described above. Late arrivals or those arriving at other airports are responsible to arrange their ground transportation at their own expense. Hotels near SFO
Early arrivals or stay-overs are advised to select a hotel from the list below. These are modestly priced hotels that offer courtesy airport shuttle service, wi-fi, and complementary breakfast. Cheaper rates may be available through Hotels.com. Kayak.com, and other Web-based portals. The hotels listed below are located only a few miles from SFO in a commercial district with nearby restaurants. Millwood Inn & Suites 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California 94030 Contact: 650-583-3935 Email: info@millwoodinn.com Days Inn San Francisco International Airport West 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, California 94066 Contact: 650-616-9600 Email: info@daysinnsanbruno.com La Quinta Inn & Suites, San Francisco Airport West 1390 El Camino Real Millbrae, CA 94030 Phone: 1-650-952-3200 Driving directions
St. Francis Retreat 549 Mission Vineyard Rd, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 From SFO drive south on Highway 101 for 80 miles.
1. Exit Hwy 101 onto Hwy 156 East at the San Juan Bautista/Hollister exit 2. After about 3 miles on 156, turn right at the signal onto The Alameda 3. Pass the San Juan Inn and Old San Juan Hollister Road 4. Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Road, continue straight about 0.8 miles. 5. At the indicated bend begin private drive (Retreat /Hedges). The Center is about 1.5 miles from this point. Take the second driveway and continue to the lower parking lot.
From I-5
1. Exit onto CA-152 W/E Pacheco Blvd. and continue to follow CA-152 W for 35.3 mi 2. Keep left to continue on Hwy 156 W/CA-156 W, follow signs for Hollister,14.1 mi 3. Follow Mission Vineyard Rd to your destination 2.2 mi 4. Turn left onto Old San Juan Hollister Rd 253 ft 5. Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Rd 0.5 mi 6. Turn left to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 0.3 mi 7. Turn right to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 1.2 mile Arrival and Check-in
The Center and Check in opens at 2:30 PM. Plan to arrive at the center between 2:30 and 4:30 PM to check in on the first day. The center is closed to participants until 2:30 PM. Parking is available on both sides of the lower building. The Chapel and Fireside Room in the lower building is where group meditation and Dhamma talks will take place. General orientation begins at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00PM, and Opening introductions at 7:30 PM. The retreat ends after the morning meditation on the last day of the retreat with time for breakfast, socializing, taking photos, and packing. Those returning by van to SFO and neighboring hotels will depart at 10:oo AM. Detailed Retreat Information
COVID-19 Policy (required):
Ground Transportation COVID-19 Policy:
Arrivial: Plan to arrive at St. Francis Retreat Center between 2:30 and 4:30 pm on first day. Park next to the lower building where the main group gatherings will be held. St Francis opens at 2:30 PM. Please do not arrive or enter the grounds earlier then 2:30 PM. 1. Meet with a staff member in the hallway at the main entrance to the chapel and self-administer a COVID-19 and wait for the results. 2. Present negative test results to the staff member. 3. Proceed to the registration table and check in for your room assignment and information packet. 4. Meet at 5:00 in the upper conference room for orientation followed by dinner. What to Wear: The weather in San Juan Bautista in March/April is typically dry with warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights but be prepared for cold and rain. The average daytime temperature is 73ºF (22ºC). Nighttime average low temperature is 44ºF (7ºC). Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. Light clothing is recommended for warm, sunny daytime weather. A warm jacket is needed for cool nights and evening walking meditation. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the compound. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for bright sunny days. House-slippers and warm socks are appropriate in the meditation hall. Bring a shawl or small blanket for outdoor, seated meditations in the gardens and patio areas. What to Bring for Meditation: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the meditation hall. You may wish to bring your own special chair, if desired, along with seat or meditation cushions, pads and pillows. Meditation shawls and light blankets, along with house slippers are handy. If you live locally, please bring a few extra meditation cushions for participants who traveled by air and cannot transport bulky items in luggage. Other Necessities: The center provides linens, blankets, and towels, a desk, reading lamps, and an alarm clock. You may want to bring a personal pillow, ear plugs, or eye mask. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), insect repellant if desired, flashlight or headlamp, a silent clock or watch, water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. There will be wake up and notification bells to announce meals and group sessions. What to Leave at Home: Please attend to all of your personal matters before going on retreat. Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food items unless prior arrangements have been made with the retreat manager for medically required special dietary needs. Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergenic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during the retreat, except during the evening dhamma talks. Food items, incense, candles, and smoking are not allowed in any rooms. Clocks and Phones: To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets will be stored and secured to protect your privacy. You will be asked to package and deposit your devices following the Friday introductory talk. Devices will be available for pick up after the Saturday evening talk. Emergency Phone Numbers: Scott Jordan, Retreat Manager, cell phone/text: 415-250-5294 St. Francis Retreat, business office phone: 831-623-4234 St. Francis Director, after hours phone/text: 831-324-0135 St. Francis Retreat, after hours phone: 831-207-7042 Schedule: Participants are required to be present and seated in the meditation hall for the 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 7:30 PM sessions. Meditation instructions will be directed by the teachers. Indoor and outdoor seated and walking spaces are available throughout the Center. A schedule interview times will be posted. Arrive at the waiting area outside the interview room 15-minutes before the scheduled time for your interview. Schedule
FIRST DAY 2:30 - 4:30 pm Check in 5:00 - 6:00 pm Orientation by Staff 6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner 7:00 - 8:00 pm Welcome and Meditation Instructions by Leigh and Rachael Saturday, March 30 through Saturday, April 6 5:30 am Wake up (BELL) 6:00 am Morning Precepts and Meditation 7:00 am Breakfast (BELL) 8:00 am Morning Talk (7:55 BELL) 9:30 - 11:30 am Meditation and Interviews 12 noon - 1:30 pm Lunch/Rest (BELL) 1:30 - 3:30 pm Meditation and Interviews (1:25 BELL) 3:30 - 4:00 pm Meditation (Break for Teachers) 4:00 - 6:00 pm Meditation and Interviews 6:00 -6:30 pm Tea Break (BELL) 6:30 - 7:30 pm Meditation (BELL) 7:30 pm Dhamma Talk and Questions (BELL 7:30) LAST DAY 6:00 - 7:00 am Morning Precepts and Meditation 7:00 - 9:30 am Breakfast & Socializing 10:00 am Departure Interacting with Monastics
Occasionally, monks or nuns in robes attend TWIM retreats. The following is a suggested standard of conduct appropriate while in their presence: Physical contact: Refrain from shaking hands or hugs. Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer. The following conduct is suggested if a monk or nun is teaching: Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up when the teacher enters or leaves the room to demonstrate respect. Remain standing until he or she is seated or has departed. Attentiveness: Please do not cross your arms or legs during the conversation. It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image, monk, nun or lay teacher. Timeliness: Be present and seated at the scheduled starting time and plan your questions in advance to respect the end time. Conversation topics: Though you’re welcome to have enjoyable conversations about the dhamma and the practice, refrain from asking personal or potential non reverent questions. As an example, this includes asking for value statements about other practices or religions, about individual attainments or about potentially controversial social or political topics. Generosity: donations (dana) is gratefully accepted. Your generosity directly supports the Teacher's ability to teach. Though physical gifts are appreciated, they are impractical due to packing restrictions for travel. Simplicity and Renunciation
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom. These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered.” Taking What is Offered
There are currently no COVID-19 public health safety state or local mandates. There are no vaccination requirements at St. Francis Retreat Center. As a precaution, we ask that participants home-test prior to arrival. As an additional safety measure, take another home test on Friday morning, the opening day of the retreat and an additional test on the Saturday morning.
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