Easter Meditation Retreat, April 18–27, 2025, San Juan Bautista, CA
Delson Armstrong assisted by David Johnson and other TWIM teachers
 St. Francis Retreat offers 72 acres of spacious gardens for nature walks.
The 2025 Easter meditation retreat will be led by Delson Armstrong along with assistance from other TWIM teachers. This 10-day, 9-night is a comprehensive course in TWIM: Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation. It includes dormitory style bed rooms, breakfast, and lunch. Delson provides an optional one hour open Q&A each morning and in depth Dhamma talks with discussion every evening. Retreat leaders assisting Delson embody a spirit of kindness and wisdom along with enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and experience. Private daily interviews help participants advance smoothly in the stages of meditation with the goal of liberating the mind.
 Video interview with Delson on neuroscience and jhanas
The retreat is structured for beginners new to TWIM or experienced meditators seeking to deepen their understanding. TWIM practice cultivates the balance of insight (vipassana) and tranquility (samatha) using loving-kindness, compassion, and joy (brahmaviharas) as a meditative home base or object of meditation. TWIM practice includes learning to use Right Effort taught as the "Six R method" to deal with hindrances. Watch the video of Delson to learn more about awareness (jhanas) and dealing with all types of distractions. More about TWIM practice: HERE.
Delson Armstrong
Delson Armstrong has taught online and physical retreats at Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center and other retreat center around the world. He is the author of: "A Mind Without Craving" and a four part series on Dependent Origination available HERE. Delson is a distinguished meditation and Buddhist studies teacher leading retreats world-wide. His knowledge of meditation is well-known through dozens of videos and available on YouTube HERE. Delson's style of teachings explores the nature of reality, behavioral reprogramming, karma, rebirth, consciousness, and liberation of mind as described in the earliest Buddhist suttas. Delson's bio HERE.
 Beginning TWIM Instructions using Loving-kindness (metta)
Practice times, rest periods, and mealtimes are based on individual goals of the retreat. Participants are required to attend the morning group meditation and evening presentation by Delson. Please be prompt for group meetings and interviews. Arrive early especially in the waiting area outside the interview room. Self-directed periods of sitting and walking meditation will be suggested by the teachers based on individual needs and interests. There is abundant Indoor and outdoor space for sitting and walk practice.
Mobile devices are not permitted at anytime during the retreat. All mobile devices are required be secured with the retreat managers and stored, All devices will be returned to owners on the last evening following Delson's closing remarks. 
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. Spacious Meditation Halls and outdoor practice areas are ideal for deep and secluded meditation practice. Meditative silence is maintained throughout the course with the exceptions during daily interviews and discussions during Q&A segments during Delson's presentations. 
Comfortable single and double occupancy shared rooms include a private bathroom with shower, comfortable beds, pillow, linens, blankets, towels, washcloths, and soap. A desk with reading lights provide cozy and warm accommodation on chilly California nights. There are several Meditation Halls in comfortable well-heated buildings throughout the campus.
The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio seating with panoramic views of lawns and gardens. Two meals a day are served buffet style. Both offer vegetarian or meat/fish entrees with a gluten-free options including salads, fruits, and side dishes Hot and cold beverages including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are available 24/7. Refrigerated food storage is available to those with special dietary needs aor eating disorders that require supplementing.
Practice Schedule
Practice times, rest periods, and mealtimes are based on individual goals of the retreat. Participants are required to attend the morning group meditation and evening presentation by Delson. Be Always be prompt for personal interviews by arriving early in the waiting area outside the conference room. Self-directed periods of sitting and walking meditation will be advised by the teachers based on individual needs and interests. There is abundant Indoor and outdoor spaces for practice. FIRST DAY______________ 3:00 - 4:30 Check in 5:00 - 6:00 Orientation by Staff 6:00 - 7:00 Dinner 7:00- 8:00 Welcome and Instructions—Delson DAILY SCHEDULE_________ 5:30 am Wake 6:00 am Precepts and Group meditation 7:00 am Breakfast 8:00–9:oo am Group Meditation 9:00–10:00am Meditation or optional Q&A—Delson 10:00–10:00am Meditation or Interviews 12:00 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Meditation or Interviews 4:30 pm Teachers conference 5:30 pm Tea Break 6:00 PM Dhamma talk—Delson 7:30 pm Meditation and rest LAST DAY_______________ 6:00 - 7:00 Group Meditation and Closing comments 7:00 - 9:30 Breakfast & Socializing 10:00 Departure Registration and Reservations
This is a non-profit retreat. The teachings are free of charge. The fees paid covers fixed costs at St. Francis Retreat Center for food, lodging, insurance, travel expenses for teachers and fixed administration expenses.
Shared Occupancy Room $1385 per person
New Payments and Refund Policy
We are changing our retreat cancellation policy and fees to mitigate the effects of late cancellations. Beginning with all retreat registrations, these rates and guidelines will apply:
The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers for the TWIM Foundation and Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation, a Non-profit 501c3 tax exempt organization.
Those arriving SFO by air may reserve ground transportation are responsible for eamailing their arrival and departure information to the retreat manager. Late arrivals or those arriving at Oakland or San Jose airports are responsible for their personal transportation to the retreat center and return at their own expense. All travelers are advised to check in for departing flights 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours for international departures.
Group Ground Transportation
For your convenience, a passenger van service will provide round-trip shuttle to and from the retreat center 83 miles from SFO. Reservations require a $190 per person fee payable in full by March 15, 2023. Contact the retreat manager for registration and payment instructions. Those requiring ground transportation must coordinate flight arrival and departure times with the retreat managers before booking airline or hotel reservations. Departure from San Francisco: Friday, April 18, San Francisco 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 28, 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 by air should make flight and hotel reservations with adequate time to connect with either private transportation or ground transportation contracted by retreat staff. Hotels near SFO
Early arrivals or staying 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 proximity of SFO in a commercial district with nearby restaurants. Millwood Inn & Suites 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California 94030 Contact: 650-583-3935 Email: [email protected] Days Inn San Francisco International Airport West 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, California 94066 Contact: 650-616-9600 Email: [email protected] 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. Enter a private drive posted with a sign for St. Francis Retreat. Drive slowly for 1.5 miles from this point. 6. Park on either side oft he lower building. 
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
Check in at St. Francis opens at 3:15 PM. Plan to arrive at the center between 3:00 and 4:00 PM to Check in on the first day. The center is closed to participant until 3:00 PM. Parking is available next to the lower building. The chapel in the lower building is the location for group meditation and Dhamma talks. On the first day, orientation, begins at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00 PM, and Delson's introduction to the course at 7:00 PM. The retreat ends after the morning meditation on the last day of the retreat with time for breakfast, socialize, take photos, and pack. Those returning by van SFO and neighboring hotels will depart at 10:oo AM. Emergency Contact Numbers
There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers. Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294 St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234 St. Francis Retreat emergency after hours phone: 831-207-7042 Detailed Retreat Information
What to Wear:The weather in San Juan Bautista in April is typically sunny with cool, clear nights. The average daytime temperature is 72ºF (20ºC). Nighttime average low temperature is 45ºF (8ºC). Rain is likely so be prepared and bring and umbrella or other wet weather gear for walking outdoors. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. A warm jacket is needed for cold 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 sunny days. What to Bring for Meditation: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the Meditation hall. You may wish to bring your own special chair along with meditation cushions or pillows, benches, and floor pads. House-slippers and warm socks are appropriate in the meditation hall. Bring a shawl or small blanket for both indoor and outdoor seated meditations in the gardens and patio areas. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. You may want to bring a special personal pillow or blanket, if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), flashlight or headlamp, an alarm clock or watch with an alarm, and a water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. There will be wake up and notification bell to announce meals and group gatherings. COVID-19 supplies as specified if required. What to Leave at Home: Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food, unless you have made prior arrangements with the retreat managers for accommodation of special dietary needs. Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergenic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening dhamma talks. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any building or room. Clocks and Phones: Please attend to personal matters before coming so a not to hamper progress in meditation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and held in a secure area until breakfast on the last day of the retreat. Emergency Phone Numbers: There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers. Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294 St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234 St. Francis Retreat emergency after hours phone: 831-207-7042 Interacting with Monastics
Physical contact: Refrain from shaking hands or hugs. Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer. Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up when the teacher enters or leave 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 topics (i.e. COVID). Generosity: donations (dana) is gratefully accepted. These teacher live by the Dhamma. Your generosity directly supports his ability to teach. Though physical gifts appreciated, they are impractical while they 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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