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RESCHEDULED FOR April 18, 19 & 20 2025
Due to an administrative error, the is being rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
A new date will be announce as soon as arrangement are finalized. TWIM Con 2, Conference and Retreat, June 14-23 2024, Los Angeles, CA
3-day Conference: June 14-17 Friday Noon—Monday morning
7-day TWIM Retreat Kalyāṇa-mitta (good friends ) June 17-23, Monday morning—Sunday morning Let's get together and build on Bhante’s lifetime teaching TWIM. Attend learning sessions and share great meals with old friends and make new ones at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles.
The conference 2024 features 20 TWIM presenters including 3 monks that will share updates, reports, learning sessions, with lots of time to socialize. The conference is followed by an optional 7-day TWIM retreat. The retreat is ideal for deep mediation and exclusive for those that have previous TWIM retreat experience. RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2025
Due to an administrative error, the is being rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience. A new date will be announce as soon as arrangement are finalized. Who:
TWIM leaders, teachers, organizers world-wide will attend in-person and by Zoom. When: Conference: Friday June 14, Begins 1 PM — Ends Monday June 17, after Breakfast. Retreat is a TWIM Kalyāṇa-mitta (peer-led) Monday, Begins June 17, after breakfast—Ends Sunday morning, June 23.  Memorial Stupa dedicated to Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi and Venerable U Silananda September 23, 2023
Conference Goals
This years conference features 20 learning sessions led by 20 presenters attending in person and by Zoom. Each session covers informative and educational topics including Q&A and discussion throughout. Frequent break times offer plenty of time to chat with old friends and make new connections. RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2025
The Retreat
This is a kalyāṇa-mitta retreat. Good friends or kalyāṇa-mitta also means admirable friends—a Buddhist concept designating spiritual friendships among peers. This was how the disciples of Buddha practiced together in a community. Each evening will we will gather to share and discuss aspects of our practice for mutual benefit.
The retreat begins Monday June 17 and ends on the following Sunday, June 6/23 after breakfast (late check-in Monday 12-1:00). The retreat provides an ideal environment for self-direct meditation surround with natural tranquil beauty above the Pacific Ocean of Palos Verdes. Practice will be conducted in meditative silence with optional nightly 7-8:30 PM dharma sharing and discussion. The buildings and grounds are designated mobile device-free zone. Phones and computers should remain off until after the last evening session. A retreat managers will be on hand to provide support and assistance.
The retreat will follow the same basic protocols that are standard procedures maintained in TWIM retreats. 1. Scheduled group meditation sittings are optional. See schedule for details. 2. The retreat will be conducted in meditative silence with the exception of the discussion following the evening dhamma talk. 3. A group recitation of the refuges and 5 precepts at 7:00 AM daily in the main meditation hall followed by meditation. 4. An optional light evening meal of soup and salad will be offered. Mary and Joseph Retreat Center
The Center is located high atop the hills of Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles county California, It features modern conference rooms with wi-fi throughout, spacious in and outdoor dining, serene gardens with walking paths, and majestic views of Los Angeles skyline. Spacious gardens in a park like setting offer and ideal spaces for practice. The total maximum number of participants will be limited to forty-five attendees.
There are twenty-eight bedrooms with private bathrooms and an additional six with shared bathrooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shared rooms with twin beds are available to couples and family members. Anyone who would like to extend they visit should make arrangements through the Joseph and Mary.
Breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner are served buffet style. Indoor and outdoor dining offer views of lawns and gardens. Daily menus include both vegetarian (non-vegan) and meat or fish with a gluten-free options. Hot and cold beverages including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are available 24/7. Participants with special dietary needs may supplement meals with additional food items by special arrangement. A microwave oven and refrigerator space are available as needed.
6/14–616 3-nights: The 3-Day Conference features a daily morning group meditation followed by a presentations from TWIM community leaders and teachers world-wide. This will range for updates of activities and new programs being offered by teachers and organization around the globe.
6/14–616 3-nights: The 7-day meditation retreat is exclusively for TWIM meditators. This center is ideal environment for deep TWIM practice among other TWIM practitioners. A prerequisite of at least one previous TWIM retreat is required to participate. Each evening, a selected dhamma presentation will be offered by a senior practitioner to foster thoughtful and relevant sangha discussion. 3-day—3-night Conference
Day 1: 6/14/24
Session 1: Orientation: David Johnson / S. Jordan Session 2: End of an Era: Memorial stupa (video) and discussion: David Johnson Session 3: Principles and practices of TWIM in accordance with Bhante's teachings: David Johnson Session 4: DSMC activities future plans and programs, teacher training program: David Johnson / Kristen Jones/ Teri Pohl Session 5: 10-Year journey from Buddha's Map to retirement from Easing Awake Sangha: Doug Kraft Session 6: Seeking Heartwood a personal journey film and discussion: Adam Eurich Day 2 6/15/24 Session 7: Global activities: Suttavada Netherlands /using an AI BOT for training: Koen Biggelaar Session 8: Global activities: HeartDhamma, teaching TWIM in India: Venerable Bhante Ananda Session 9: Brahmavihāra Meditation Center, New York and Bangladesh: Venerable Dr, Bhante Saccānanda, Session 10: Activities at Peace House, Cambridge, MA: Venerable Bhante Kusala Session 11, Start-up and running TWIM programs in California: S. Jordan / Nat Heidler Session 12, Organizing and leading Zoom classes and retreats: Rachael O'Brien esq./ Khin Maw / Jack Young Session 13 Global Activities: Program update Dhamma Sukha Indonesia: Brenda Ie-McRae CCHt, PLRt Session 14: A Journey into the heavenly realms: David Johnson Day 3: 6/16/24 Session 15: Dhamma and conscious money: Cleoa Lira Session 16: Psychotherapy and cognitive therapy and TWIM: Cassandra Garhart Ph.D. Session 17: Data report on jhana study and science applications: Steven Zerfas, CEO, Jhourney Session 18: Breakout group discussion topics and workshops to be announced. Session 19: Closing session and celebration: David Johnson/ S. Jordan 7-day— 7-night TWIM Retreat Overview Final schedule available 12/1/23
Monday 6/17—Saturday 6/22: Kalyāṇa-mitta (good friends) Meditation Retreat Schedule 7:00 – 8:00 Group refugees and precept followed by meditation 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast, Late Retreat check-in 9:00 – 12:00 Self-directed practice 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch, Late retreat check-in 1:00 – 1:30 Free time 1:30– 6:00 Self-directed practice 6:00 7:00 Light Dinner 7:00 Evening Dhamma presentation and group discussion Sunday 6/23 7:00 – 8:00 Group refugees and precept followed by seated meditation and closing circle (Jordan and Nat) 8:00 – Breakfast 10:00 Departure Registration
RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2025
Due to an administrative error, the is being rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience. A new date will be announce as soon as arrangement are finalized. Fees
This is a non-profit retreat. The fees paid apply to fixed retreat expenses that includes lodging, insurance, and minor overhead expenses. The teaching of the Buddha are freely given. It is due the the generosity of supporters to help sustain and make them available to those seeking to realize liberation. The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Payment / Refund Policy
The retreat center is located 17 miles from Los Angeles LAX airport. Participants are responsible to arrange their personal transportation to the retreat center and return at their own expense. Air travelers are advised to check-in for departing flights at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours before international departures.
Driving
Mary & Joseph Retreat Center 5300 Crest Road Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 377-4867 From the North or LAX:
Hotels near the retreat center
Early arrivals or stay-overs may want to find a nearby hotel from the list below. These are modestly priced hotels. other location are available through Hotels.com. Kayak.com, and other Web portals. Ramada by Wyndham Torrance (2 star hotel) 2888 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 997-0303, 3.8 miles from the retreat center. The rate is about $123/night. Ask for discount with AAA or AARP. A Chinese restaurant on the premises. Website and reservations link: HERE Double Tree Hilton in Torrance (3 star hotel) A21333 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, (310) 540-0500, 6.7 miles from the retreat center. The rate is about $226/night. Ask for discount with AAA or AARP. Website and reservations link: HERE Contact Numbers
Wi-Fi and cell service are available throughout the retreat center property for use by participants
COVID-19: Policy
Protocols will adhere to the COVID-19 policies and guidelines set forth by the county of Los Angeles public health department published on their website at the time of the retreat. LINK Detailed Retreat Information
Weather: The weather for Rancho Palos Verdes in June is typically sunny with cool, clear nights. The average daytime temperature is 72ºF (20ºC). Nighttime average low temperature is 56ºF (13ºC). Rain is highly unlikely. What to Wear: Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. The center can be very windy so 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 and Study Sessions: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the classes and for mediation. You may wish to bring a meditation cushion. House-slippers and warm socks are appropriate along with a shawl or small blanket for both indoor and outdoor seated meditations in the gardens. Note pads and pens or a computer may be helpful to advance learning and reading glasses if needed. 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 notification bells to announce meals and group gatherings. COVID-19 testing and protective 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 mediation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers need to be in in classes and during sessions and group gatherings. 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: There is no need or expectation, but donations (dana) is gratefully accepted by non-profit organizations taking part in the Conference. Simplicity and Renunciation
This symposium offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. This allows 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 at retreat centers. 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 leave behind concerns of daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice known as, “taking what is offered.” Taking What is Offered
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