Black Mountain Sangha Retreats
We offer highly curated residential retreats focused on integrating aspects of the dharma in a continuous thread throughout the retreat. Between them, our leadership team and guiding teacher have over 100 residential retreat nights at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, affording the knowledge and practice maturity to hold space for highly fruitful silent retreats in the Vipassana tradition. Retreats are generally well attended by the Black Mountain Sangha membership which adds practice stability not often found in short residential retreats.
Our guiding teacher, Robin Stutzman, brings a fresh, inspired teaching style, explaining sometimes complicated dharma principles with clarity, humor and authenticity. She delivers the Dharma in a way that is accessible to newer practitioners yet challenging to more experienced practitioners. A link to some opening words from our last retreat is found here
We hold our retreats at Camp Stevens, in Julian, California. There have been overwhelmingly positive responses and requests for more offerings, which makes sense given the scarcity of residential retreat opportunities in the San Diego area. We welcome all those who have had some formal training in mindfulness, to apply for a spot (space is limited), whether you are a Black Mountain Sangha member or not.
Are you looking for silent retreat opportunities which are local (i.e., you need not board a plane), and brief (i.e., you need not miss a lot of work or leave your family)?
Contact [email protected] to apply for a spot at our next retreat. Space is limited.
We are excited about our spring 2025 retreat (4/2525 - 4/27/25) which is a very unique, two-night, ‘bring-a-friend’ retreat, with dual programming. One track of teachings and silent practice will be designed for experienced practitioners (as most of our retreats are), and one track will be for possible ‘inexperienced friends’ who are interested in mindfulness, but haven’t had much formal training. Their programming will include shorter practice periods, more teaching, and more guiding, while still in silence. The two groups will come together at times.
It is not necessary to bring anyone. In fact, this retreat is perfect for you if you are fairly new to mindfulness and want to dip your toes into silent retreat practice, but at a retreat designed for beginners.
Given the success of our fall, 2024 retreat, “Impermanence - a door to the heart,” this one is sure to be fruitful (see the audio/video page for recordings from that retreat)!
Registration has opened, and the early bird registration deadline ends 12/31/24. If you are interested, email [email protected].
We hope to see you there!