About
Springwater Center is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York, an hour south of Rochester. Situated on over 200 acres of soft rolling hills, the land has quiet trails wandering through open meadows, wide vistas, and secluded hardwood forests. Streams cascade through shaded ravines, and a lovely pond with benches is situated on a hillside with striking views of the valley below.
Retreat Center
In the heart of this land is a 12,000 square foot retreat center. The building has 14 guest rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and a beautiful and spacious sitting room which accommodates up to 45 people. The building also has a library, solarium, and an outdoor area with lovely views for sitting and eating. All meals are vegetarian. The Center is maintained by a full-time staff.
Silent Meditation Retreats
Silent retreats form the heart of life at Springwater. Open to all, the retreat format has evolved over the years into an innovative and interactive form, which people have come to love. Grounded in the daily rhythm of timed sittings, a morning talk, and an hour-long work period with communally prepared food, people are free to conduct their retreat in any way they choose.
The only requirements are to participate in silence, and to do one’s assigned job. With the miles of secluded trails, outdoor lawn space, and comfortable spaces throughout the retreat building, people feel free to meditate and walk by themselves, or to sit together with others. See Retreats for more.
Silent Meditation Retreats
Silent retreats form the heart of life at Springwater. Open to all, the retreat format has evolved over the years into an innovative and interactive form, which people have come to love. Grounded in the daily rhythm of timed sittings, a morning talk, and an hour-long work period with communally prepared food, people are free to conduct their retreat in any way they choose.
The only requirements are to participate in silence, and to do one’s assigned job. With the miles of secluded trails, outdoor lawn space, and comfortable spaces throughout the retreat building, people feel free to meditate and walk by themselves, or to sit together with others. See Retreats for more.
Visiting Springwater
Springwater Center is an ideal place for individual solitary retreats, or to visit when there is a need for open space and quiet. Overnight accommodations are available in the main building. It is possible to come either as a guest, with reasonable room rates and delicious prepared food, or as a volunteer, in which one participates in the regular work schedule of the center in exchange for lodging and food. See Visit for more.
Springwater Center conducts many activities for people who live in the general area, including all-day sittings, talks and discussions, group dialogues and individual meetings with teachers. See Calendar for more.