Retreats: Overview

"At Springwater Center, there is no special practice assigned or suggested to people. You may wish to continue with a previously learned practice, or to try something new: simply attending without a known method or purpose. Attending to what is taking place from moment to moment isn't a technique, it is what is and that is all!" — Toni Packer

Retreats

Our silent meditation retreats are unique. We have a nontraditional approach which is free of dogma and ritual. See the Calendar for retreat dates.

We began holding retreats 25 years ago based on the zen tradition of sesshin — weeklong meditation retreats. Our retreats have developed over the years into an innovative form which people love.

Each retreat has a daily schedule with sitting periods, a talk, and dialogue meetings. However, all activities are optional and you are free to conduct the retreat as you like. You may sit together with others, or meditate, walk, and read by yourself.

The only requirements are to participate in silence and do an hour of work each day.

Teachers

Retreats are conducted by people Toni Packer has asked to carry on the Center's work — Stephan Bielfeldt, Wayne Coger, Sandra Gonzalez, and Richard Witteman.

Dialogue Meetings

Dialogue meetings offer a deep level of interaction and inquiry with one another.

All retreats offer a daily dialogue group with teacher participation. Other options include private meetings with teachers and between retreat participants.

Effortless Awareness

With the elements of retreat offered as resources rather than requirements, people find that awareness and attention arise naturally in the silence of their everyday activities. Without the subtle pressure to fit a particular way of practicing, awareness reveals itself without effort.