Meditation Retreats and Study Classes
“Good friends are the whole of the spiritual life.”
-The Buddha
Retreat Schedule for 2024/2025
Jhāna and Insight Retreat
with Leigh Brasington and Rachael O’Brien
Leigh Brasington and Rachael O'Brien will lead this 10-day, 9-night Jhāna and Insight Retreat in person at the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California. This is a rare opportunity for students to explore diverse approaches to Buddhist meditation and theory under the guidance of two rigorous and experienced teachers. Students will interview with both Leigh and Rachael. Eight Training Precepts and Noble Silence will be observed.
St. Francis Retreat Center
San Juan Bautista, CA
March 29 - April 7, 2024
Jhānas, Dependent Origination, and Mettā
with Leigh Brasington and Rachael O’Brien
Leigh Brasington and Rachael O'Brien will lead this 11-day, 10-night Zoom Retreat, which will focus on the development of the Jhānas and Lovingkindness (Mettā ). The Buddhist approach to insight will also be explored - especially interpretations of the core doctrine of Dependent Origination. In addition to giving talks and guided practice instructions, Leigh and Rachael will interview students to support their progress. Prior retreat experience and a dedication to self-disciplined, at-home practice is required.
Southern Dharma Retreat Center
Online Retreat via Zoom
July 26 - August 5, 2024
August 29 - September 3, 2024
Annual Sutta Study Class Retreat
with Rachael O’Brien
This online retreat is only open to members of the weekly sutta study class led by Rachael O’Brien. Students will observe Eight Training Precepts and Noble Silence to support their individual and online group meditation practice. Students will interview with Rachael daily.
Online Retreat via Zoom
Vermont Insight Meditation Center Online Retreat via Zoom
September 14-15, 2024
Details to be announced.
Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) Retreat
with Rachael O’Brien
Students will end 2024 and begin the New Year with Lovingkindness at this 10-day, 9-night residential retreat. Eight Training Precepts will support intensive practice of the Brahmavihārās and the Jhānas. Students will interview daily with Rachael. Those with no previous meditation experience as well as long-time practitioners will find great benefit in this silent meditation retreat. Space is limited to 20 students.
St. Francis Retreat Center
San Juan Bautista, CA
December 27, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Sutta Study Class
Rachael offers a one-hour online class Thursday nights at 7:00PM (Eastern US) for those interested in a deep exploration of the Discourses of the Buddha (Suttas). The class begins with fifteen minutes of group meditation, which is followed by a Dhamma talk and discussion. The topic of discussion is announced prior to class to allow students to read the suttas in advance, ask questions, and share their comments with the group. Those who register will be added to the weekly sutta study group and will be provided with the Zoom link to join.
1/28/24 UPDATE: The Sutta Study Class has temporarily moved to every other week until further notice.