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Spirituality Retreats in Woodacre/
Befriending Mortality: Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati) Practices to Cultivate Insight, Presence, Compassion, and Meaning
Befriending Mortality: Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati) Practices to Cultivate Insight, Presence, Compassion, and Meaning
October 26 - 31, 2026
Woodacre, CA, United States
5 nights, 6 days
96 person retreat
Highlights
Silent with Specific Conversational Opportunities
Meet the Teachers: Nikki Mirghafori, John Martin, Kodo Conlin, Jeanne Corrigal, Frank Ostaseski
Details
We all “know” that we will die, yet we tend to ignore this fact and put our collective head in the sand. But rather than running away from our inevitable finitude, we can harness the power of this reflection to stay aligned with our deepest values and to live and love more fully. Through mindfulness of death (maraṇasati) practice, we become more fully and gratefully present for this miraculous, passing show called life. Fully embracing our life’s impermanence can give rise to a deep letting go and freedom so that we can be fearlessly and peacefully prepared for our death as a potentially liberative moment. Considering the myriad spiritual benefits of maraṇasati, let us come together to explore this supreme practice, one on which the Buddha invited us to reflect daily for the sake of ourselves and others. Frank Ostaseski will be a special guest joining us in person on the evening of Thursday, October 29th. This retreat includes one daily session of interactive practice which is essential for deepening practice; and it is a silent retreat except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Venue
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
4.5 ★ 145 Reviews
On the land, online, or on-demand, Spirit Rock supports you at every stage of your path to grow a vibrant, nourishing spiritual life. Join us to practice Insight Meditation, Dharma teachings, and mindfulness in a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to the liberation of all beings.
Free Wifi
Garden
Coffee / Tea
Kitchen
Free Parking
Bathroom
Accommodation
Supporter Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$3,050 USD total
Benefactor Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$2,450 USD total
Sustainer Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$1,850 USD / person
Basic Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$1,225 USD / person
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center primarily offers dormitory-style accommodations in simple, comfortable rooms for residential retreats. These rooms are typically shared, with some offering single occupancy options. The center also provides facilities for group activities, personal reflection, and connecting with nature.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free
Our meals are sourced from local, sustainable, and organic growers and suppliers, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We ground all of our cooking decisions in the principle of non-harm. Our menus are built around nutrient-dense whole foods; they are vegetarian, with abundant vegan and gluten-free options. We are mindful of common food allergies and take special care to nourish practitioners with dietary restrictions.
Testimonials
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Host
What's Included
Food
Accommodation
Not Included
Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana
Flights and Transportation
FAQs
Guest requirements
You must have already completed at least 14 nights of silent residential retreat time. This retreat time must include a minimum of two (2) silent residential retreats, each of six (6) nights or longer.
These retreats must have been led by Spirit Rock, IMS, or IRC teachers, or other recognized Insight Meditation teachers. Previous retreats must be silent residential retreats and have a similar format to this retreat, with instructions, practices, and talks focused on Insight Meditation. Online retreats do not qualify for these retreat prerequisites. When applying, you will need to provide the teachers’ names, dates, location, length (# of nights), and style of the retreats.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.
