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March Insight Meditation 1-Month Retreat

March 2 - 28, 2026

Woodacre, CA, United States

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Hosted By

Spirit Rock Meditation Center

170 followers

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26 nights, 27 days

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96 person retreat

Highlights

  • Silent with Specific Conversational Opportunities

  • Meet the Teachers: Tara Mulay, Tempel Smith, Tuere Sala, Anushka Fernandopulle, Kristina Baré, Greg Scharf, and Rasika

Details

An extended retreat period offers the rare opportunity for sustained, dedicated practice. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing profound clarity and depth of Insight practice. Instructions will follow the traditional four foundations of mindfulness, influenced by the teachings of Mahasi Sayadaw and other Theravãda (Insight Meditation) traditions, and will be supported by a variety of skillful means. The teachings will encompass training in the heart qualities of lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with a daily schedule structured around periods of silent meditation, guided instructions, Dharma talks, practice meetings with teachers, and optional mindful movement. This retreat is also suitable for practitioners who wish to exclusively develop concentration (samādhi) through mindfulness of breathing or lovingkindness (metta) practice, with individual guidance by the teachers. These extended retreats (as with all retreats at Spirit Rock) are NOT open for self-retreats. Before you apply: 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. Other Important Notes About Prerequisites: 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.

Location

Woodacre, CA, United States

California offers an incredibly diverse array of landscapes and cultural experiences. From the iconic coastal cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco to the wine country of Napa Valley and the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park, California caters to all kinds of travelers. The state is also home to the entertainment hub of Hollywood, the tech innovation of Silicon Valley, and the surf culture of its many beaches. Whether you're seeking the city's glamour, the redwood forests' tranquility, or the adventure of its deserts and mountains, California provides a vibrant and dynamic destination.

Venue

Spirit Rock Meditation Center

4.5 145 Reviews

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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

Free Wifi

Garden

Garden

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Kitchen

Kitchen

Free Parking

Free Parking

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Supporter Rate

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$10,790 USD total

Benefactor Rate

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$7,800 USD total

Sustainer Rate

4 Spots Left

2-person shared room

$5,720 USD / person

Basic Rate

4 Spots Left

2-person shared room

$4,290 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

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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.

Schedule

The daily rhythm of a retreat usually involves alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, eating, and work meditations, as well as practice meetings, Dharma talks, and rest periods. The first sitting usually begins at about 6:00 a.m., and a typical day includes seven sitting and six walking periods of 45 minutes apiece. Each morning the teachers offer continuing meditation instructions for the day. The whole retreat is a succession of mindfulness training, deep awareness of the body and environment, meditations on the nature of feelings, and awareness of mind and the laws that govern it. These are the same fundamental teachings of Insight Meditation offered in the Theravāda Buddhist monasteries of Asia.

Testimonials

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I am slowly transitioning back to the 'real world' after a month of silent meditation at a residential retreat at Spirit Rock. I feel blessed to have lived in that beautiful container and experienced the teachings and practices with so many profound lessons … So much love and beauty … deep gratitude.

Janey F., United States

Emerging from this week of silence, I feel more integrated than ever. In the past, speaking and other stimuli after silent retreats have felt overwhelming and even physically uncomfortable. This time, though, I noticed more ease. There was a steadiness, an equanimity, in my mind and body.

Hannah S., United States

Thank you Spirt Rock for a beautiful week of practice, wisdom, and sangha. If you’ve been curious about a silent meditation retreat, I heartily recommend Spirit Rock in Northern California. The land and food will heal you!

Lesley Y., United States

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Host

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Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Woodacre, CA, USA

Rooted in the teachings of Insight Meditation, Spirit Rock Meditation Center offers retreats, classes, and workshops on-land and online that support both beginners and experienced practitioners in dee...

1 language

English

Teaching for 6 months

Joined Insight Timer in Jul 2025

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.