two people standing on a deck enjoying the view of the mountains

Fri, April 26 - Sun, April 28

Weekend Retreat with Buddhist nun Gen Lhadron
Camp Stevens Retreat Center, Julian, CA

Day visitor registration is open. Register here.

Equanimity is the essence of Buddhist practice. It is an inner stability and caring presence that neither pushes away nor drowns in an experience. It guards our peace of mind in the midst of ever changing conditions. As we cultivate equanimity with people, our relationships will improve. Cultivating equanimity with situations will reduce our stress and anxiety. Immerse yourself in this beautiful state of mind and feel lighter and more balanced.

An away retreat is a wonderful opportunity to de-stress, meet new people and enjoy nature. Regardless of your experience of Buddhism or meditation, this retreat will be beneficial and enjoyable. The teachings are practical with a good dose of humor and Gen Lhadron will guide us into a deep experience of meditation. In addition, the food is great, the people are welcoming and friendly, and the scenery is beautiful.

Everyone welcome. No experience necessary.

General Information

Cost

Retreat + Double Room: $495

Includes the retreat sessions, onsite accommodations for two nights, and five vegetarian family-style meals.

**

Retreat + Dorm Room: $365

Includes the retreat sessions, onsite accommodations for two nights, and five vegetarian family-style meals.

**

Day Visitors: $135 for Sat only / $245 for the entire weekend

Day visitors can register here.

 

Reduced rates / financial assistance is available. Please email our admin director for more info: [email protected].

Venue

Camp Stevens is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains near the mountain town of Julian, approximately 90 minutes northeast of San Diego and three hours southeast of Los Angeles. It is situated on 256 acres of pine-oak woodland, offering scenic overlooks and miles of hiking trails.

The physical address is 1108 Banner Road, Julian, CA 92036.

 

Retreat Sessions

Friday, April 26

Session 1 | 4:15pm-5:15pm
Session 2 | 7:30pm-9pm

Saturday, April 27

Guided Meditation | 7:30am-7:50am
Session 3 | 9–10:15am
Session 4 | 10:30am-11:50am
Session 5 | 4-5:15pm
Session 6 | 6:45-8pm

Sunday, April 28

Guided Meditation | 7:30am-7:50am
Session 7 | 9–10:15am
Session 8 | 11am-12pm

All meals are served family-style in the dining hall. Breakfast is served at 8am, lunch at noon, and dinner at 5:30pm.

During the Breaks

All retreat guests are encouraged to maintain silence until lunchtime while inside our two reserved lodges. Additionally, anyone can choose to attend the entire retreat in full silence.

During the retreat breaks, guests can access the fully-stocked coffee/tea bars that are located in the lodges and dining hall.  Within a short walk of the central campus, you’ll find hiking trails, an outdoor chapel, labyrinth, tree house, wood-burning cob oven, chicken coop, orchard, and two gardens. There will be optional group activities scheduled on Saturday, including a campfire and guided hike.

 

Onsite Accommodations

cabin room

Double Rooms @ Bergstrom Lodge

Two people in a room with two beds (one full bed and one twin bed) and private bathroom. Linens and towels provided. Choose your own roommate or have one assigned. Upon request there is an option to have three people in one double room, arranged by two people sharing the full bed or the third person using the pullout trundle. This lodge is a short walk away from where the retreat will be held.

cabin room

Dorm Rooms @ Wolterstorff Lodge

Shared rooms with bunk beds and single beds that sleep up to 3-4 people. Two multi-stall bathrooms off a shared hallway. Guests need to bring their own pillow, towel, and either twin sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag. The retreat will be held in the common room of this lodge.

Retreat Teacher

 

Gen Kelsang Lhadron is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center San Diego. Gen Lhadron's sincere teachings are presented with humor and practical examples that make them accessible to everyone. Through her kindness and enthusiasm for meditation practice, she provides an inspiring example of a modern Buddhist practitioner for our society. 

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