
Fri, May 19 - Sun, May 21
Weekend Retreat with Gen Rigpa & Gen Lhadron
Camp Stevens Retreat Center, Julian, CA
Retreat (no onsite accommodations) $135-$245
It seems that as modern people with access to so many gadgets and activities, many do not know how to simply be without doing things. Our culture is hyper-externalized - seeking stimulus, consuming images, staying in motion, accomplishing things... for many this is all they've ever known. Because accomplishing worldly things and staying active gets all the attention in our culture, when we're not traveling, getting promoted, building up our reputation, or going out and doing things, life can seem mundane, or as if it has less value.
During this retreat, Gen Rigpa will share insights, ideas and meditations from within Kadampa Buddhism to help us feel more at peace with simply being, not doing. We will explore and get a taste of practices that help us to relax, and be okay within the peace, the quietness, the natural stillness of our own mind. We will learn the practice of contentment.
Retreat Teachers
Gen Kelsang Rigpa is the Western US National Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU and Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center LA. Gen Rigpa’s heartfelt and practical teachings are presented with warmth and humor, making them accessible to everyone. Through his clear presentation, he is able to help students discover for themselves how to integrate these timeless teachings into our modern world, making everyday life joyful and meaningful.
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.
Retreat Details
Pricing
Retreat + Onsite Accommodations: $395 (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Includes the retreat sessions, onsite accommodations for two nights, and five vegetarian family-style meals.
**
Retreat (no accommodations) - Sat only: $135
Includes the Saturday retreat sessions and lunch.
**
Retreat (no accommodations) - Full weekend: $245
Includes all the retreat sessions plus dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.
Retreat 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.
Onsite Sleeping Accommodations
Shared rooms with bunk beds and single beds that sleep up to 3-4 people. Guests need to bring their own pillow, towel, and either twin sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag.
We have reserved two lodges for this retreat. Rooms will be assigned at check-in.
Retreat Schedule*
Friday, May 19
Session 1 | 4:15pm-5:15pm
Session 2 | 7:30pm-9pm
Saturday, May 20
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, May 21
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.
*Revised on Apr 20.
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.
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FAQ
Arrival time: 4pm on Friday. If you are arriving late, please be onsite by 9pm.
Departure time: 12pm on Sunday.
Parking is limited and we are encouraged to carpool.
In order to ensure safe emergency exit on Camp Steven roads, all cars must be parked in the main parking area by the office or at the lower parking lot, located on the left when driving back down the driveway. Guests may drive to their lodge to unload luggage, but please return cars to the parking lot when finished. There are signs on the road that will direct guests to the various lodges. Please drive at the posted speed limit, 5mph at all times, as pedestrians are often hidden in the curves of the roads.
Mealtimes are at 8 am, noon, and 5:30 pm.
Vegetarian family-style meals that include fresh produce, scratch-baked breads and desserts, camp-raised eggs (when available), organic dairy products, and seasonal garden herbs and veggies. Alternatives are available for vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, and allergy-affected guests. Please indicate your dietary needs at the time of registration. If you have severe allergies, please also contact [email protected].
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so come prepared for a range of temperatures, in both sunshine and rain, with a chance of snow between November and April. We recommend checking the weather beforehand, as temperatures in the mountains are often different than in lower elevations. In addition to appropriate clothing and walking shoes, you will need to bring your own pillow, towel, and either twin sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag. A refillable water bottle, camera, flashlight, and binoculars are good to bring along as well. The lodges are heated and the bathrooms are located inside the buildings. Please do not bring pets, illegal drugs, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, weapons or any potentially dangerous equipment.
Submit your cancellation request to [email protected] on or before May 1st to receive a full refund. No refund after May 1st.