The Gradual Training: Mettā, Jhānas, and Insight

This retreat will guide students through the Gradual Training, which provides step-by-step instructions on the Early Buddhist Path. Two daily Dhamma talks by Leigh and Rachael will support the practice and provide techniques for entering heightened states of mind called the Jhanas. The Jhanas are the basis for mental stability, deep learning, and liberating insight.  One-on-one interviews with Leigh and Rachael will allow students to explore their own development of the Gradual Training as the retreat progresses.


This program will be offered residentially in Barre. Rachael will teach and conduct interviews in person at BCBS.  Leigh will teach and conduct interviews remotely via video conference.


Program Format: This retreat will include dharma talks, instruction periods, guided meditation, silent meditation, large group discussions (i.e. Q&A after the talks), and one on one interviews.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will begin with the opening talk on the first evening and continue through the closing session.

Experience Level:

Suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

Yogis should have attended at least 2 one-week or longer residential or zoom silent retreats.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.

Schedule:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from course to course. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every course.


Opening Day

 2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in

 4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)

 5:50 – 6:30 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner

 7:30 – 9:00 pm Opening Session


Middle Day(s)

 6:30 am Wake-up Bell

 7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

 7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

 8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Morning Session

 12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session

 5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session


Closing Day

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Closing Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)

Lottery:

The lottery will close at 11:59 PM US Eastern time on January 5, 2026. Initial notifications will be made January 21, 2026.