We all know that we will die, and yet death is often kept at the margins of awareness. Rather than turning away from mortality, the Buddha invited us to bring the truth of our finitude into wise and conscious reflection. In this retreat, we practice the Buddha’s instructions on mindfulness of death (maraṇasati), which call us to live our precious human life with greater presence, clarity, and alignment with what matters most. Turning toward impermanence can soften the heart’s grasping and open us to the deep practice of letting go—offering freedom not only in how we meet death, but especially in how we live. By facing this universal truth, we can cultivate peace, lessen fear, and prepare for dying as a potentially liberative moment. Maraṇasati is a powerful mind training for our whole life: if this fleeting breath were my last, is this the state of heart and mind I wish to be abiding in right now?
Program Format: This retreat includes Dharma talks, guided meditations, silent sitting and walking, sutta study, small-group relational practice, large-group discussions, and ritual. An essential component of this retreat is daily interactive sessions every afternoon in the Dharma Hall. Outside these designated periods of relational practice, which include speaking exercises in small groups of 2-4, the retreat will be held in noble silence to support contemplative depth. All mortals are welcome.
Camping Option: If you would like to camp, please select the "Commuter" option, and note in the Comments section that you plan to camp. Before choosing to camp, keep in mind that heat, rain, and ticks/mosquitoes are aspects of the camping experience. If you'd like to be on the waitlist for a room, there is a checkbox. All meals are included, and campers have access to restrooms and showers. Please bring your own gear.