In the clefts and in the gullies:
The tiny streams gurgle loudly
Mighty waters flow in silence."
For scheduled events, please see the list of Day-Long Retreats.
Day-Long Retreats offer the opportunity for deep meditation practice and contemplative reflection with the convenience of a single day format. Through a continuity of sitting and walking meditation, participants can deeply explore the meditative process, and still be home in time for dinner.
Our monthly Day-Long and Half-Day Retreats are suitable for both novice and seasoned meditators.
The structure of Day-Long Retreats usually include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instructions, dhamma teachings, and optional consultations with the teacher. Often a movement discipline such as yoga, TaiChi, QiGong, or Feldenkrais is offered as an option from 10:30-11:30 am. A typical schedule for the meditation Day-Long Retreat is provided below, though it can change without notice.
| 9:30 | -- 10:30 | Meditation & Introduction |
| 10:30 | -- 11:30 | Walking Meditation or Movement Practice |
| 11:30 | -- 12:15 | Sitting Meditation |
| 12:15 | -- 12:30 | Questions/Answers |
| 12:30 | -- 1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15 | -- 2:00 | Sitting Meditation |
| 2:00 | -- 2:45 | Walking Meditation |
| 2:45 | -- 3:15 | Sitting Meditation |
| 3:15 | -- 4:00 | Dharma Talk & Closing |
| 4:00 | Clean up |
Periodically, IMSB offers half day workshops that introduce awareness based movement practices or develop experiential Dhamma themes. A typical schedule for integrated programs is provided below, although it can change without notice.
| 9:30 | -- 10:15 | Meditation & Introduction |
| 10:15 | -- 11:45 | Movement Session |
| 11:45 | -- 12:30 | Sitting Meditation and Closing |
Other details:
- The Day-Long Retreats will be held in Noble Silence to support the deepening of meditative realization. Please turn off cell phones, minimize conversations, and refrain from socializing until the end of the program.
- Please bring your own lunch. Tea is usually provided. A refrigerator and microwave are available. Bringing your lunch supports the development of concentration by avoiding the disruption of excursions to shops or restaurants.
- Chairs are provided. Please bring a cushion or bench if you would like to sit on the floor.
- Most of our Day-Long Retreats are taught by Shaila Catherine, and periodically by guest teachers. Some programs incorporate gentle awareness based movement practices guided by guest instructors in the field. Walking Meditation is always an option for students who do not wish to participate in the featured movement practice.
- Day-Long Retreats that do not have a movement theme usually include opportunities to consult with the teacher about your individual meditation practice. Usually these meetings take place during the walking meditations.
- No registration is required. Everyone is welcome. Arriving on time and staying until the end is appreciated. However, if you can only attend part of the program, please arrive or depart during the lunch period.
- In the spirit of generosity, or dana, these Day-Long Retreats are offered without registration fees. Two bowls will be available for voluntary donations to support IMSB and the teachers with their ongoing efforts of serving the Dhamma. Voluntary contributions are appreciated.
- The Mountain View location is on the ground floor-- there are no stairs, but bathrooms are not equipped with specialized features. If you have a disability and would like to attend our events, please let us know how we can help. Although most talks are amplified with a PA system, hearing impaired students find it helpful to bring their own hearing devices.
Saturday Day-Long Retreats are held each month at:
Saint Timothy's Church
2094 Grant Rd.
Mountain View, CA 94040
Directions for Mountain View Location
For more information about Day-Long Retreats, please send an email to Janet.