Just added. Early registration is encouraged as in person spaces are limited. Registration is now open!

*Please note this is a hybrid retreat, taking place at an in person location as well as offered online to extend this offering to those who may be outside of the LA area who’d like to join.

Please join us as we come together in community this spring at InsightLA’s retreat house in Benedict Canyon to deepen our practice within the container of a silent Insight meditation retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the canyon. We will be exploring how mindfulness (Sati) pairs with the Buddha’s teaching of Sampajanna, often translated as clearly knowing, alertness, or clear comprehension. This teaching is incredibly applicable to our daily life and the development of discerning wisdom.

“One quality that's always appropriate in establishing mindfulness is being watchful or alert. The Pali word for alertness, sampajañña, is another term that's often misunderstood. It doesn't mean being choicelessly aware of the present, or comprehending the present. Examples in the Canon shows that sampajañña means being aware of what you're doing in the movements of the body, the movements in the mind. After all, if you're going to gain insight into how you're causing suffering, your primary focus always has to be on what you're actually doing. This is why mindfulness and alertness should always be paired as you meditate.” - Thanissaro Bhikkhu

There will be periods of silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, and a Dharma talk to support the development of your practice in community. The retreat will be held in silence to support a deepening of mindful awareness and insight. We’ll leave refreshed and renewed with a richer understanding of sati sampajanna.

This is a non-residential weekend retreat. Participants are encouraged to continue practicing in the evening at home to strengthen their continuity of mindfulness for the full retreat experience.  

Please bring your own water bottle, lunch and snacks each day.