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Spirituality Retreats in United States/
Spirituality Retreats in Woodacre/
Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States
Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States
September 8 - 14, 2026
Woodacre, CA, United States
6 nights, 7 days
96 person retreat
Highlights
Silent with Specific Conversational Opportunities
Meet the Teachers: Oren Jay Sofer, Yong Oh, Cara Lai, devon hase, Hakim Tafari (Movement Teacher)
Details
The Buddhist path cultivates four powerful and transformative qualities: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. These qualities are innate human capacities, and can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart. Known as the brahmavihāras, or “sublime homes,” these states can serve as powerful supports both for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and responding to suffering in these turbulent times. We will explore techniques to develop each of the four sublime states and to release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world. Our time together will include silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, instructions, Q&A, and small group meetings with the teachers. This retreat is appropriate for both beginning and more experienced meditators.
Venue
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
4.5 ★ 145 Reviews
On the land, online, or on-demand, Spirit Rock supports you at every stage of your path to grow a vibrant, nourishing spiritual life. Join us to practice Insight Meditation, Dharma teachings, and mindfulness in a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to the liberation of all beings.
Free Wifi
Garden
Coffee / Tea
Kitchen
Free Parking
Bathroom
Accommodation
Supporter Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$3,660 USD total
Benefactor Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$2,940 USD total
Sustainer Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$2,220 USD / person
Basic Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$1,470 USD / person
Reduced Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$960 USD / person
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center primarily offers dormitory-style accommodations in simple, comfortable rooms for residential retreats. These rooms are typically shared, with some offering single occupancy options. The center also provides facilities for group activities, personal reflection, and connecting with nature.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free
Our meals are sourced from local, sustainable, and organic growers and suppliers, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We ground all of our cooking decisions in the principle of non-harm. Our menus are built around nutrient-dense whole foods; they are vegetarian, with abundant vegan and gluten-free options. We are mindful of common food allergies and take special care to nourish practitioners with dietary restrictions.
Testimonials
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Host
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Woodacre, CA, USA
Rooted in the teachings of Insight Meditation, Spirit Rock Meditation Center offers retreats, classes, and workshops on-land and online that support both beginners and experienced practitioners in dee...
1 language
English
Teaching for 9 months
Joined Insight Timer in Jul 2025
What's Included
Food
Accommodation
Not Included
Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana
Flights and Transportation
FAQs
Guest requirements
You must have already completed at least 14 nights of silent residential retreat time. This retreat time must include a minimum of two (2) silent residential retreats, each of six (6) nights or longer.
These retreats must have been led by Spirit Rock, IMS, or IRC teachers, or other recognized Insight Meditation teachers. Previous retreats must be silent residential retreats and have a similar format to this retreat, with instructions, practices, and talks focused on Insight Meditation. Online retreats do not qualify for these retreat prerequisites. When applying, you will need to provide the teachers’ names, dates, location, length (# of nights), and style of the retreats.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.
