This first year, 2024, we are hosting Vipassana style insight retreats that all share a similar format of walking and sitting meditations, 3 community meals, Dharma instruction and talks, and Noble Silence. We will also host a mindful movement and yoga retreat that will have its own unique format. Being in silence and stillness, and in connection to the natural beauty of Big Springs, one may experience a deeper sense of knowing and truth as the mind begins to settle.

Retreats at Big Springs are intimate, with a maximum of 36 retreatants and 1-3 teachers. We welcome all practitioners, regardless off your level of practice. For some, this might be there first time on the mat, while others have been practicing for 50 years. We create a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment to explore what this practice means for you, while adhering to a particular format and structure.

We create a safe and welcoming environment for all wishing to support their spiritual practice. All are welcome here - nationality, ethnicity, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, age, physical ability, political affiliation or even religion. You do not have to be a Buddhist to benefit from the universal and practical teachings offered on retreat.

The retreats are mostly conducted in Noble Silence with occasional break-out sessions that involve talking and daily Dharma instruction and talk, provided by the teacher(s). The Five Precepts are observed by everyone at Big Springs, including staff, teachers and retreatants.

1.   Refraining from Killing: Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I will cultivate the precept of not killing, and will not encourage others to kill. In undertaking this precept, I acknowledge the interconnection of all sentient beings.

2.   Refraining from Stealing: Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, injustice and stealing, I agree not to take anything that does not belong to me or has not been freely offered, and to respect the property of others. I will be honest in my dealings with money. 

3.   Refraining from Sexual Misconduct: Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I will avoid creating harm through sexuality, and will avoid sexual exploitation or breaking commitments of sexual fidelity.

4.   Refraining from False Speech: Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful and untrue words, I will undertake the training of speaking truthfully, with beneficial words. I will cultivate deep listening. I will refrain from gossip about others. I will attempt, with kindness and honesty, to resolve any conflicts I have with other people.

5.   Refraining from the Use of Intoxicants: Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption of intoxicants, I will refrain from abusing them, including non-medicinal drugs and alcohol.

A Typical Daily Schedule:

5:45 am Wake-up

6:15 Sitting Meditation

7:00 Breakfast & Morning Working Meditation

8:30 Meditation Instructions & Sitting

9:30 Walking Meditation

10:15 Sitting

11:00 Walking

11:30 Sitting

12:00 pm Lunch & Afternoon Working Meditation

2:00 Sitting

2:45 Walking (or group breakout sessions)

3:30 Sitting

4:15 Walking (or group breakout sessions)

5:00 Dinner & Evening Working Meditation

6:30 Sitting

7:00 Walking

7:30 Dharma Talk

8:15 Walking

8:45 Sitting

9:30 Sleep or continued practice