Being Dharma: SMS and BBRC Month-long Residential Retreat 2025

This in-person retreat is open to experienced practitioners by application only. This page is for all those that have been accepted into the program to register and submit a deposit. 

Being Dharma, the monthlong residential retreat, is presented by Sacred Mountain Sangha and Big Bear Retreat Center. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email info@sacredmountainsangha.org. For more about the retreat, visit the full description here.

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to accessibility. Big Bear Retreat Center has faith in the power of belonging and generosity. Please review our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs. 

Location  – Big Bear Retreat Center sits at an elevation of 7,000ft in a small mountain community in Big Bear Lake, California which is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Physical – We recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity. Please contact us to share your specific needs so we can make your retreat as comfortable as we can. 

Financial  – We recognize that economic opportunity is not currently equal for all, please contact us if finances are a challenge in any way, as we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you.

RETREAT FEES AND TEACHER DANA

Sacred Mountain Sangha and Big Bear Retreat Center are in partnership to present this month-long retreat and both organizations are dedicated to a no person turned away for lack of funds policy.

Costs are presented on a tiered system and individuals are asked to contribute at the level which feels comfortable and generous to them, understanding that this rate contributes to the cost of hosting the retreat and supporting other yogis who may require financial assistance.

There are limited scholarships available for this retreat. Once your application is approved, you will be provided with the information to contact Big Bear Retreat Center about scholarships, special requests and rate information.

Being Dharma Month-Long Retreat Rates:

Teacher Dana:

The teachers on this retreat offer their teachings freely and openly to all who attend. The registration costs cover each individual’s lodging, food, and associated expenses only. We trust and encourage the practice of dana which goes directly to the teachers and supports their livelihoods and ability to offer the teachings for the benefit of all beings.

Deposits, Payment Plans, and Cancellations:

Please note the following:

• All deposits for this retreat are due upon registration (to hold and guarantee your spot).
• A nonrefundable $350 deposit is due, at the latest by August 20th, after which places that have not been confirmed via a deposit will be offered to those on the waitlist.
• Full final payments are due by December 31, 2024.
• Payment plans are available to all at all registration levels.
• Specific financial arrangements and any special exceptions will be handled directly by Big Bear Retreat Center. Upon application approval, individuals will receive a link with information on how to register and contact BBRC.
• Specific retreat requests will be handled by BBRC and may be submitted upon registration.
• Cancellations are subject to BBRC’s cancellation policy which is listed on their website for this retreat.

Monthlong Special Accommodations:

For this monthlong, we will be offering special accommodations to support long practice on the land:

• Private room accommodations for everyone (by default, everyone will be given single private rooms – contact teaching team directly for any roomshare requests and approvals)
• Laundry during the month will be coordinated and available

General Flow of Retreat:

• Arrive and settle: Silence will start on the opening night
• First section: Theravada section: Samatha/Vipassana.
• Second section: Kuan Yin Dharmas section, holding mantra, cultivating Brahma Viharas and blessings.
• Integration: A few days of integration.
• The retreat finishes after breakfast on the final day.

“How does the dhamma teach the proper way of life? It shows us how to live. It has many ways of showing it – roots and trees – just in front of you. It is a teaching but not in words. So still the mind, the heart, and learn to watch. You’ll find the whole dhamma revealing itself here and now. At what other time and place are you going to look?”

– Ajahn Chah

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