Unfolding the Great Heart: Bhakti, Buddhism, and the Practice of Connection [On Land]

Open to both beginning and experienced practitioners.
Registration for this retreat closes on May 26, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

This retreat is a sacred invitation to return to the source of your inner strength—the boundless capacity of your heart to love, heal, and transform. Together, we will explore the ‘Great Heart,’ a sanctuary of devotion and wisdom that holds the power to illuminate even the darkest moments of our lives.

Through the intertwined paths of Bhakti and Buddhism, we will dive into heart-centered practices that open us to the healing power of love and connection. Each day will include Metta meditation to cultivate compassion, devotional rituals to deepen our sense of reverence, and sitting and walking meditation on the land to ground us in presence and stillness. In the evenings, we’ll gather for chanting—a practice of surrender and devotion that invites us to rest in the sacred pulse of life.

This retreat is for those yearning to rekindle their faith in love, rediscover hope, or find strength amidst life’s challenges. It is a refuge for anyone seeking solace, clarity, or a deeper connection to themselves and the world. Bhakti’s path of devotion and Buddhist mindfulness will weave together, offering profound tools to help release old burdens, soften the heart, and awaken to life’s inherent beauty.

Step into this journey of devotion and transformation, where the Great Heart unfolds as a source of courage, resilience, and infinite possibility.

What You’ll Experience:

• Metta and Compassion-Focused Meditations: Practices to cultivate loving-kindness and open the heart.
• Kirtan and Devotion Practice: Chanting and devotional practices to deepen your connection to Bhakti.
• Inspiring Dharma Talks: Teachings rooted in Buddhist wisdom and the path of the Great Heart.
• Opportunities for Connection: Time to share, reflect, and build meaningful connections within the community.
• Rituals for Healing and Transformation: Sacred practices to honor and release what no longer serves you.
• Daily Movement: Gentle practices to reconnect with the body and foster mindfulness.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

Spring is such a great wealth of practice and knowledge. It was amazing being in her presence. She’s also a really kind and understanding person. She literally moves with heart.

From Deep in the Heart-Cave Nina calls us…Her chanting rich with timeless longing… calling us to live in the love that is our True Being. – Krishna Das

When listening to Nina’s chanting, I’m ignited with a deep longing for the Divine. I’m extremely grateful for this gift she delivers through her beautiful singing. ❤️ – Trevor Hall

Henry Shukman is one of the wisest and most poetical teachers of dharma we have today. In an increasingly fragmented world, he is unusually good company. – Sam Harris

WHAT IS A SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT?

Also known as Vipassana, or Insight, this is a retreat held for several days in the practice of “noble silence” with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation throughout the day. There are teacher-guided sessions and talks, as well as self-guided periods. There also will be interview opportunities with the teachers to talk about your experience. Silence usually begins after dinner on arrival day and ends after breakfast on departure day. All are asked to hold the practice and silence throughout the entire time and to not leave the retreat early, so as to support the fullness of practice. Read more here on what to expect and sample schedule.

*This retreat will hold periods of silence with periods of discussion and chanting. 

GENEROSITY

Retreat Cost & Fees:
Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation for this retreat is included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

• The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.
• We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.
• We experience weather of all four seasons.
• We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.
• We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

See our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Simple and elegant lodgings to support rest and renewal. Our rooms are uniquely designed to offer comfort, convenience, and simplicity. All of our cabins are surrounded by nature with forest sights and sounds. Lodgings are a short walk from spaces for dining and gathering. See a video tour of a cabin.

Our Meditation Hall is spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere that feels deeply integrated with nature and the surrounding forest. The versatile space is conducive for meditation, movement, workshops, training, and other community gatherings.

Food that nourishes to support healing, restoration, and community. Our organic and seasonally inspired menus feature creative and nourishing vegetarian meals, tailored to support meditative practices. We use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Lunch is the most substantial meal of the day and dinner is lighter. Our indoor and outdoor dining hall is open 24/7 with self-service coffee, tea and healthy snack options.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila M.

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!! – Anonymous

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura M