When Awareness Becomes Natural
With Lienchi (LC) Tran and Neesha Patel
June 15 - 21, 2026
Open to experienced and new practitioners
Registration closes on June 1, 2026. If joining after this date, please contact us.
In this 7-day retreat, we will explore Vipassana meditation in the practice style of Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Sayadaw’s approach is free from rigid forms, influenced by his previous life as a layperson and his interest in adaptable practices. Nonetheless, his teachings are rigorous, emphasizing Right View, Awareness, and a relaxed, gentle, continuous practice attitude throughout the day.
You will explore how to create the conditions for awareness to arise naturally, experience the continuity of meditation practice regardless of your posture or location, and discover wisdom and other beautiful qualities of mind and heart through your practice. Most importantly, you will learn to practice meditation in a way that you can continue to practice at home.
The retreat will be held in noble silence, and yogis are expected to keep five (or eight) precepts. The days include sitting, walking, work meditation, hiking, eating – and all of these are included in one’s practice time. There is a Dharma talk and instruction given every day, as well individual and group practice discussion. Sayadaw’s book will be provided to read as needed.
The retreat schedule will include periods of group practice as well as periods of self-directed practice. Near the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to practice listening and talking with other yogis who may become your Dharma friends on your spiritual journey.
This retreat will offer a particular practice style. We ask that you embrace the teachings with an open heart and mind, allowing yourself to fully experience the wisdom shared.
HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS
This approach is very accessible and scaffolded in a way that is transformative. I have learned so much on this retreat that I plan on applying to my daily life. Hope to come to another one again soon.
This was by far the most unique and inspiring retreat I have ever attended. During the retreat I felt my whole perspective on practice change, and my approach toward taking the practice into daily life has changed.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT
This is a silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers.
Learn more ABOUT RETREAT & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.
GENEROSITY: Retreat Costs and Fees
This retreat is offered on a donation basis, as a practice of dana (generosity). Participants are invited to donate according to their means to cover their registration. Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees.
As part of this tradition, many meditation teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer their teachings without set fees or compensation. There will be an opportunity to offer “teacher dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. It is encouraged but not required. Learn more about dana here.
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.
SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE
Accommodations
We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.
Meals
Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.
Preparing for your retreat
We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.
Getting to BBRC
We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.
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.
Visit our Planning Your Retreat page to learn more about accessibility and other resources. Contact us if we can support ahead of time.
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
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!!
Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura
Teachers & Facilitators
Raised in a Mahayana Buddhist family in Vietnam, Lienchi Tran discovered meditation in 1984, inspired by the teachings of Thay Thich Nhat Hanh. Her journey deepened in 1992 when she attended a retreat with Bhante Khippapanno, leading her to ordain and fully immerse herself in Theravada Buddhism. In 1998, she continued her training in Burma under Sayadaw U Pandita, and in 2003, she found her path profoundly shaped by her primary teacher, Sayadaw U Tejaniya, who encouraged mindfulness as a natural part of daily life. After transitioning from monastic life, Lienchi returned to her career as an architect, weaving mindfulness…
Learn more about Lienchi (LC) Tran
Neesha is inspired by the call to awakening. She is deeply grateful for the Buddha’s teachings and for the opportunity to learn and practice dhamma in both Asia and the US. She loves both intensive longer retreat practice as well as daily life practice. Her practice has been influenced by many wonderful teachers and she teaches primarily in the lineage of Sayadaw U Tejaniya and Ajahn Chah.
Learn more about Neesha Patel