meditation retreat dave smith jameson recovery insight vipassana
  • Single Room, Private Bathroom – $1,900.00
  • Single Room, Shared Bathroom – $1,500.00
  • Double Shared Room, Shared Bathroom – $1,000.00
  • Triple Room, Shared Bath – $640.00

Date & Time Details:
2:00p - 4:00p Registration
4:30p Welcome Walk
5:30p Dinner
7:00p Opening Ceremony
*schedule subject to change

Location: Big Bear Retreat Center

Address: 1000 Sugarpine Road, Big Bear, CA, USA

Contact: Big Bear Retreat Center
guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org
760-885-9898

Covid Policy: please plan to bring your own tests
-Proof of negative rapid test taken same day of arrival
-72 hour re-test during retreat
-Masks and vaccines are optional
(subject to change based on local guidelines)

Rideshare: https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/6br9dj

Email us about program

The Sure Heart’s Release

With Dave Smith and Jameson

October 14 - 19, 2024

A Silent Insight Meditation Retreat

Monday, October 14th – Saturday, October 19th
Registration closes October 6th at 11:59pm Pacific Time

meditation hall big bear

The primary focus of teachings throughout this retreat will draw upon the timeless instructions from the Satipatthana Sutta, the heart of the Buddha’s instructions for the establishment of Mindfulness.
Together, we will explore various methods for attending to our experience with kindness and wisdom that lead to the sure heart’s release: the purification of conduct, the purification of mind, and the development of insight. The cultivation of these qualities direct us to a radiant heart of freedom.
 
Held within the traditional structure of noble silence, the program will include instructions for sitting and walking practice, Dharma talks, and group practice discussions. Over several days we will develop the foundations of mindfulness and the heart qualities of the brahma viharas in a contemplative container of kind awareness.

The daily schedule will alternate periods of sitting and walking. We will also emphasize a continuity of Mindfulness throughout meals, resting, and mindful work-as-practice. We hope you will join us. Suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Cost:

*retreat fees below guarantee a room type, however if space is available guests will automatically be upgraded room types, when possible*
*retreat fees do not include teacher dana-donations: more information below*

Single room with private bath $1,900

Single room with shared bath $1,500

Double room with shared bath $1,000

Triple room with shared bath $640

Are finances a barrier to attend? We strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to anyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way, we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you. We ask that these be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or in financial need. Contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.

 

   

 

Accommodations:

The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use. Our residential cabins and rooms are simply furnished with a balance of comfort and simplicity. All beds are twin, and all bedding is provided by the center.

 

The Meditation Hall:

Our beautiful meditation hall is a large room that accommodates most meditation and movement retreats. We have supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies. If you’re unsure, please contact us or visit our welcome guide for more details.

 

Meals:

The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.

Teacher Dana: 

As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support. Learn more here about the practice of dana.

Work Meditation: This retreat will include a daily work meditation service period, or “yogi jobs”, around 30-minutes a day. This is an opportunity to practice in service of community and bring your practice into daily roles at the center. If you have mobility or health concerns please reach out and we will find alternative accommodations.  More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration.

Planning your trip: If you are booking a flight for your trip our recommendation is to search for flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT) whenever possible. If your travel plans require you to land at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to your arrival at BBRC for retreat. Registration opens on Arrival day from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Most retreats close by noon or later on departure day so please allow yourself adequate time for travel to the airport. Please visit our Getting to Big Bear page on our website for more detailed travel recommendations.

Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat.  Visit the ride-share page

Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a proof of a negative rapid test on arrival day for all yogis, teachers and staff. A re-test will be required on the third day by dinner. Masking and vaccines are optional.

Guests are asked, when possible, to bring their own rapid tests or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be provided by the center by request only.

For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org

Cancellation Policy: Please visit our website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy

  • > 8 weeks   $100
  • 4-8 weeks   $175
  • 2-4 weeks   $300
  • <2 weeks    No Refunds

Scholarship and Financial Support Cancellation Fee Policy:

  • > 8 weeks   $75
  • 4-8 weeks   $150
  • < 4 weeks   No Refunds

Teachers & Facilitators

Dave Smith
For nearly 30 years, Dave Smith has held a practice rooted in the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition. He was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, is a certified teacher for Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) which is combines contemporary emotion based scientific research with contemplative practices and psychology drawn from Buddhism and has studied Buddhist psychology at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS). Dave teaches residential meditation retreats, weekly live dharma classes, online courses, and workshops. He has developed educational tools and resources, including mindfulness and emotional skills trainings, in both secular and Buddhist contexts.…
Learn more about Dave Smith
Jameson
Jameson (he/him/his) is a meditation instructor, consultant, and chaplaincy candidate working to support individuals as they seek to reduce suffering in their lives and find their own meaningful path. Coming to Buddhist practice in 2009, he was immediately drawn to the early Buddhist teachings and has studied with monastic and lay teachers in the Sri Lankan, Thai forest, and Soto Zen traditions. Jameson completed Meditation Instructor and Group Facilitation training at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society in 2011 and is currently enrolled in the chaplaincy program at the Upaya Zen Center. He serves in both hospice and community support…
Learn more about Jameson
Contact Us

Connect with us at Big Bear Retreat Center.