Guan Yin Retreat

Come join us for a week of recitation, meditation, service, and self-reflection immersed in a spiritual community, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. This is a chance to disconnect from our digital devices, reconnect to our inner wisdom and compassion, and form a true network of caring relationships with those around us.​ To fully immerse in the monastic environment, we encourage everyone to uphold the Eight Precepts (details here). 

Retreat Dates

Fall Session: DRBU Extension will not host the 2024 fall Guan Yin session
Winter Amitabha Session: Dec 14-22, 2024 (special session dedicated to Amitabha Buddha, details forthcoming)

Retreat Details

Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva (or simply “Guan Yin”) is considered an embodiment of Great Compassion. Her name literally means “She who Hears the Cries of the World.” As a Bodhisattva dedicated to the welfare of all beings, she listens deeply to each of our sounds and responds accordingly. By reciting her name, we tap our own inherent capacity for kindness and compassion. By quieting our minds, we begin to hear our own inner sounds with a caring and open heart.
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Come join us for one week of intensive recitation and meditation practice in a monastic environment. The daily schedule consists of chanting, walking, bowing, and sitting recitation, as well as discussions and lectures to explain the practice.

• Engage in discussions with practicing monks, nuns, and teachers
• Meet other students interested in exploring Buddhism
• Experience the methods of Guan Yin recitation, contemplation, and meditation
• Study from Buddhist sacred texts the methods of practices related to Guan Yin Bodhisattva
• Train according to the 8-Precepts and Buddhist Code of Conduct
• Try a vegetarian diet

Retreat fees: $350*

* We are committed to making sure that finance is not an obstacle in attending the retreat. Please request a scholarship when you apply if you have financial difficulty paying for room and board.

Meals

Breakfast and lunch will be served. We encourage everyone to uphold the 8-Precepts during this retreat. (Please see guidelines.) For those who need it, a simple dinner of fruits and bread will be served in the evening. Please note we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs.

Full Attendance

We require that participants come for the entire session starting on Saturday evening with Orientation and ending on Sunday with the Closing Round.

Meditation Retreat Scholarship for College Students

We wish to support the personal growth of college students. Scholarships cover the entire retreat fee, but do not include personal and transportation expenses. If interested, please apply via our application form.

Location

The retreat is held at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB) in Ukiah, CA. CTTB was named a “sacred site” by National Geographic. It is located just 110 miles north of San Francisco. The campus includes a Buddhist monastery with practicing monks and nuns, as well as schools and an organic farm.

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations made 10 days prior to arrival day, refunds will be available minus a $20 application fee. Cancellations made less than 10 days before retreat arrival day do not qualify for a refund. Registration is non-transferable.

For more information, contact extension@drbu.edu.