Questions & Answers

The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation has been offering programs based on Easwaran’s passage meditation to a worldwide audience for nearly 40 years.

Passage meditation fits within any religious or nonreligious philosophy and within any lifestyle – our meditators include busy parents, professionals, students, and retired people. We currently offer retreats throughout the US and in Europe.

If you would like to learn more about passage meditation or deepen your practice, our retreats will give you guidance, support, inspiration, and fellowship tailored to your needs.

We hope you’ll find the following questions and answers helpful.

What is a typical day at a retreat like?

Each type of retreat includes workshops for reading, reflection, and discussion; question & answer sessions; direct inspiration from Eknath Easwaran through videotaped talks and readings; meditation periods; a mantram walk; breaks for personal study, exercise, or rest; and vegetarian meals.

One-day retreats start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Weekend retreats start on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and end on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Weeklong retreats start on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and end on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Senior half-week retreats start on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and end on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Who attends a retreat?

Retreats on Easwaran’s method of passage meditation appeal to, and benefit, those from many walks of life. People of a variety of ages, backgrounds, and nationalities participate, and this diversity adds a great richness.

Most retreatants come by themselves, and we provide a comfortable setting for everyone to feel at home. People quickly make friends, but there is never any pressure to share or talk more than you feel comfortable with.

If you are coming with a friend or partner to a retreat in Tomales, California, let us know this when you register and we will give you a shared, private room together. If you are coming with a friend or partner to a retreat in another location, call us to find out about the availability of double rooms.

How many people attend?

Retreats in Tomales are kept to a small, congenial group of about 20 people. Retreats in other locations typically have 40–80 participants. In these larger retreats, we have small breakout groups.

We tailor retreats to meet the needs of each participant, level, and group.

What type of retreat should I attend – a one-day, weekend, or weeklong?

If this is your first retreat or you want to re-establish your practice, look for an introductory weekend retreat in Tomales, a one-day retreat in Tomales, or any of our retreats outside Tomales. These all have workshops designed to meet the needs of people coming to a passage meditation retreat for the first time.

If you have been to a BMCM retreat before, or participated in a BMCM fellowship group for at least six months, look for an in-depth weekend retreat in Tomales, or any of our retreats outside Tomales.

If you have been practicing passage meditation daily for six months and have been to a BMCM retreat before, you might consider a weeklong retreat. Our weeklong retreats give you the opportunity to reflect upon, and deepen, your practice of all the eight points and immerse yourself in a spiritual schedule. Participants experience deeper meditation, a calmer mind, inspiration and support from other people attending the retreat, and a unique chance to step back from daily activities to re-focus on their highest ideals.

This is my first retreat. What will the content of the program be?

If you’re new to passage meditation, a day or weekend in the peaceful setting of one of our retreats is an ideal way to get off to a good start. If you’ve been exploring meditation on your own, you’ll find inspiration, encouragement, and new horizons opening. Either way, you’ll go home refreshed and renewed.

You will receive instruction from Blue Mountain Center presenters with years of experience.

• Introductory Retreat theme: “Finding Strength in the Stormy Seas of Life”

“Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater our vital resources are than we had supposed” – William James

Read an excerpt from one of Eknath Easwaran’s articles, which captures the promise of the retreat: “Clarity, Confidence, and Grace”

“Few human beings are born with the ability to weather storm and stress with grace. But everyone can learn.” (Read more)

Click here to watch a video of Easwaran speaking on:

• the inner peace that gradually comes through passage meditation
• using the mantram to deal with anxiety.

What are the themes for the retreats?

2009 regional retreats for newcomers: “Finding Strength in Life’s Stormy Seas”

2009 regional retreats for returning meditators: “Deeper Living – Your Life is Your Message”

2009 “Inspiration” weekend retreats in Tomales: “Grace under Pressure: Facing Unkindness with Kindness”

2009 weeklong retreats in Tomales: “Finding Equanimity: Entering into Joy”

“A retreat never fails to deepen my practice and leave me feeling refreshed and reconnected. But best of all, sad as I always am to leave, I can’t wait to bring the retreat back home and put all I have learned to use. The benefits of a retreat extend well beyond my experience of it.” (Sally T.)

When is the next retreat in my area?

To find the next retreat in your area, look at our regional retreat calendar at the top the right column of this page.

There is no retreat listed for my area. How can I request one?

If you would like a retreat in your area, please let us know. We might not be able to provide one in the near future, but we always welcome requests and can offer other resources which might be helpful.

Who leads the retreats?

Our retreat presenters are dedicated, experienced meditators with extensive training in giving clear and practical instruction. All retreats are built on Eknath Easwaran’s talks and writings, which show how we can bring the ancient art of meditation into our busy, modern life. Our aim is for you to leave the retreat with a practical, individually tailored program for developing your life to its fullest potential.

How much meditation do we do at a retreat?

Depending on the type of retreat, there are two or three group passage meditation sessions of 30 minutes. The third meditation period is optional. All meditation periods are silent.

Are there prerequisites for attending a retreat?

There are no prerequisites for retreats outside Tomales, or for one-day and introductory retreats in Tomales.

“Inspiration” weekend retreats are for those who have attended a previous BMCM retreat or participated in a BMCM fellowship group regularly for six months.

In-depth weeklong retreats are for those who have been meditating half an hour daily using Eknath Easwaran’s method of passage meditation for at least six months and have attended a previous BMCM retreat or participated in a BMCM fellowship group for six months.

We recommend a “young adult” retreat if you are between 18 and 35 years old and want to meet like-minded people of a similar age.

We recommend a “senior” retreat if you are over 65 years old or are facing a life-threatening illness.

What is an “introductory and refresher” retreat?

Introductory one-day and weekend retreats give basic instructions in Easwaran’s method of passage meditation. There are no prerequisites.

We will introduce you to passage meditation and give you everything you need to establish a daily practice. Most people who attend have not been to a BMCM retreat before, but they may have read a book by Easwaran, seen one of his talks, or visited this Web site and now want to find out more and have their questions answered. Some people have already attended a BMCM retreat but would like to return for a refresher or to re-establish a daily practice.

These retreats fill up quickly, so please register as early as possible.

What is a “young adult” retreat?

Young adult retreats in Tomales are tailored to the needs of those between 18 and 35 years old. There are workshops both for people who are new to passage meditation and for those who are experienced. You will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at how you want to shape your daily life and your future and learn how passage meditation can support your highest ideals.

Passage meditation is especially effective in helping to overcome stress, build loving relationships, give meaning and purpose to everyday life, and draw out the power each of us has to quietly change the world.

These are some of our most popular and lively retreats. They include rich discussions, workshops, half-hour periods of meditation, walks on the beach, recreation, delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals, and quiet time for breaks, rest, or exercise.

What is a retreat for seniors or those facing life-threatening illnesses like?

Eknath Easwaran developed our program for seniors. He taught that the later years of life can be the richest, in terms of the benefit we can bring to others and the sense of deep fulfillment that we can experience. He showed how the physical limitations imposed on the body by age can be overcome through spiritual disciplines anyone can do. Once we become established in the changeless, aging cannot diminish our security or lessen our ability to contribute richly to life.

We have been giving retreats for seniors along these lines for almost 15 years. Everyone is welcome to attend who is over 65 or facing a life-threatening illness. There are no other prerequisites.

You will experience four days of living a spiritual schedule based on quiet study, reading and reflection, practical discussions about facing age-related changes, inspiring videotaped talks by Eknath Easwaran, meditation, exercise, breaks, and delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals.

The schedule includes many optional activities, allowing you to find the right balance for yourself. We do our best to accommodate any special needs.

Do both men and women attend the retreats?

Yes, all our retreats are attended by both men and women.

I’m coming by myself to a retreat; will I feel comfortable?

The majority of people attending our retreats come by themselves. It doesn’t take long to make friends, settle down, and feel at home. We do everything possible to make the retreat environment relaxed and there is never any pressure to share or talk more than you feel comfortable with.

If you want a single room, please call us to find out about the availability in that retreat location.

How do I register for a retreat?

Online: Go to this page, select your retreat type and complete the checkout. Enrollment requires full payment with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, American Express, and MasterCard. We do not accept Discover cards.

By phone: Call us between Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time at 800.475.2369 (or +1 707.878.2369 for international calls).

By mail:

• Review the prerequisites of the retreat.
• Make a check payable to “BMCM” for the retreat fee.
• Include a note specifying the date and location of retreat, any dietary restrictions or special needs you may have, and the name and phone number of someone we can call in case of an emergency.
• Send your note and check to: BMCM, PO Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971.

Important! Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received a confirmation packet.

When will I receive a confirmation of my retreat registration?

If you provided an email address, we will send you a retreat confirmation packet by email within 48 hours of receipt of your registration payment. If you do not receive a reply within 48 hours, please call us at 800.475.2369. If you did not provide an email address, we will send you confirmation by mail, and you should allow 10 days for this to arrive.

Note: If you register online, you will receive an immediate confirmation of the transaction. But this is not a retreat confirmation packet. Please wait to receive an email message from us confirming your registration before you make travel arrangements.

When should I reserve travel arrangements?

Please wait until you have received a retreat confirmation packet from us. This packet will include travel information, directions, a schedule, and a list of what you need to bring. We are always glad to answer any questions you have before or after you receive this.

May I reserve a space in the retreat without paying the full fee?

Yes. You may set up a payment plan if it is difficult for you to pay the full retreat fee. For more information, phone us at 800 475 2369 or write to financial.aid@easwaran.org.

The retreat I want to attend is listed as full. Is there any chance I can attend?

Yes, there is a chance that a space may become available. Call us to be put on the waiting list, free of charge, and we will call you if a space becomes available. Alternatively, consider attending as a commuter.

What is a “commuter?”

All retreats with an overnight stay have a limited number of commuter places available.

As a commuter, you attend the full program including all meals, but you need to arrange your own accommodations. There is a reduced fee for commuters: $200 for weekends; $500 for weeklong retreats; and $250 for senior half-week retreats. We can provide you with a list of local accommodations for all our retreats.

The commuter option is ideal for those who would like to attend a retreat when the retreat house is full (it will be labeled “full” on the shopping cart list) or who live locally and prefer to go home in the evening. You may have your morning meditation and breakfast with the retreat group or separately. Our weekend and weeklong retreats have a short evening program after dinner and generally finish at 8:30 p.m.

May I stay at the retreat house when there is not a scheduled retreat, or before or after a retreat?

Our retreat house in Tomales, California, is only available for scheduled retreats. However, if you are attending a one-day, weekend, half-week, or weeklong retreat, you are welcome to stay one night before and/or after the retreat to prepare for, or extend, your scheduled retreat. The fee for an extra stay is $60 per person per night, which does not include food.

Retreats in other locations are held in private retreat centers, which are available only during the course of the scheduled BMCM retreat. Please call us if you would like a list of local accommodations near our regional retreats.

What are the accommodations and facilities like at a retreat?

All accommodations in Tomales, California, are held in a beautiful retreat house on the Northern California coast, in a small town about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco. The workshops, accommodations, meditation room, and dining room are all conveniently situated in the same house. Most rooms are shared with one other person; limited private rooms are available too. Linens and towels are provided.

Please call us about accommodations at retreats elsewhere.

Do we meditate on a chair or on the floor?

Meditation is done either on a chair or on the floor, depending on what is most comfortable for you. At our retreats in Tomales, California, we provide blankets, cushions, and pillows. If you are attending a retreat outside of Tomales, you might want to bring a cushion for your comfort.

Where can I find directions to the retreat house?

For retreats in Tomales:

Click here.
Note that the retreat house is only open during a retreat, and you must register in advance to attend. If you would like information about our facility, please call the BMCM office at 707.878.2369.

For retreats in other locations, you’ll find directions to each retreat on this page.

How can I carpool or share a ride with others?

We encourage you to carpool to our retreats whenever possible. If you would be willing to offer a ride, or if you need a ride, please take a minute to sign up for our ride share forum and post your message.

Go to: www.easwaran.org/rideshare

What phone number can I give to friends and family in case of an emergency?

For retreats in Tomales:

In an emergency, friends and family may call you at the retreat house at 707.878.2359.

If it is not an emergency, please ask friends and family to call the BMCM office at 707.878.2369 and we will pass messages on to you. This will help preserve the retreat house atmosphere. The BMCM office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Messages are checked once a day during the weekend too.

For retreats in other locations:

Go to www.easwaran.org/travel and click on Travel Instructions in the right column under the date of your retreat to find a document listing the address and phone number of each retreat house.

What do I need to bring?

Bring appropriate warm and cool clothing, depending on the location of the retreat and time of year, including something comfortable for meditation, slippers or indoor shoes, and walking shoes.

If you are attending a retreat in Tomales, California, bear in mind that the weather on the coast is changeable, so bring at least one warm sweater and jacket.

Also bring a book bag with a notebook, pens, and a copy of God Makes the Rivers to Flow if you have one. All reading and study materials are provided at the retreat.

Cell phone service is only partly available in Tomales. There is a telephone in the retreat house for local and calling card calls. You can purchase calling cards at the retreat house for $10 or $20, but you may also want to bring your own if you have one.

If you are staying overnight, bring a bathrobe, toiletries, and an alarm clock. Hairdryers and irons are not provided. Laundry facilities are generally not available. Linens and towels are provided.

At retreats in Tomales, most rooms are shared with one other person. Call us to find out about accommodation at other retreat locations.

How should I prepare for the retreat?

When you register, you will receive a retreat confirmation packet with details of how you can prepare.

If this is your first retreat, we ask that you read or re-read the book Passage Meditation (formerly called Meditation) by Eknath Easwaran and memorize one of the meditation passages in that book. The main chapters in the book and many passages are also available without charge on this site.

Then give your best to your practice of the eight-point program during the days or weeks leading up to the retreat. If your meditation practice has been irregular, try to make it regular. See if you can begin to meditate every day.

What is the sliding scale, and how does it work?

Regional or Tomales One-Day Retreat

• Standard Fee $100
• Sliding Scale $60 – $140

Tomales Young Adult Retreat

• Standard Fee $200
• Sliding Scale $150 – $250

Regional or Tomales Weekend Retreat

• Standard Fee $300
• Sliding Scale $225 – $375

Tomales Senior Retreat

• Standard Fee $400
• Sliding Scale $300 – $500

Tomales Weeklong Retreat

• Standard Fee $700
• Sliding Scale $550 – $850

Our sliding scale prices make it possible for more people to attend BMCM programs. Choose the price that seems right to you: a lower fee if you need help with the retreat fee, or the standard fee, or a higher fee if you would like to make a donation. We will keep all donations and fee payments confidential.

The standard fee covers the cost of your retreat experience. Each dollar paid over the standard fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. As an example, if you pay $140 for a one-day retreat, $100 covers your place, and you are donating $40 to help the BMCM bring retreats to more people.

We depend upon donations to cover more than 25% of our retreat and other program costs, and over 50% of our overall BMCM operating costs. If you would like to increase your tax-deductible donation to more than the upper sliding scale price indicated above, we would be very grateful – you will then be supporting our retreat development for the future.

If the lowest price on the sliding scale still seems too high for you, please email financial.aid@easwaran.org for information on applying for payment plans and/or the availability of scholarships. And please contact us at this email address if you would like to make an additional donation, or if you have any questions or comments about our sliding scale pricing. Thank you!

Do you offer financial aid?

We want to make it possible for everyone to learn about, or deepen their practice of, passage meditation. For this reason, we offer many resources free of charge – such as the Blue Mountain quarterly journal and the Easwaran.org Web site – and we have a sliding scale fee structure for our retreats.

If you would like to attend a retreat and cannot afford to pay the lowest fee on the sliding scale in one payment, you may apply for financial aid. Financial aid makes it possible for you to pay in installments and/or receive a scholarship. To apply for financial aid, call us at 800 475 2369 or write to us at financial.aid@easwaran.org.

Do you have work/study programs?

We are sorry that we do not offer any volunteer work/study programs.

What is the food like?

Our hearty and delicious vegetarian meals consistently get rave reviews from our retreatants. Many of the meals are based on recipes from the million-copy bestseller cookbook Laurel’s Kitchen, which was written by staff at the Blue Mountain Center.

All meals are served buffet style, so you can choose your serving sizes.

Coffee, tea, fruit, cookies, and snacks are available throughout the day.

For retreats in Tomales we provide special meals for those with dietary restrictions, so please let us know when you register if you have any special needs.

For retreats at other locations, we are unfortunately not able to accommodate special diets. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring some supplementary food with you. For weekend retreats we can provide refrigeration space and a microwave if needed.

May I bring my own food if I am staying before and/or after a retreat?

For retreats in Tomales, California, you may certainly bring your own vegetarian food and use the kitchen facilities at the retreat house. Please do not bring any nonvegetarian food or alcohol.

I have dietary restrictions. May I bring my own food?

Yes, for retreats in Tomales, California, you may bring your own vegetarian food to the retreat. Write your name clearly on the packaging of the food items, and talk to our retreat house staff to find the best storage place.

We provide special meals for people with dietary restrictions. Please tell us your requirements when you register.

For retreats in other locations, we can usually provide refrigeration and microwave facilities. All retreat meals are served buffet style.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you find you are not able to attend the retreat for any reason, we would be more than happy to refund your retreat fee in full. We regret that we cannot refund donations made above the standard retreat fee.

How can I get further information?

Call us at 800 475 2369 (use + 1 707 878 2369 for international calls), send a fax to us at 707 878 2369, or write to us at info@easwaran.org or BMCM, PO Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971. We look forward to hearing from you!