Weeklong Retreats in Tomales

In this retreat, we will focus on something that seems prosaic at first glance: habits. This simple key will lead us to something more profound.

We all have habits of various types. They are familiar. Some help us and help others too, like the habit of exercising, or of spending quality time with family or friends. Others tend to hinder, like losing our temper yet again, over something trivial yet again; or feeling insecure because a colleague questions our work.

During this retreat, we will develop skills for changing habits on the physical, sensory, and emotional levels, and also learn about what lies beneath habits: the deep traits, or tendencies, called samskaras.

When we learn to use the eight points to juggle with one or two minor habits, more is going on. By this simple means, Easwaran says, we begin to unlock restorative forces that lie deep in our consciousness. We can gradually reshape our conditioning at its deepest levels, healing and transforming ourselves.

Our goal in the retreat is not result-oriented. The habit we experiment with may change over a short time, or not; it could turn out to be a stubborn habit. The important thing, instead, is learning to use the eight points as habit-changing skills, so that we become the kind of person who knows she can change, who knows that she is capable of transforming every aspect of personality with enthusiasm, confidence, and patience; and who can build on successes.

It could take about six months to absorb what Easwaran teaches during this one week. Realizing that, you don't need to try to “get it all.” You can stay relaxed and let the deeply replenishing spiritual schedule carry you, knowing you will be well prepared to keep learning from the retreat after this week ends. You will be able to review the readings as well as personal worksheets that will capture your strategies for going forward. That allows you to carry on at a pace that suits you in the following months.

Though weeklong retreats are our most intensive programs, if you have developed a regular practice of daily meditation at home, and if you’ve been immersed in the retreat environment at one or more weekend retreats, you’ll be ready for the challenges. The schedule allows plenty of time each day for reflection, alone or in the company of like-minded people, and for trying out the changes you’d like to make.

During Easwaran’s lifetime, when he saw students who were serious and disciplined about passage meditation, he encouraged them to come to retreats in Tomales frequently. This was so he could guide them and help them develop good eight-point program skills to travel deep into consciousness, safely and steadily.

There was no substitute for retreats in Tomales. Easwaran gave you personal guidance, and passage meditation retreats provided intensive practice and satsang support.

Interestingly, after 25 years of experience in giving retreats, nothing seems to be different today. At a weeklong retreat, you’ll find guidance from Easwaran’s teachings, intensive practice, and plenty of spiritual support.

Equally important, you learn to read Easwaran’s writings and watch his talks – not only for inspiration, but also to absorb practical instruction. As a reader of his books, you already know that Easwaran offers help for changing deeply ingrained habits, improving difficult relationships, and seeking the deepest meaning in life. In this retreat, you take the next step: you learn to “mine” Easwaran’s writings for the timeless wisdom that speaks directly to your life, and then you apply it by using the eight point program skills you’ve been practicing.

Of course, the real work happens when you return home after the retreat, and you continue working on what you’ve learned. It’s all in your hands. When you practice systematically and with sustained enthusiasm, there’s nothing about yourself that you can’t change for the better...which means that every time you come back to a weeklong retreat, in a real way, you’re a new person, ready for the retreat to reveal your next step in a journey of personal spiritual transformation.

What people have said about our weeklong retreats:

“The weeklong retreats help me make breakthroughs in my practice – to identify a blind spot, tackle a long-standing habit, establish what I need to work on next. The company of other dedicated meditators refreshes my heart and soul, and reminds me of the deep joy and security that comes with a practice that is sustained, systematic, and sincere.”

Weeklong Retreats: Prerequisites

Weeklong Retreats: Schedule & Fees

Weeklong retreats begin on Saturday at 4 p.m. and end on Friday at 2 p.m.

A note about your travel plans: We strongly recommend that you participate in the full retreat from Saturday through Friday lunch. Not only is this courteous to your fellow retreatants, but this very powerful retreat culminates on the final day. To get the full benefit of the program, and to leave with your practice balanced and ready to integrate back home, you will want to fully participate in the entire week.

We also recommend taking a quiet day after the retreat ends on Friday because of the intensity of this curriculum. You are welcome to spend an extra night at the retreat house if that would help you (available as an option during registration).

Click here to see the retreat fees and an explanation of our sliding scale.

Retreat FAQs and Tomales Retreat House Information

Click here for details about our retreat logistics.

Click here for information about our retreat house and travel to Tomales.