About Retreats at IRC

The Insight Retreat Center offers both residential retreats at our retreat center near Santa Cruz, CA as well as online retreats via videoconference.

Our retreats are focused on insight meditation (Vipassana) and the liberation teachings of the Buddha.  They are silent mindfulness retreats with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, and practice discussions with the teachers.

The opportunity to dedicate a period of time to intensive meditation practice is one of the most precious aspects of our tradition. Continuity of attention over several days or longer, undisturbed by external demands or diversions, can allow the body to settle, the mind to clear, and the heart to relax. We can then attain a better understanding of ourselves, begin to release the habits of thought and behavior that are not helpful to us, and practice cultivating a peaceful mind and loving heart. The support of a teacher and fellow retreatants helps create a safe and protected environment essential to this transformative process.

All our retreats are freely offered.  Our center is supported by donations from those who practice here, and it is managed entirely by volunteers.

For more information about our Retreats see:  Residential Retreat FAQ  ~  Online Retreat FAQ