Residential Retreat Schedule
Insight Retreats are opportunities to engage in full-time mindfulness training. The daily schedule includes periods of sitting and walking meditation, instructions, dharma talks, work meditation and practice discussion with teachers. Silence is maintained throughout most of the retreat.
- COVID Protocol: Please read our COVID Protocol FAQ
- Cost: Our retreats are offered freely at no cost to anyone who participates. Most of the financial support for IRC comes from donations participants offer at the end of retreats. Their generosity is what allows others to participate in future retreats.
- Deposit: A refundable deposit via credit card is required to reserve a space in the retreat. Your card will only be charged if: (1) you are accepted into the retreat and cancel after the cancellation deadline, (three weeks before the start of the retreat), or (2) you are accepted into the retreat and do not attend.
- Lottery: All applications that come in during the first 3 weeks of registration are entered into a lottery. Those not selected can be placed on the Waiting List. If an applicant is not selected in the lottery after applying for a retreat, the probability of getting accepted increases with each subsequent retreat they apply for. More Info.
- Location: Insight Retreat Center, 1906 Glen Canyon Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
See our FAQ for more information – E-Mail Us: info@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week LBGTQIA+ Insight Retreat with bruni dávila and Marjolein Janssen
January 12 to 19, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat for the LGBTQIA+ community. This is an opportunity to come together in the safety of community, embracing all of ourselves, as we cultivate the wholesome and loving qualities of our hearts and minds. There will be alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks and practice discussion meetings with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners who self-identify as LGBTQIA+.
FAQ - RETREAT FULL - APPLY ONLINE to be put on the WAITING LIST. - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received to be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 12/22/24.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Kathryn, kathryng@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat for People in their 20s & 30s with Gil Fronsdal and Max Erdstein
January 26 to February 2, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. This retreat is limited to people in their 20s and 30s.
FAQ - RETREAT FULL - Registration CLOSED, Waiting List FULL - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 1/5/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Shelley Gault will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Evelyn, evelyn@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Awareness and Wisdom Retreat with Andrea Fella and Alexis Santos
February 15 to 22, 2025 - Hours: Saturday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Saturday 1:00 pm
Exploration of the mindfulness practice taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya, encouraging awareness and wisdom through relaxation of body and mind while paying close attention to present moment experience and the quality of the mind that meditates. Primarily self-directed practice with guidance provided through teachings, Q & A sessions, and discussions with the teacher. Read more about the style and form of this Awareness & Wisdom retreat.
FAQ - RETREAT FULL - Registration CLOSED, Waiting List FULL - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 1/25/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Kristen, kristen@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Gil Fronsdal and bruni davila
March 2 to 9, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - RETREAT FULL - Registration CLOSED, Waiting List FULL - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 2/9/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Kirsten Rudestam will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Prerana, prerana@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Max Erdstein and Matthew Brensilver
March 16 to 23, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - RETREAT FULL - APPLY ONLINE to be put on the WAITING LIST. - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received to be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 2/23/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Leo, leo@insightretreatcenter.org
4 day Insight Retreat with Ines Freedman and Diana Clark
April 10 to 13, 2025 - Hours: Thursday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens January 10, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $100 deposit must be received by 1/31/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 3/20/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Roberta, roberta@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat for People in their 20s & 30s with Mei Elliott, Kodo Conlin, and Kirsten Rudestam
April 20 to 27, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. This retreat is limited to people in their 20s and 30s.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opened December 20, 2024 - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 1/10/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 3/30/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Prerana, prerana@insightretreatcenter.org
2 week Experienced Practitioners Retreat with Gil Fronsdal, assisted by Diana Clark
May 4 to 18, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat for experienced yogis that includes alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teacher.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opened December 4, 2024 - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Requirements: Attended at least four, 7-day (or longer) silent Vipassana retreats.
- Your application and $350 deposit must be received by 12/25/24 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 4/6/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Diana Clark will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Fred, fred@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Gil Fronsdal, Nolitha Tsengiwe, and Devon Hase
June 1 to 8, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens February 1, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 2/22/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 5/11/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Ying Chen will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Helen, helen@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Matthew Brensilver and Ines Freedman
June 15 to 22, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens February 15, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 3/8/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 5/25/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Sandra S, sandra@insightretreatcenter.org
2 week Mindfulness of Mind Retreat for Experienced Students with Andrea Fella
June 29 to July 13, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
Exploration of the mindfulness practice as taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya, encouraging relaxation of body and mind while paying close attention to present moment experience and the quality of the mind that meditates. Self-directed practice with guidance provided through teachings, Q & A sessions and discussions with the teacher.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opens January 29, 2025 - please check back then
- Requirements: Attended four 7-day (or longer) silent Vipassana retreats, which includes at least two weeks of retreat in the style of Sayadaw U Tejaniya and teacher's permission. To start the permission process, please apply for the retreat. For questions related to permission, contact Yosh Haggerty at yosh@insightretreatcenter.org.
- Your application and $350 deposit must be received by 2/19/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 6/1/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Roberta, roberta@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Metta Retreat with Nikki Mirghafori and Diana Clark
July 20 to 27, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent metta (lovingkindness) retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens March 20, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 4/10/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 6/29/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Fred, fred@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Ines Freedman and Francisco Morillo Gable
August 3 to 10, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens April 3, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 4/24/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 7/13/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Kristen, kristen@insightretreatcenter.org
5 day Insight Retreat in Spanish (Español) with Andrea Castillo and Teacher TBD
August 20 to 24, 2025 - Hours: Wednesday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
Retiro de meditación y atención plena en silencio con periodos de meditación, pláticas de Dharma. Instrucción de yoga con Ángela Salgado López y pláticas individuales con los maestros para hablar sobre la práctica.
FAQ - Registration opens April 20, 2025 - please check back then
- Requirements: Haber tenido introducción previa a la meditación Insight y permiso de los maestros.
- Su inscripción y el depósito de $100 deben recibirse a más tardar el día 5/11/25 para ser incluido en la lotería. Aproximadamente 2 semanas después, las personas inscritas recibirán una notificación indicando si fueron aceptadas o si están en la lista de espera del retiro. Las personas que se inscriban después de esta fecha serán colocadas en la lista de espera. El depósito se cobra solamente si la persona aceptada al retiro cancela después de la fecha límite, 7/30/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Mónica, monica@insightretreatcenter.org
28 day Experienced Practitioners Retreat with Gil Fronsdal, assisted by Ines Freedman
August 31 to September 27, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Saturday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat for experienced yogis that includes alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teacher.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opens March 31, 2025 - please check back then
- Requirements: Attended at least four, 7-day (or longer) silent Vipassana retreats. Attendees will be expected to attend the entire retreat, from beginning to end.
- Your application and $350 deposit must be received by 4/21/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 8/3/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Ines Freedman will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Roberta, roberta@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Diana Clark, Kim Allen, David Lorey, and Ying Chen
October 12 to 19, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens June 12, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 7/3/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 9/21/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Barry, barry@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Castillo
October 26 to November 2, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens June 26, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 7/17/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 10/5/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Mei Elliott will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Fred, fred@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Gil Fronsdal and Teacher TBD
November 16 to 23, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens July 16, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 8/6/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 10/26/25.
Note: This retreat will also be webcast to a Zoom Meditation hall for Online Participants. Kodo Conlin will provide Practice Support for the Online Participants. To register for the Online option instead: REGISTER HERE
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Evelyn, Evelyn@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week Insight Retreat with Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella
November 30 to December 7, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens July 30, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 8/20/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 11/9/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Helen, helen@insightretreatcenter.org
1 week "Insight Santa Cruz" Insight Retreat with Dawn Neal and Teacher TBD
December 14 to 21, 2025 - Hours: Sunday check-in is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm End time: Sunday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teacher. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
FAQ - Registration opens August 14, 2025 - please check back then
- Your application and $200 deposit must be received by 9/4/25 to be entered in the lottery. Applicants will be notified about 2 weeks later if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List. Your deposit will only be charged if you are accepted to the retreat and cancel after 11/23/25.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar: Barry, barry@insightretreatcenter.org