• What is retreat life like?

    Most courses follow a typical daily schedule that starts at 6 am and ends at 9 pm. The day is spent in silent practice with alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation. Three meals are served – breakfast, lunch and a light dinner. Comprehensive meditation instruction and talks about the Buddha’s teachings are offered daily. In addition, group or individual meetings with the teachers about meditation practice take place at regular intervals. A short work-as-practice period is set aside each day, usually lasting 45 minutes–1 hour. This gives retreatants an opportunity for mindfulness during everyday activities, from chopping vegetables or washing dishes to vacuuming or cleaning bathrooms. This voluntary service period is essential to the smooth operation of BBRC and allows us to provide our courses at affordable rates. 

  • What is a daily schedule like?

    Here is a typical daily schedule. Please note that it is only tentative – a more precise schedule will be available on your arrival.

    6 am – Wake up

    6:30 am – Sitting meditation

    7:15 am – Breakfast

    8:15 am – Work Meditation

    9:15 am – Sitting meditation with instructions

    10:00 am – Walking meditation

    10:45 am – Sitting Meditation or meetings with teachers

    11:30 am –Walking meditation

    12:00 noon – Lunch/ Rest

    2pm Sitting Meditation

    2:45 pm – Walking meditation

    3:30pm – Sitting meditation

    4:15 pm – Walking meditation

    5:00 pm – Light Dinner

    6:15 pm – Sitting meditation

    7:00 pm – Walking meditation

    7:30 pm – Dharma talk

    8:30 pm – Walking meditation

    9:00 pm – Sleep or Sitting meditation

  • Why are retreats in silence?

    Once your course begins, you will be asked to honor what is known as ‘noble silence’ – a quieting of the body and voice that helps cultivate a calm and peaceful retreat environment. This powerful tool greatly enhances the deepening of concentration and awareness. Noble silence also fosters a sense of safety and spiritual refuge, even in a course filled with up to 100 participants.

    Since walls are thin at BBRC and everyone lives together in close community, your willingness to embrace the silence and simplicity helps everyone – it not only acts as a support for your own practice but is also a direct way of supporting your fellow retreatants.

    Our teachers request that you not engage in other forms of communication while on retreat. Please turn off your cell phones for the duration of your stay and leave behind your laptops, iPods, iPads and other communication devices so that you can commit to your retreat wholeheartedly and reap the benefits of that commitment. 

    Retreat managers will give a phone number to give to a family member or close friend to use in case of emergency so you do not have to check your cell phone. If you have fragile or dependent family members that you need to stay in contact with, please notify our office so arrangements can be made.

    Silence is broken at the end of our courses, in time to allow you to talk and share your experience with other participants.

     

  • Can I speak with a teacher on retreat?

    Although retreats are conducted in silence, there are scheduled times for retreatants to speak with teachers and ask questions about meditation practice. Retreat managers are also available to answer questions in the front office during regular hours posted at the office door.

  • What is teacher dana?

    InsightLA teachers are continuing the ancient Buddhist tradition of freely offering the teachings. What this means is that the teachers receive no compensation for teaching at BBRC, and rely instead on the generosity of course participants for a sustainable income. 

    There is an opportunity to offer contributions to the teachers at the end of your retreat.

  • Is a retreat appropriate for me at this time?

    An intensive silent retreat can be a positive and life-transforming experience. At the same time, meditation practice can be strenuous and requires some stability of physical and psychological health.

    If you have recently experienced considerable trauma, significant depression or anxiety, or are currently experiencing strong PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), a silent retreat may not be appropriate for you at this time in your life. A therapist can help you assess the wisest course duration for you, or if it’s best to wait a while before signing up. Daily life practice may be more beneficial meanwhile.

  • What if I have a chronic health issue or disability?

    InsightLA welcomes all who are genuinely interested in meditation and who wish to participate in our programs.

    If you have a disability or chronic health issue, it is extremely important to let the office know as soon as you are considering registering or applying for a retreat, so that we can discuss how retreat life may impact you, and the level of support that we can realistically offer. As a religious institution, InsightLA is exempt from certain ADA mandates, but we nevertheless strive to do our best to meet your needs.

    For those with mobility issues, Big Bear Retreat Center  (and other retreat locations) facilities provide direct and easy access to our meditation and dining halls, as well as to most of our dormitory accommodations and bathrooms.

  • What if I need to cancel?

    If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible.

    > 8 weeks

       95% refund

    4-8 weeks

        50% refund

    2-4 weeks

        25% refund

    < 2 weeks

        No Refunds

    Date changes that lengthen your confirmed retreat incur no fee.

    All cancellation fees support our Scholarship Funds.

  • How do I get to Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC)?

    Located a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, Big Bear Retreat Center is nestled in the ancient Juniper woodlands (majestic trees that live 3,000+ years) of the San Bernardino Mountains at a 7,000-foot elevation (four mountain seasons) near the town of Big Bear, California.

    Driving:
    ~5 miles from Big Bear Airport
    ~60 miles form Ontario Airport
    ~100 miles from LAX
    ~100 miles from Burbank Airport

     

    Public Transportation

    From Burbank Airport:
    On weekdays, take the MetroLink San Bernardino Line at 6:24am to San Bernardino arriving at 9:28am. 

    From Union Station: 
    On weekdays take the MetroLink San Bernardino Line at 10:19am to San Bernardino arriving at 11:58am. On weekends, take the 6:15am arriving at 7:46am.

    From San Bernardino:
    Take the Mountain Transit #5 Bus daily at 8:30am for 11 stops to ‘Sandlewood Drive behind Vons’ which is a 5 min drive to BBRC around 10am then arrange for carpooling with the Retreat Manager. This bus also runs weekdays departing at 1pm and arriving at 2:30pm. 

    Note: during winter months snow chains may be required to drive to Big Bear. Grocery stores on the way up the mountain sell snow chains for various tire sizes. 

  • How do I share a ride?

    This is a wonderful way to connect with fellow InsightLA retreatants while simultaneously conserving financial and environmental resources. If you can offer a ride to or from InsightLA, or are seeking a ride, please fill out the Group Carpool link which the Retreat Manager will send to you about 6 weeks before the retreat starts. 

     

  • When do I arrive and leave?

    Please arrive at the Retreat Center between 2 and 4pm on the opening day of your course.  This will give you time to register and settle into your room, before having a light dinner. The retreat will begin in the early evening.

    Most courses end in the late morning on the final day of the course. After a closing ceremony, there is an opportunity to talk with fellow participants.  On the day of your departure, you’ll need to vacate your room by 10:00 am.

  • How do I register for retreat?

    Registrations for BBRC courses are accepted online at insightla.org.

    We process registrations by date received or by lottery.

    If you register online, you will immediately receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application.

    Whether you register by mail or online, you should receive further correspondence a few weeks before the start of your retreat. 

    All retreatants are expected to participate in the entire course – this means arriving on time and staying through to the end of the retreat. Prior approval of both the teacher and our office is required for anyone wishing to arrive late or leave early. Once a retreat is in process, such movement is disruptive and places an additional burden on other retreatants, especially with regard to work-as-practice periods. Your room cannot be guaranteed if you arrive late; the full course fee will be charged regardless of length of stay.

    InsightLA strives to provide a safe, peaceful and efficient environment for meditators. It is with regret that we find, at times, the need to turn someone away. Please know that we take great care in such situations – the discernment process is thorough and always with the intention to protect the majority of those who practice here.

  • What kind of clothing can I bring?

    There are two mottos for clothing during your retreat – “Be prepared” and “Be comfortable.”

    Weather at BBRC is seasonal and extremely variable so we recommend that you come well prepared, with clothing selected for comfort rather than style. 

    Winters are cold, and there can be rain, snow or ice. For those who like to walk outside, especially along our marked trails through the woods, we suggest you bring a pair of boots or hiking shoes. We also strongly recommend some form of removable cleats in case of icy conditions.

    As your meditation practice deepens, cool weather may affect you more than usual. Even for indoor wear, you may appreciate long underwear, light gloves, a cap or scarf, warm sweaters or a shawl, and heavy socks. Summers can be hot, and modest lightweight clothing is the norm, including shorts. Please do not bring clothing in noise-making, rustling fabrics such as nylon.

    For your comfort in the dormitory accommodations, be sure to bring loose sweat suits, a bathrobe or other kinds of clothing that allow you to go with ease between your room and the bathroom facilities.

     

  • What additional items can I bring?

    Extra blankets (winter).

    — Extra batteries.

    — Extra US $ cash/checks. If you are likely to need cash – for purchase of small hygiene or medical items – please bring it with you as BBRC does not cash personal checks. We accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and checks to pay for registration fees and donations, as well as for the purchase of books and other items for sale at the end of your retreat.

    — Insect repellent and/or head net. During spring and summer you may want to bring insect repellent and a head net to protect yourself. Please remember, however, that strong-smelling repellent should not be worn in the meditation hall.

    — Your own meditation cushion or bench. BBRC provides a basic zabuton (mat) and zafu (cushion) for you, in the meditation hall. Chairs are available for those who cannot sit on a cushion. Please bring any extra meditation props you may need, such as additional cushions, a meditation stool, a shawl or throw rug.

    — If you wish to practice in your room, please bring your own meditation items for this.

    — A small flashlight.

    — Cloth napkins.

     

  • What essential items can I bring?

    Indoor-only, soft-soled shoes or slippers. This helps contribute to the silence and overall cleanliness of our retreat environment.

    — All necessary special foods and beverages.

    — Plastic containers for special foods.

    — Medicines, vitamins, supplements, etc. If you have an existing medical condition, bring enough of all prescription medicines to last throughout the retreat.

    — Unscented personal hygiene products. We ask that you anticipate your needs and bring unscented soap, body lotion and other hygiene products with you. (We stock a small selection of these items, for those with travel weight restrictions.) 

    — Please consider washing the items you bring with an unscented laundry detergent and softener before you come. Please do not wear any scented products on the day of your arrival and throughout the retreat.

    — If you are acutely chemically sensitive, please let our office know.

    — If you have ever been to an emergency room because of a medical condition, bring your doctor’s telephone number in case the condition comes up while you’re on retreat.

  • What shouldn't I bring on retreat?

    Please don’t bring on retreat any scented hygiene or laundry products, since these can significantly affect fellow retreatants with chemical sensitivities. In addition, don’t pack candles, incense or ‘noisy’, rustling clothing.

    Once your retreat starts, we ask that you refrain from using cell phones or other communication devices. And please make sure your watch doesn’t beep.

  • Can I bring a service dog?

    Trained service dogs in ADA-specified service are allowed. Please specify this on your registration or application form so we have maximum time to notify other retreatants, in case any have dog issues or allergies. Our office will also let you know our house rules regarding the care and exercising of your service dog. BBRC does not allow animals providing emotional support, comfort or therapy, and cannot accommodate service horses.

  • What if I get sick on retreat?

    Important health care information

    While our wish is to provide all who come on retreat at InsightLA with an environment most conducive to deepening meditation practice, there are practical limitations regarding the level of support we can reasonably offer. The following information outlines these limitations – please read this before your retreat begins.

    In particular, we are unable and unqualified to provide medical and psychological care. For this reason, we request that – apart from unforeseen emergencies – you take care of your own health needs during your stay at BBRC.

    Participation in BBRC programs is at the discretion of the teachers and InsightLA administration at all times. If, in the opinion of InsightLA, you are unable to continue to participate productively in your retreat, you may be asked to leave.

    Mental health

    If you are seeing a therapist and/or any other mental health professional, please inform them of your intention to participate in a silent retreat. If they have any concerns about your attendance, it is important to follow their recommendations.

    Waiver of liability

    On your arrival, you will be asked to sign a waiver of liability and to provide details regarding an emergency contact. Your cooperation with this is necessary in order for you to attend the retreat – you will not be allowed to participate unless we are given this information.

    InsightLA will make every effort to communicate with your contact person in the event of an emergency. She/he should be someone who can either collect you from InsightLA or help to make transportation arrangements if you need to leave your retreat early.

    Prescription medications

    If you are taking prescription medications for any reason, please ensure you bring enough supplies with you to continue treatment for the full duration of your retreat. Discontinuing taking your prescription medications during a retreat is grounds to be asked to leave InsightLA.

    On your arrival, we will also ask for some details regarding your prescription medications. This is so that, in the event of an emergency, we can give the necessary information to Emergency Medical Services personnel. Otherwise, such details remain entirely confidential.

    Checklist

    Before arriving for your retreat, please make sure that you have the following in place:

    — The name and contact details of your emergency contact person.

    — Health insurance, or the ability to pay for expenses in the event of illness or a medical emergency. Any costs incurred for health services are your responsibility and not the responsibility of InsightLA.

    — Contact details for your physician, therapist and/or any other medical professionals whose treatment you are under.

    — An adequate supply of any prescription medications to cover the full duration of your retreat.

    If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact us before you come.

  • What if I have the flu?

    With many people living closely together while on retreat at BBRC, it’s important that everyone take some simple steps to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases, such as the flu. We ask your help with the following:

    — Please do not come to BBRC if you are sick with flu symptoms – we will charge you our minimum cancellation fee only, and issue a refund for the balance. Call our office for more details.

    — If you start to experience flu-like symptoms while at BBRC please see our office staff immediately – they will assist with an appropriate course of action. If you stay on, we will provide a face mask that can be worn in common spaces. If you return home, we will refund you for any retreat time missed.

    — While at BBRC, it is essential that all retreatants, staff and teachers clean their hands frequently and thoroughly, either with soap and water or using the hand sanitizer provided.

    — Cover any coughs and sneezes.

     

  • What if I have a medical emergency?

    Emergency medical care

    In the event of an acute medical or psychological condition, an InsightLA representative may determine that professional attention is required. In such situations, BBRRC staff will call 911 emergency services on your behalf to take you to the nearest Emergency Room.

    If you refuse care from 911 personnel, you will be required by them to sign a form acknowledging this, and you will still be liable for the cost of the ambulance call-out. You may also be asked to leave InsightLA if, in the opinion of InsightLA representatives, you are unable to remain here safely.

    Urgent medical care

    In the event of an urgent medical problem that an InsightLA representative judges is not serious enough to require a 911 call-out, we may be able to arrange for our staff to transport you to the nearest health clinic or to the emergency room of one of the nearby hospitals. In such circumstances, there is a fee to help cover our expenses.

    If the medical problem requires continued professional care and you are unable to provide or arrange your own transportation for such care, it will be necessary to leave BBRC, for your own safety.

  • What about sensitivity to fragrance or and chemicals?

    Because meditation retreat practice can lead to a heightened sense of awareness, some participants may develop a sensitivity to odors and perfumes, and some are allergic to many chemicals. Please do not bring or use perfumes or scented shampoos, ointments or lotions, or laundry products containing fragrance. We suggest that you bring unscented products with you, if possible. We stock a small selection of such items that can be purchased on arrival or during your retreat. If you are acutely chemically sensitive, please let us know.

  • Why is simplicity supportive of meditation practice?

    Silence and simplicity stand as two core pillars of retreat culture and provide the framework for stepping back from the busyness and complexity of our lives and moving into a quieter way of being and living.

    In this spirit, we request that you please:

    – Turn off your cell phones for the duration of your stay.

    – Leave behind your laptops, iPods, iPads and other communication devices.

    – Accept the simple accommodations and meals that are offered.

    – Keep your silence with friends and family members that are on retreat with you. This allows you to commit to your retreat wholeheartedly and reap the benefits of that commitment. Since walls are thin at BBRC and everyone lives together in close community, your willingness to embrace the silence and simplicity helps us all. It not only acts as a support for your own practice but is also a direct way of supporting your fellow retreatants.

     

  • Can I smoke on retreat?

    Smoking is not permitted on property, however, it is only a 5 minute walk from the dining hall to the entry gate. To minimize odors we ask you to wash your hands after smoking and not to wear smoke-filled clothing in the meditation hall. Smoking is also not permitted in woods.

  • Can I light a candle or incense?

    Due to fire regulations, we do not allow you to light candles or burn incense, or light fires of any kind on BBRC property. Exceptions to this rule are:

    — Lighting Shabbat and other religious candles – our office staff can let you know the allocated space for this. Please note that you cannot leave any burning candles unattended.

    — During certain retreats, teachers have permission to light ceremonial candles and incense in the meditation hall.

  • Are there ethical guidelines for retreat life?

    The Five (or Eight) Precepts: A core aspect of the Buddha’s teaching is the importance of living by certain ethical guidelines. At InsightLA, these guidelines – known as the Five Precepts – form an integral part of daily life, and are adopted by everyone here, from retreatants and visitors to teachers and staff.

    A commitment to undertake training in these precepts helps ensure our retreat environment of safety, refuge and non-harming.

    While on retreat, all participants undertake:

    — To refrain from harming any living, sentient beings – not to kill or intentionally hurt any person or creature, even an insect.

    — To refrain from taking what is not freely given – not to steal or ‘borrow’ without the consent of the giver; to accept what is offered and not try to change it or get more.

    — To abstain from sexual activity.

    — To practice noble silence and to refrain from harming by one’s speech – not to lie, gossip or use harsh or hurtful language.

    — To abstain from using alcohol, recreational drugs and other intoxicants that cloud the mind and harm the body. (This does not apply to prescription medicines.)

  • Does InsightLA have an ethics committee?

    A core aspect of the Buddha’s teaching is the importance of living by certain ethical guidelines. At InsightLA, we expect all who live, work and practice here to observe precepts that support our environment of safety, refuge and non-harming.

    To help uphold the standard of ethical behavior at our centers, our board of directors has created an Ethics Committee, responsible for receiving and addressing complaints of unethical behavior at InsightLA by teachers, staff or volunteers.

    Questions or complaints will be handled or investigated as appropriate.

  • Does InsightLA have a teacher code of ethics?

    Yes. InsightLA’s teachers recognize that the foundation of spiritual life rests upon our mindful and caring relationship to all the lives and life around us. In the absence of the monastic vows and customs adhered to in the Early Buddhist traditions of Asia, InsightLA’s Teaching Council established a set of clear Western guidelines that help ensure the wisest ethical conduct possible. Based on the five lay training precepts, these principles have been expanded to make them explicitly appropriate in our role as teachers of the Dharma in our specific cultural setting. Read InsightLA’s Ethics and Conciliation here.

  • What is InsightLA's media policy?

    As the dharma takes root in our society, various media are expressing interest in the work that we do at InsightLA. This presents our community with a valuable opportunity to introduce the teachings to a wider audience.

    While maintaining our primary commitment to supporting your practice, InsightLA may agree occasionally to requests from the media to visit us for reporting. Before any such request is granted, journalists will be carefully screened to ascertain, as best we can, their ability to report fairly on our work, and with minimal interference.

    Notice will be given of any media visit that occurs during a retreat. We will advise participants as far in advance as is practically possible. We will respect the wishes of anyone who prefers not to be included, and work to minimize any impact on our meditative environment and on our retreatants. We appreciate your understanding of our efforts to share the dharma in this way, and welcome any suggestions or questions you may have.

  • Who I do I contact if I have questions?

    If you have any further questions about your stay , please call our main line310-450-1821 or email support@insightla.org. 

    We hope you have a fruitful and inspiring retreat with us here at BBRC, and we look forward to greeting you in person!