Native Americans once used this land for spiritual rites; even the wild deer and turkeys are calm, without any need to flinch from humans. Residential retreats, held throughout the year, run as long as two months.
Spirit Rock, California —
Native Americans once used this land for spiritual rites; even the wild deer and turkeys are calm, without any need to flinch from humans. Residential retreats, held throughout the year, run as long as two months.
Courtesy Walt Opie
For Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk whom Martin Luther King Jr. nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, cultivating lucidity is a means to connecting with yourself and others.
Plum Village, France —
For Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk whom Martin Luther King Jr. nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, cultivating lucidity is a means to connecting with yourself and others.
Courtesy of Plum Village
Eleven Directions' guide Shantum Seth with the Dalai Lama.
Dalai Lama's teachings, Dharamsala, India —
Eleven Directions' guide Shantum Seth with the Dalai Lama.
Courtesy Eleven Directions
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, as taught at Glenview Hotel, is used to manage the physical and psychological impacts of stress, pain and sickness. This approach strips away talk about dharma and karma to offer straight-up meditation techniques.
Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club, Ireland —
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, as taught at Glenview Hotel, is used to manage the physical and psychological impacts of stress, pain and sickness. This approach strips away talk about dharma and karma to offer straight-up meditation techniques.
glenview hotel delgany
Located in a traditional Zulu tribal area, the community here does outreach work with the local population through Woza Moya in the Ufafa Valley.
Buddhist Retreat Centre, South Africa —
Located in a traditional Zulu tribal area, the community here does outreach work with the local population through Woza Moya in the Ufafa Valley.
Courtesy The Buddhist Retreat Centre
Starting on the first day of each month, this forest refuge offers 10-day meditation retreats. At registration, you turn in your cell phone; beds are a straw mat and wooden pillow. The wake-up bell is at 4 a.m.
Wat Suan Mokkh, Chaiya, Thailand —
Starting on the first day of each month, this forest refuge offers 10-day meditation retreats. At registration, you turn in your cell phone; beds are a straw mat and wooden pillow. The wake-up bell is at 4 a.m.
Courtesy Wat Suan Mokkh
The idea for Ala Kukui, or "Pathway of Illumination," was inspired by the events of September 11. This sanctuary is situated among hills and fruit trees on 12 rural acres in Maui, with views of both the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala.
Ala Kukui, Hawaii —
The idea for Ala Kukui, or "Pathway of Illumination," was inspired by the events of September 11. This sanctuary is situated among hills and fruit trees on 12 rural acres in Maui, with views of both the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala.
Courtesy Tom McKinney
Morning and evening meditation periods are bookends for days spent exploring Assisi -- a "spiritual walking tour of the ancient holy sites" is an option -- or the Umbrian countryside. Retreats are conducted in English; kitchen space is provided to prepare your own meals.
Assisi Retreat Home & Hermitage, Assisi, Italy —
Morning and evening meditation periods are bookends for days spent exploring Assisi -- a "spiritual walking tour of the ancient holy sites" is an option -- or the Umbrian countryside. Retreats are conducted in English; kitchen space is provided to prepare your own meals.
Courtesy Ruth Davis
Gampo Abbey is geared toward monastic life in the Shambhala tradition. Residents typically make at least a yearlong commitment, but those with a regular meditation practice are welcome to come for a week during the summer in-house season.
Gampo Abbey, Nova Scotia, Canada —
Gampo Abbey is geared toward monastic life in the Shambhala tradition. Residents typically make at least a yearlong commitment, but those with a regular meditation practice are welcome to come for a week during the summer in-house season.
courtesy gampo abbey
Kripalu is primarily a yoga center, but many other programs, such as meditation, mindful running and couple's massage, are also offered. Living quarters are basic: many opt for dorm rooms with bunk beds and community baths. Some private rooms are available.
Kripalu, Massachusetts —
Kripalu is primarily a yoga center, but many other programs, such as meditation, mindful running and couple's massage, are also offered. Living quarters are basic: many opt for dorm rooms with bunk beds and community baths. Some private rooms are available.
Courtesy Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health