A 7-day retreat dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion
2026 Guan Yin Retreats (registration open):
Spring (April 4 - 12 at Redwood Vihara) & Summer (July 25 - August 2 at CTTB)
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Join us for a week of recitation, meditation, service, and self-reflection immersed in a spiritual community at either Redwood Vihara or the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. This is a chance to disconnect from our digital devices, reconnect to our inner wisdom and compassion, and form a true network of caring relationships with those around us.​
Retreat Details
Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva (or simply “Guan Yin”) is considered an embodiment of Great Compassion. Her name literally means "She who Hears the Cries of the World." As a Bodhisattva dedicated to the welfare of all beings, she listens deeply to each of our sounds and responds accordingly. By reciting her name, we tap our own inherent capacity for kindness and compassion. By quieting our minds, we begin to hear our own inner sounds with a caring and open heart. Through service, we bring this care to those around us.
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Join us for one week of recitation, meditation, and service in a monastic environment. The daily schedule consists of chanting, walking, bowing, sitting recitation, and community work, as well as discussions and lectures to explain the practice.
  • Engage in discussions with practicing monks, nuns, and teachers.
  • Meet others interested in exploring Buddhism.
  • Experience the methods of Guan Yin recitation, contemplation, and meditation.
  • Study from Buddhist sacred texts the methods of practices related to Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
  • Immerse yourself in a lifestyle designed for spiritual growth (see guidelines).
  • Serve together as a caring community.
  • Enjoy a vegetarian diet.
  • Spring 2026 Retreat participants at Redwood Vihara will take the 8 precepts and maintain Noble Silence.

Retreat fees:
Spring 2026 Guan Yin at Redwood Vihara is donation-based.

Summer 2026 Guan Yin at CTTB is $350*
* We are committed to making sure that finance is not an obstacle in attending the retreat. Please contact request a scholarship when you apply if you have financial difficulty paying for room and board.

Locations:
The Spring 2026 retreat is held at Redwood Vihara in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern CA.

The Summer 2026 retreat is held at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB) in Ukiah, CA. CTTB was named a "sacred site" by National Geographic. It is located just 110 miles north of San Francisco. The campus includes a Buddhist monastery with practicing monks and nuns, as well as schools and an organic farm.

Meals: 
Breakfast and lunch will be served. A simple snack of fruits and bread will be served in the evening for those who need it. Please note we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs.

Full Attendance:
We require that participants who live on campus to come for the entire session starting on Saturday evening with Orientation and ending on Sunday with the Closing Round.

Cancellation Policy:
For cancellations made 10 days prior to arrival day, refunds will be available minus the $25 application fee. Cancellations made less than 10 days before retreat arrival day do not qualify for a refund. Registration is non-transferable. Application fee only applies to Summer Guan Yin at CTTB. There will be no application fee for Spring Guan Yin at Redwood Vihara.

For more information, contact [email protected]
Typical Schedule
About Instructors

Afternoon discussion and evening talks with Professor Doug Powers. Buddhist monks, Jin-Chuan Shi and Jin-Wei Shi will lead orientation, meditation classes with Q&A
Guidelines

Guidelines for your visit including updated Covid Protocols.
Logistics & Info

Accommodations, packing list, meals, weather, and more.