Logistics & Info
What to Bring
For those who are local, to minimize laundry and work, please bring:
Service
Since we are also the "staff" for this retreat, we will all do community service together to help with food and upkeep of the facilities/monastery.
Guidelines
The retreat will be an opportunity for spiritual growth in a monastic setting following the 8 precepts (while serving fruit and bread in evening), noble silence (speaking only when necessary), and refraining from digital devices (we will be collecting digital devices at check-in). Please also take a look at the Community Pledge as we all commit to holding this as a community. The 5 Precepts and Community Pledge provides a contemplative container for going deeper into our hearts, minds, and bodies.
Important note: To support everyone’s ability to focus on practice during the week, we will be refraining from all use of digital devices. Please take care of any essential communication before you arrive. We recommend putting an away message on your email and other accounts so that people know that you will not be available this week for communication.
Weather
Please check the weather here for Boulder Creek, CA.
Summer (June-July): the weather is cool in the mornings/evenings and warm/hot in the afternoons.
Fall (Aug-Oct): cooler mornings/evenings, comfortable afternoons. Occasional rain.
Winter (Nov-Feb): cold throughout the day. Often raining.
Spring (Feb-May): cooler mornings/evenings, cool to warm afternoons. Occasional rain.
Transportation
Please arrange for your own transportation. If you are accepted, we will send you a form where you can offer or request a carpool.
Accommodations
Rooms are simple with usually a bed and a desk. We have single and double rooms. If you are local, please bring your own bedding (bedsheets, pillowcase, blanket/sleeping bag). If this poses an issue (coming from afar or no bedding available), please let us know and we can prepare bedding for you. This minimizes the amount of laundry that needs to be done.
- towel
- toiletries
- flashlight or headlamp (important as it is quite dark at Redwood Vihara!)
- alarm clock (Redwood Vihara is a cell phone-free zone ;) )
- a pair of sturdy shoes (ideally waterproof)
- warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, outer jacket, gloves, hat, scarf) - can be cold at night
- regular, modest clothing - warm during the day time
- rain gear, umbrella
- thermos
- optional: meditation cushion, bathroom slippers
For those who are local, to minimize laundry and work, please bring:
- sleeping bag
- bring a set of sheets for a twin mattress and pillowcase
Service
Since we are also the "staff" for this retreat, we will all do community service together to help with food and upkeep of the facilities/monastery.
Guidelines
The retreat will be an opportunity for spiritual growth in a monastic setting following the 8 precepts (while serving fruit and bread in evening), noble silence (speaking only when necessary), and refraining from digital devices (we will be collecting digital devices at check-in). Please also take a look at the Community Pledge as we all commit to holding this as a community. The 5 Precepts and Community Pledge provides a contemplative container for going deeper into our hearts, minds, and bodies.
Important note: To support everyone’s ability to focus on practice during the week, we will be refraining from all use of digital devices. Please take care of any essential communication before you arrive. We recommend putting an away message on your email and other accounts so that people know that you will not be available this week for communication.
Weather
Please check the weather here for Boulder Creek, CA.
Summer (June-July): the weather is cool in the mornings/evenings and warm/hot in the afternoons.
Fall (Aug-Oct): cooler mornings/evenings, comfortable afternoons. Occasional rain.
Winter (Nov-Feb): cold throughout the day. Often raining.
Spring (Feb-May): cooler mornings/evenings, cool to warm afternoons. Occasional rain.
Transportation
Please arrange for your own transportation. If you are accepted, we will send you a form where you can offer or request a carpool.
Accommodations
Rooms are simple with usually a bed and a desk. We have single and double rooms. If you are local, please bring your own bedding (bedsheets, pillowcase, blanket/sleeping bag). If this poses an issue (coming from afar or no bedding available), please let us know and we can prepare bedding for you. This minimizes the amount of laundry that needs to be done.
