Land as Dharma Teacher (August)
With Erin Treat and Brian Lesage
August 6 - 13, 2025
Join us in an exploration of Dharma through connection with the land of Vallecitos. This retreat is designed to offer support for experienced practitioners in insight meditation (Vipassana).
When we have an established foundation in Dharma practice, we can open to discovering new ways of perceiving. As the understanding of classical Dharma deepens even further, the land itself can meet us right in each moment as teacher and guide. An immeasurable wisdom and compassion may be discovered in our personal relationship with land.
This exploration will be supported through cultivating an embodied presence and mindful awareness that embraces our experience with acceptance and wisdom.
We will provide meditation instructions in Vipassana and Brahma Vihara practice with sitting, standing, lying down, walking, and hiking practices. Additionally, there will be individual practice discussions and a daily talk on Buddhist practice.
The retreat will be held in noble silence to cultivate a quiet receptive mind and meditation process, with the exception of teacher meetings and group discussions.
Prerequisite: Practitioners must have done at least 14 days of silent Vipassana meditation retreat (total, not consecutive).
Cancellation Policy:
- 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
- 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
- 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund
Teachers
Erin Treat lives in Durango, CO and has been practicing Buddhist meditation for nearly 30 years. In addition to serving as the Guiding Teacher of Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center since 2013, she teaches regularly at Spirit Rock and the Insight Meditation Society. She served for 20 years in leadership on the Teaching Council of the Durango Dharma Center. Erin teaches the practical and the profound, from a heart grounded in respect for mystery and the many faces of awakening. Her approach to sharing the dharma is influenced by her ongoing experience as a student of the Diamond Approach by A.H. Almaas and by Thanissara…
Learn more about Erin Treat
Brian has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1988 and has taught since 2000. He has studied in the Zen, Theravada, and Tibetan schools and was ordained in the Rinzai Zen tradition in 1996. His training in Vipassana Meditation includes doing extended meditation retreats in Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, and India as well as numerous retreats in the U.S. He leads retreats and teaches meditation courses nationwide. Brian also has a private practice in Somatic Experiencing, which is a naturalistic approach to healing trauma.
Learn more about Brian Lesage