Join us for a unique weekend immersion in the quiet beauty of the redwood forest, where meditation and chocolate tasting become a doorway into the present moment.
In meditation, we often enter stillness through the breath or awareness of the body. In this immersion, we explore another gateway: the sense of taste. By slowly tasting chocolate, we learn to listen deeply with our senses and discover how awareness can transform an ordinary experience into something rich and alive.
This immersion invites us to be “embodiful.” Rather than following habits of craving or distraction, we practice letting the mind settle and allowing experience to unfold without judgment. Each taste becomes an opportunity be fully embodied with all our faculties—listening, seeing, sensing, touching, tasting, smelling, feeling, and even thinking—working together in harmony. In this way, practice reflects the deeper unity of 心 (heart-mind).
Throughout the weekend we will share meditation, contemplative chocolate tasting, reflection, and time in nature. Surrounded by the redwoods, we will slow down, savor deeply, and rediscover the richness of life together.
All are welcome. 🍫🌲
This weekend immersion will be anchored by the monks at Redwood Vihara, Ven. Jin Chuan and Ven. Jin Wei along with Coleman Fung who will be our Chocolate Master.
Guidelines
The program will be an opportunity for spiritual growth in a monastic setting following the Eight Precepts(given the special nature of this event, we will serve a simple dinner), noble silence (speaking only when necessary), and refraining from digital devices (we will be collecting digital devices upon check-in). The Eight Precepts provides a contemplative container for going deeper into our hearts, minds, and bodies.
Schedule
We will follow a monastic schedule. The intention is to create a schedule that is challenging, yet balanced--giving everyone an opportunity to reduce our usual distractions to listen and reflect inward, while at the same time being of service to the community.
Friday
4:00-6:00pm Arrive / Settle In [check-in smart phone upon arrival]
5:15-5:45 Simple Dinner (Bread and Fruit)
6:30-7:00 Evening Ceremony (optional)
7:15-7:30 Meditation
7:30-9:00 Orientation
Saturday
5:00-5:45am Morning Ceremony (optional)
6:00-6:45 Sitting Meditation
6:45-7:15 Chores
7:15-8:00 Breakfast & Cleanup
8:00-8:30 Mindful Movement
8:30-9:00 Sitting Meditation
9:00-11:00 Chan Chocolate Session
11:00 Meal Chant
11:00-1:00pm Noon Meal + Cleanup
1:00-2:30 Break
2:30-3:00 Sitting Meditation
3:00-5:00 Chan Chocolate Session
5:15-5:45 Simple Dinner (Bread and Fruit)
6:00-6:30 Evening Ceremony (optional)
6:45-7:15 Meditation
7:30-9:00 Evening Activity
9:00 Dedication of Merit
Sunday
5:00-5:45am Morning Ceremony (optional)
6:00-6:45 Sitting Meditation
6:45-7:15 Breakfast
7:15-9:00 Cleanup Residences and Communal Spaces
9:00-11:00 Closing Activity [return smart phones!]
11:00 Send off!
If you have questions, please email us at redwoodvihara@drba.org.