In our fast-paced world, when do we have the chance to pause, reflect, and listen deeply? Is there an inner calling to live a life devoted to spiritual growth and transformation? Do we want to go to the “frontier of our mind,” to see what is our highest potential? 

This Monastic Immersion Program at Redwood Vihara is an opportunity to ask ourselves:

• Where am I going?

• What is true freedom and happiness? 

• How can I live a life aligned with my deepest values?

• How can I be of real service to others, society, and to the world?

Together as a community, immersed in the Buddha’s teachings, we will explore these questions within a contemplative monastic setting in the redwood forest. The natural setting lessens the distractions of the world, providing a sanctuary to observe and learn from what is arising in our hearts, bodies and minds. 

This immersion is designed for men who have a strong commitment to deepen their spiritual practice, to embody the Dharma, and to live a life of generosity. We commit to living by the Four Boundless Hearts (loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity) as well as Master Hua’s Six Guidelines (not fighting, not being greedy, not seeking, not being selfish, not pursuing personal advantage, and not lying).

The immersion is about “returning to our nature” in nature. This “returning” consists mostly of “letting go” of our conditioning, to find a freedom of mind and ground of well-being that is not dependent on external factors. Given the immersive nature of the program, participants need to have a regular spiritual practice and have spent some time overnight at a DRBA monastery in order to apply.

The program will be hosted by the resident monastic Sangha at Redwood Vihara, with guidance from senior teachers of DRBA.