During Easwaran’s lifetime, when he saw students who were serious about passage meditation, he encouraged them to come to retreats in Tomales frequently so that he could guide them and help them develop good eight-point program skills to travel deep into consciousness safely and steadily.

There was no substitute for retreats in Tomales. Easwaran gave you guidance, and BMCM provided support.

Interestingly, after 25 years of experience in giving retreats, nothing seems to be different today.

At all retreats at the BMCM headquarters in Tomales, you are immersed in the BMCM culture where Easwaran practiced intensely for decades, and his wife Christine still does. This experience can’t be duplicated elsewhere.

The greatest spiritual boost comes from these weeklong retreats. We all come together to absorb Easwaran’s teachings and often receive very personal guidance from him, through the talks and readings. We also deepen our eight-point program skills, so our journey inward can be safe and steady.

Then, just like the old days, we take our gains back home, where – supported by our BMCM Satsang (spiritual fellowship group) – we can give back to family and the community.

Though weeklong retreats are our most intensive programs, their schedule allows plenty of time each day for reflection, alone or in the company of like-minded people, and for trying out the changes you’d like to make.

Weeklong Retreat Theme:
Building the Will

This retreat explores the concept of will, especially as it functions within the eight-point program of passage meditation. Any of these synonyms may stand for the concept: determination, resolve, force of will, power of will, will power.

Several aspects of building the will are considered throughout the week, as we discover how each of the eight points can benefit by greater resolve, and how they weave together to improve all the other areas of our daily life.

For example, when applied to our meditation practice, an understanding of training the will helps us during meditation by returning the mind to the passage when it wanders. As a longtime meditator, you will already know the benefit that brings.

You will explore questions on the other points such as:

• How can we break free of the tyranny of time by increasing our effort in slowing down and by giving one-pointed attention?

• What is the reward of training the senses?

• How can we build up our capacity to put others first by treating others as we would like them to treat us?

“The weeklong retreats help me make breakthroughs in my practice – to identify a blind spot, tackle a long-standing habit, establish what I need to work on next. The company of other dedicated meditators refreshes my heart and soul, and reminds me of the deep joy and security that comes with a practice that is sustained, systematic, and sincere.”

Prerequisites: Attendance at a previous BMCM retreat and a half hour of passage meditation daily for six months.

Weeklong Retreats begin on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and end on Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Retreat Fee:
Standard $700 (Includes the program, vegetarian meals, and accommodations.)
Sliding Scale $550–850 (For an explanation of our sliding scale, click here.)
Commuter $500 (Includes the program and meals, but no accommodation.)

A sliding scale fee structure, as well as financial aid, is available to help everyone attend our retreats. For information on applying for payment plans and/or the availability of scholarships please call us at 800.475.2369 or email financial.aid@easwaran.org.