Spaciousness, stillness, insight and support
for your inner journey
Set among 411 acres of serene oak woodlands in the secluded hills of West Marin County, California, Spirit Rock Meditation Center is a refuge from everyday life where it's truly possible to quiet the mind, soften the heart and see life in a new way.
People come to Spirit Rock for many reasons, but they all amount to essentially the same thing — wanting a more easeful relationship with life. The spaciousness and stillness of Spirit Rock and the caring teachers, staff and volunteers, create a supportive environment for turning inward and letting go of the struggles that get in the way of experiencing the freedom and joy that are inherent in every moment of life.
The teachings of the Buddha (Dharma) and the practices of Insight Meditation (Vipassana) and loving-kindness meditation (metta) are at the heart of all the programs we offer at Spirit Rock. Practicing Insight Meditation develops mindfulness, the capacity to pay attention to each moment of life and to see clearly the truth of our experience. Studying the Dharma provides insights into the conditions that define and limit our experience of life. And cultivating an attitude of loving-kindness allows us to stay present to what's true and what's difficult in our lives with compassion for ourselves and others. Ultimately, our relationship to life is transformed as we learn to live more wisely and kindly.
Spirit Rock offers a breadth of programs in a variety of formats to fit anyone's schedule, needs and meditation experience — from two-hour, drop-in classes and daylong events to silent residential retreats lasting from three-days to two months and advanced practitioner programs spanning a year or more. We also offer classes online. With some exceptions, all programs are suitable for beginners and experienced students alike. To find out more about the different programs we offer, visit the Programs section of this website, or go directly to the Calendar section to search for programs by date.
Whatever your starting point, we hope to see you soon at Spirit Rock. In the words of the Buddha, we invite you to "Come and see for yourself" how these practices and teachings can lead to greater contentment and peace of mind.