Bodhi Yoga and Meditation Retreat 2015

In Buddhism, a Bodhi is one who is on the path to “awakening to the nature of things,” or, “enlightenment.” The Yoga Bodhi retreat is designed for the experienced yogi to awaken or deepen his or her meditation and yoga practice in a quiet and secluded setting, utilizing the techniques of Vipassana meditation.

Vipassan, or “Clear Seeing” is part of the ancient Buddhist practice of embodied awareness. Through the focused attention and tranquillity cultivated in meditation, we investigate the ever-changing experiences of body and heart that bring us both joy and suffering. The practices of vipassan and mindfulness on retreat weave together all our activities as meditation, and become a powerful inquiry into the causes of distress and the path to freedom.

Each day of the Bodhi retreat will begin with meditation in the sacred Gompa room (Buddhist prayer hall), followed by a rigorous Forrest Yoga practice (Vinyasa Flow) designed to deepen physical and mental awareness and awaken the spirit. In the afternoon, a walking meditation will be offered, and we will gather again for a calming Yin and Restorative flow. Each day will end with a meditation designed to calm the mind and prepare the body for a deeply restful sleep.

In between gatherings, participants are invited to explore the gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountain trails accessible from Vajrapani, or simply sit in quiet contemplation amongst the redwoods or in the Vajrapani library. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided; all meals are nutritionally balanced, vegetarian, and prepared by Vajrapani’s trained chefs.

To help eradicate the mental impurities of the mind and body, we must first eliminate the many things that distract us from seeing ourselves as we really are. As such, we ask that you plan to spend the retreat in silence (with the exception of our nightly check-ins). Once the retreat begins on Wednesday night, we will turn off our cell phones and computers and put away books and journals. We will awaken, eat, move, sit, and restore our bodies, with silence.

At times, the silence may feel deeply intense and difficult. However, you will feel supported by your yoga and meditation practice, as well as by our nightly Dharma talks. By the end of the retreat, each Yoga Bodhi participant will have learned new ways in which to continue to “awaken to the nature of things,” and will feel more comfortable applying the essentials of Vipassana meditation to their daily life.

Location: Vajrapani Institute Boulder Creek, CA

Cost: (per person):
Single cabin - $1,200 
Double cabin - $1,000
Private Room/Single - $1,000
Private Room/Double occupancy - $900
Dorm: Quad - $800
Dorm: (8) - $750
Camping - $650

*cost includes yoga, meditation instruction, lodging and meals*
**$50 inc. after September 1, 2015**

$50 discount for LTP-TT Alumni and previous Pete G Yoga/Sean Feit Retreatants - Use the PETEGYOGA code/coupon when registering

Please see a general schedule below:
6am              Meditation
7am              Breakfast
8:30-11am    Forrest Yoga (Vinyasa Flow)
11-11:30am  Meditation
12pm             Lunch
2-2:45pm       Walking Meditation (Optional)
3-4:30pm       Yin/Restorative Yoga Practice
4:30-5:30pm  Meditation             
6pm               Dinner
7pm               Evening Meditation
8pm               Dharma Talk & Questions

About the Teachers

Sean Feit (SEP, E-RYT500) teaches Buddhism and Yoga with a focus on the integration of meditation, philosophy, and self inquiry with trauma resolution and social justice. He has practiced in Zen and Theravada Buddhist lineages, practiced as a monk in Burma, and is authorized to teach by Jack Kornfield. Other primary teachers include Alice Joanou (yoga) and Steven Hoskinson (Somatic Experiencing/Organic Intelligence). Sean teaches at Yoga Tree, Yoga Garden SF, East Bay Meditation Center, and Piedmont Yoga in the SF Bay Area, and has been a guest teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, where he completed the Dedicated Practitioner’s Program and the Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation Training, and is a member of the Community Dharma Leader program. Sean is a PhD candidate at UC Davis, writing on Buddhist contemplative practice and experimental dance, and lives in Oakland, enjoying a thriving community of yogis and artists.

Pete Guinosso - Known for his joyful energy, skilled touch and sense of humor, Pete creates a spiritual yet light-hearted environment for his students to discover the deeper benefits of yoga. Pete’s ability to compassionately guide students of all levels through a vigorous asana practice makes his classes amongst the most dynamic in the bay area. He has been inspired by vipassana and a mindfulness practice with Goenka and Spirit Rock. He has also teaches yoga at conferences and festivals including: Yoga Journal Conference, Asia Yoga Conference, Wanderlust, and Bhaktifest.

In addition to teaching classes, workshops and retreats, Pete mentors and leads teacher training programs and workshops. He is a Faculty member of the 200 hr and 500 hr Yoga Tree Teacher Training. And has his own 200 hr yoga teacher training, Lighting the Path Teacher Training. His intention in instructing teachers is to share the value of quality sequencing and hands-on adjustments so that new teachers can bring healing to their own communities. Having studied with Ana Forrest since 2003, and assisted her in her workshops and teacher trainings, Pete is passionate about helping teachers build trust in themselves and become their “wiser self,” the place from which he encourages them to teach.