Seven-Day Retreat at San Damiano, 7 to 14 March 2027

This seven-day non-dual meditation retreat at San Damiano Retreat Centre in Danville, California, is for people who want to go deeply into the non-dual understanding in the company of others. It is led by Rupert Spira, a meditation teacher, with friends joining him. Days are given to guided meditation, dialogue, shared meals and quiet time in the hills of the San Ramon Valley. The language is English, and the retreat is held in person only.

What to Expect

Each day centres on two things: guided meditation, in which participants rest in being, as being, and dialogue, in which the non-dual understanding is discussed. Between sessions there are three vegetarian meals, and the atmosphere is meant to be one of friendship, kindness and ease. In the evenings the group might relax together, watch a film, or share poetry and music.

The retreat opens on the first evening with arrival from 4:00pm, dinner, and a welcome with guided meditation from 7:45pm to 9:00pm. From the second day through the seventh, the rhythm is steady:

- Guided meditation, 7:30am to 8:30am
- Breakfast, 8:30am to 9:45am
- Guided meditation, 11:00am to 12:00pm
- Lunch, 12:30pm to 1:45pm
- Dialogue, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Dinner, 6:30pm to 7:45pm

On the final morning there is breakfast, then a last session of guided meditation and dialogue from 10:00am to 12:00pm, lunch, and departure at 1:00pm.

About Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira is a meditation teacher whose work centres on Advaita Vedanta, the nondual philosophy rooted in Indian classical thought, together with the integration of Sufi devotional practice. Born in London, he encountered the poetry of Rumi at the age of fifteen, which opened the door to the mystical and contemplative traditions he has explored for five decades. His approach brings together the direct-path inquiry of Advaita and the embodied, heart-centred practice of Sufism, particularly the Mevlevi order founded by followers of Rumi.

Soon after discovering Rumi, he learned the Mevlevi Turning at Colet House in London, a practice that combines movement, prayer and meditation. He then met Dr. Francis Roles, a student of Shantananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the North of India.

The Setting

San Damiano is a Franciscan retreat centre in the rolling hills of the San Ramon Valley, in Contra Costa County, set across more than fifty acres of natural surroundings. The Franciscan community has welcomed visitors here since the early 1960s. Fountains, waterfalls and garden views are part of the grounds, along with contemplative spaces including a labyrinth and the Stations of the Cross.

Rooms are single or twin, each with a private bathroom, heat and air conditioning, and each opens directly onto the gardens. Twin rooms can be shared by friends or couples, or a single place can be booked and a roommate allocated. Guests who prefer to stay elsewhere can attend as commuters, with three meals a day at the centre; nearby hotels and RV parks are within driving distance.

All meals are lacto-vegetarian, with tea and coffee available throughout the day. Gluten-free or dairy-free meals can be selected when booking, though special diets cannot be guaranteed, so anyone with particular requirements should check with the organiser first.

The nearest airport is Oakland International, and shuttle services run from the nearby airports. Taxis are also available locally.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. Expect extended periods of sitting in meditation and plenty of group conversation. Transport to and from San Damiano is not included, nor is off-site accommodation for commuters. The retreat is not livestreamed. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for in-person places.