Refuge Retreat

Refuge Retreat is a two-day meditation retreat at Kadampa Meditation Center San Francisco (KMC San Francisco) in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. It is a preliminary guide retreat in the Kadampa Buddhist tradition, centered on developing the mind of refuge: relying on the three jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as real protection from pain and problems. It is held in person only and is self-guided.

The retreat is labeled advanced, yet beginners are welcome. Anyone curious about Buddhist refuge practice, or wanting a quiet weekend of prayer and meditation, can take part.

What to Expect

The aim of the retreat is to build, step by step, a stable, peaceful and joyful mind that gives confidence and strength for authentic spiritual progress. The days are made up of chanted prayers and self-guided meditations, held in four sessions each day.

Day one runs through the day in four sessions:

- 9:00 am to 10:30 am
- 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Day two follows a similar rhythm. Morning sessions run from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, and an afternoon session from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The retreat closes from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm with Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers with tsog, a traditional offering practice.

Because the retreat is self-guided, you can take the sessions at your own pace, and single drop-in sessions are also an option for those who cannot attend the full two days.

The Place

Sessions take place at KMC San Francisco on 17th Street. On the second day, the two morning sessions are held at the KMC SF Residence rather than the center, while the afternoon session and the closing prayers return to the center. It is worth keeping this in mind when planning your morning on day two.

Before You Go

Everyone is welcome, and you do not need prior experience with refuge practice. If you are new or would like to know more before attending, the center's Education Program Coordinator team is happy to answer questions.

Included in the retreat are the sessions on both days, the chanted prayers, the self-guided meditation periods and the Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers with tsog on day two.

Two items are optional: the Essence of Good Fortune booklet and a mala (prayer beads). Both can be bought in the center's bookstore, and some prayer booklets are available to borrow. Drop-in rates for single sessions are lower for members, and members attend without charge.