Our Sacred Roots: A Meditation Retreat for Women

Imagine stepping into six days of profound silence, held in the presence of three lineage teachers and a carefully woven community of seekers—all gathered to explore the often-invisible legacy of women who have embodied and advanced Buddhist liberation teachings across centuries and cultures. Our Sacred Roots is a transformative meditation retreat designed for women and non-binary participants ready to deepen their practice while honoring the lineage that sustained it. Taking place September 20–26, 2026, at the sacred Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, this retreat weaves together sitting meditation, Dharma instruction, mindful movement, and group dialogue to awaken both individual insight and collective healing.

Led by accomplished teachers including Pamela Weiss, Kate Johnson, and Erin Treat, this six-night silent retreat creates space to investigate how women have reshaped Buddhist practice from the Buddha's time to today. In a world where women's spiritual contributions are often overlooked, this gathering reclaims and celebrates that wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to contemplative practice, you'll find yourself supported by a community committed to authentic exploration—and to something even rarer: the organizers have reserved half of all available spots for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) participants through July 1st, ensuring genuine representation and creating conditions for deeper belonging.

What to Expect

You'll arrive at Spirit Rock's Upper Meditation Hall—a ritually consecrated space long held by generations of meditators—and enter silence. Days unfold in a gentle rhythm of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful movement, punctuated by teachings that illuminate women's paths in Buddhist tradition and how their wisdom speaks to liberation today. The retreat balances solitude with connection: periods of deep individual practice are woven with group dialogue, allowing community to become part of the medicine. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of your own lineage as a woman practitioner, renewed commitment to your meditation practice, and the felt sense of being held by both teachers and sisters in the dharma.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, nestled in Woodacre, California, a serene location in Marin County designed for deep practice. The six-night program begins Sunday, September 20, 2026. Participants practice in silence, so come prepared to listen within. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and walking meditation; Spirit Rock provides overnight accommodations and vegetarian meals. For accessibility questions or specific needs, contact the center directly when registering.