Covers Costs
Sustainer Rate
$299
Our standard rate.
The foundation of our community.
- Covers food, lodging, and program costs
- Supports program sustainability
- Not tax-deductible
Silent meditation retreat
Online
Befriending Mortality: Living an Awakened Life through Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati)
We all “know” that we will die, yet we tend to ignore this fact and put our collective head in the sand. But rather than running away from our inevitable finitude, we can harness the power of this reflection to stay aligned with our deepest values and to live and love more fully. Through mindfulness of death (maraṇasati) practice, we become more fully and gratefully present for this miraculous, passing show called life.
Fully embracing our life’s impermanence can give rise to a deep letting go and freedom so that we can be fearlessly and peacefully prepared for our death as a potentially liberative moment. Considering the myriad spiritual benefits of maraṇasati, let us come together to explore this supreme practice, one on which the Buddha invited us to reflect daily for the sake of ourselves and others.
This retreat includes one daily session of interactive practice which is essential for deepening practice; and it is a silent retreat except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Sliding Scale Pricing
Choose your rate
We offer our retreats on a sliding scale to make the Dharma accessible to all.
By selecting the highest rate you're able to afford, you help support Spirit Rock's ability to offer lower rates and meet the growing number of scholarship requests. Your generosity sustains our nonprofit mission and ensures that these teachings of lovingkindness and wisdom remain available to everyone.
Financial Aid
Needs-based assistance
Scholarships are limited to those with significant financial need.
If you need a scholarship to attend, we encourage you to select the scholarship rate that best aligns with you and your financial circumstances.
Muditā / Karuṇa Scholarship
$149
For those facing financial hardship, including elders 65+ on fixed incomes, or those with serious or life-threatening illnesses.
- Not tax-deductible
BIPOC Scholarship
$149
For those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color and need financial assistance to attend a program.
- Not tax-deductible
Teacher Dāna
Please note that registration fees do not include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.
Meet the Teaching Team
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD
Teacher
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She was empowered by the living Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical vipassana. She serves as a Stewarding Teacher and on the Board of Directors at Spirit Rock.
John Martin
Teacher
John Martin has been devoted to dharma practice since 2001. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Spirit Rock Guiding Teachers Council. John teaches Vipassana, Metta and LGBTQI-themed meditation retreats. He also teaches in dedicated practitioner programs and supports practitioners in bringing practice to daily life.
Jeanne Corrigal
Guest
Jeanne Corrigal is the guiding teacher for the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community. She is Métis, and one of her first teachers in loving presence was Cree Elder Jim Settee. She is a graduate of the 2017-2021 IMS teacher training program.
Kodo Conlin
Teacher
Kodo Conlin is an Insight teacher and Zen priest. Currently the co-managing director at Insight Retreat Center, Kodo has lived for many years in temples, monasteries, and Dharma centers, cultivating a heart of practice.