I have always been intrigued by the relationship between life, death and practice that is offered in Buddhism. When I was young, I would meditate at a Soto Zen temple in San Francisco at 5:30 in the morning. On the wooden block used to call one to practice was written: “Great is the matter of Birth and Death. Life passes swiftly and is quickly lost. Awaken! Awaken! Do not waste your life!” Many of us live with the illusion that we won’t die. We know it, but only as a conceptual reality. Or we believe that it will happen later... or to someone else! I almost died a few years ago...
Eugene Cash
Residential Retreat Teacher
Eugene is the founding teacher of San Francisco Insight. He has been a Buddhist teacher since 1990. He is a senior teacher at Spirit Rock. Eugene’s teaching is influenced by many streams of Buddhism–– Theravada, Zen and Tibetan. He is also a Diamond Approach teacher. He’s passionate about practicing 24/7, supporting awareness, investigation, and realization in daily life.
Eugene Cash's Upcoming Programs
Retreat | On-Land
December 27 - January 3, 2025 | Friday - Friday | 7 nights
New Year's Insight Meditation Retreat
Join the Waitlist! This is a traditional Insight Meditation (vipassanā) retreat with stillness and moving in silence, as well as regular meetings with teachers. Each day there will be systematic meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and movement practice. We will mark the turning of the year with a late evening meditation and simple ceremony on New Year’s Eve. In celebration of the New Year, our focus will be on cultivating loving awareness and embracing each moment as fresh and new. All are welcome.
Retreat | On-Land
October 16 - October 24, 2025 | Thursday - Friday | 8 nights
Fall Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Opens - June 18. Grounded in the Thai Forest Tradition, this Vipassanā retreat will focus on quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing clarity and depth of practice. During our time together, traditional meditation instruction will be combined with a spirit of lovingkindness, and the retreat will include silent sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, and practice meetings with the teachers.
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with Eugene Cash through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.