From Doing to Being Spring Retreat
In Buddhism, we are often instructed to "let go", to simply rest and receive. A lot of us are tired, and this sounds appealing. Yet, in a fast-paced world bent on productivity, actually stopping can feel impossible. When the compulsion to “do” consumes us, it becomes a distraction from the work of getting free.
On this retreat, we will clearly identify the value of rest, investigate the obstacles to getting it, and learn how and why rest is liberating. Indeed, liberation is the ultimate rest! We’ll explore methods for practicing deep resting so that we can experience a spaciousness that helps us sense into the essence of things (including ourselves).
As we explore the shift from doing to being, we see that this transition does not deaden us in the face of a world in need. Instead, we see how deep surrender transforms us so that we can live from a place of profound love and trust rather than one of fear and control. When we open to the world, the world opens to us.
On this retreat, we will clearly identify the value of rest, investigate the obstacles to getting it, and learn how and why rest is liberating. Indeed, liberation is the ultimate rest! We’ll explore methods for practicing deep resting so that we can experience a spaciousness that helps us sense into the essence of things (including ourselves).
As we explore the shift from doing to being, we see that this transition does not deaden us in the face of a world in need. Instead, we see how deep surrender transforms us so that we can live from a place of profound love and trust rather than one of fear and control. When we open to the world, the world opens to us.
Location
Adamant Music School
1216 Haggett Rd, Adamant, VT 05640, USA
1216 Haggett Rd, Adamant, VT 05640, USA
Date & Time
May 15, 2026, 3:00 PM -
May 17, 2026, 1:00 PM
$295 per person
May 17, 2026, 1:00 PM
$295 per person
Meet your teacher for this retreat
Zac Ispa-Landa
Zac is a mindfulness teacher and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Vermont. He teaches courses on ecology, environmental justice, honeybee biology, beekeeping and mindfulness in the Anthropocene. He teaches mindfulness at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Inward Bound Mindfulness, MIT Sloan, the Burlington Dharma Collective and Bhumisparsha.
For more information about Zac, check out his website:
https://www.ZacIspaLanda.com
For more information about Zac, check out his website:
https://www.ZacIspaLanda.com
Event Schedule
Black = silence
Blue = not in silence
Friday, 5/15
3:00-5:00 Arrival and settling in
5:00-6:00 Welcome and Meditation
6:00-7:00 Vegetarian Potluck Dinner (Soup and Bread will be provided by the retreat)
7:00-8:30 Intro to retreat
8:30-10:00 Optional tea and quiet community time
Saturday, 5/16
7:00-8:00 Meditation
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-12:30 Practice period
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Rest
2:30-5:00 Practice period
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:00-7:00 Practice period
7:00-8:00 Dharma Talk with Zac
8:00-9:00 Practice Period
9:00-10:00 Mantra/chanting
Sunday, 5/17
7:00-8:00 Meditation
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Practice Period - Closing
12:00 Light Lunch
12:30 Clean Up/Leave
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Adamant Music School has been hosting students from around the world since 1942. The school owns 5 homes in the village with private bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Bedrooms are small and sparce, often only large enough for a bed and dresser. Beds sizes range from twin to King-size. Rooms with larger sized beds are perfect for couples who would like to attend the retreat together. All guests will share a bathrooms and showers. Bedding and towels will be provided.
MEALS
All meals are lovingly prepared by volunteer staff. Food is light and nutritious vegetarian fare that may include dairy and eggs. Food is served buffet-style. Coffee and tea are available all day. While we will try to have a variety of foods suitable for those with sensitivities to gluten and dairy, if you have special dietary needs you may wish to bring some or all your own food. All are welcome to bring snacks and other items to supplement the provided fare; note that refrigerator space in the kitchen is limited. All meals are included. If you are able and would like to, please to bring a vegetarian dish to share for the Friday evening Potluck dinner. Alcohol is not permitted.
PAYMENT
The $295 per person is all inclusive for the retreat weekend. Credit card payment is required at time of registration. Up to (4) tickets can be purchased in a single transaction. If you do not have access to a credit card, please email the address below and we will arrange take another form of payment.
Refund policy:
A full refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by April 1, 2026.
50% refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by April 30, 2026
No refund after May1, 2026
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you require financial assistance, please send an email to the address below and let us know what your ability to pay is. If we are able, we will offer partial scholarships.
For more information please email:
[email protected]
The Adamant Music School has been hosting students from around the world since 1942. The school owns 5 homes in the village with private bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Bedrooms are small and sparce, often only large enough for a bed and dresser. Beds sizes range from twin to King-size. Rooms with larger sized beds are perfect for couples who would like to attend the retreat together. All guests will share a bathrooms and showers. Bedding and towels will be provided.
MEALS
All meals are lovingly prepared by volunteer staff. Food is light and nutritious vegetarian fare that may include dairy and eggs. Food is served buffet-style. Coffee and tea are available all day. While we will try to have a variety of foods suitable for those with sensitivities to gluten and dairy, if you have special dietary needs you may wish to bring some or all your own food. All are welcome to bring snacks and other items to supplement the provided fare; note that refrigerator space in the kitchen is limited. All meals are included. If you are able and would like to, please to bring a vegetarian dish to share for the Friday evening Potluck dinner. Alcohol is not permitted.
PAYMENT
The $295 per person is all inclusive for the retreat weekend. Credit card payment is required at time of registration. Up to (4) tickets can be purchased in a single transaction. If you do not have access to a credit card, please email the address below and we will arrange take another form of payment.
Refund policy:
A full refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by April 1, 2026.
50% refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by April 30, 2026
No refund after May1, 2026
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you require financial assistance, please send an email to the address below and let us know what your ability to pay is. If we are able, we will offer partial scholarships.
For more information please email:
[email protected]
Location
Adamant Music School
1216 Haggett Rd, Adamant, VT 05640, USA
1216 Haggett Rd, Adamant, VT 05640, USA
We look forward to hosting you!