Working with the Conditioned Mind in Everyday Life with
Joe McCormack and Robert Brumet
Sunday, September 7 – Saturday, September 13, 2025
Registration is open, closes September 4
What is a Householder Retreat?
In the early days of Buddhist history, meditation was primarily practiced by monastics. Laypersons, often occupied with making a subsistence living, had little time for formal meditation. In the Pali suttas, these individuals are referred to as householders. Their engagement with the dharma typically involved supporting monks and nuns by providing food and other necessities.
Today, most participants in Buddhist meditation retreats in the West are laypersons rather than monastics. In this sense, nearly every Insight Meditation retreat could be considered a “Householder’s Retreat.” However, the term is specifically used to describe retreats that help participants integrate dharma practice into their daily lives.
A Householder’s Retreat is designed with this practical approach in mind. Rather than long, continuous sessions, it is structured in shorter segments spread over a week or two. Formal retreat periods focus on applying mindfulness and meditation in everyday experiences—at home, at work, and in daily interactions. Participants are often given specific practices or reflections to engage with throughout the day, followed by reviews to assess how well they have maintained their practice between sessions.
The true value of the dharma lies in its application to everyday life. If practice is limited to formal retreats or sitting meditation alone, its benefits remain constrained. Every moment offers an opportunity for practice—nothing falls outside its scope.
Many yogis, myself included, have lamented that while their practice during a retreat feels “sharp as a razor,” it quickly dulls once they return to their regular routines. Integrating dharma into daily life requires support. A Householder’s Retreat is designed to keep our practice sharp and present in every moment.
Fees
Actual Cost $80 | Minimum $60 | Supporter $95 | Sponsor $115.
Click here for our pricing policy.
If you need financial assistance, please see our scholarship policy before registering.
None of the fees go to the teacher for offering the teachings. Teachers receive financial support for their work strictly by a separate, voluntary donation. You can learn more about this on our Teacher Support page. We encourage you to support the teacher and the continued sharing of the Dhamma through a financial contribution.
Schedule
Sunday 9/7/2025 10:00 AM -5:00 PM
Tuesday 9/9/2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 9/11/2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 9/13/2025 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
To assure everyone has a safe and wholesome retreat, we ask each retreatant to honor The Five Precepts throughout the retreat. Read more about The Five Precepts here.
For more information read our FAQ, email us