Easter Retreat April 3-12, 2026

San Juan Bautista, California with Adam Eurich ansd Cassandra Gearhart Ph.D.

Ideal for New and Experienced Meditators

Join us for the Annual Easter TWIM Meditation Retreat. Two guiding teachers lead this years 10-day course. It is structured for beginners with little experience and an advanced track for seasoned meditators. The retreat program provides a rare opportunity for a deep dive into letting-go of the root causes for stress and suffering. Individualized attention is provided with daily one-on-one coaching along with small group Q&A sessions facilitated by certified TWIM teachers.

Locate 80 miles south of San Francisco, the retreat is held a the St. Francis Retreat center. The 70 acre campus is nested in a countryside with nature trails, excellent dining, and modern single and double occupancy private rooms.

A Clear Path to Calm, Insight, and Freedom of Mind

TWIM (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation) is expanding around the world—and the reason is simple: people consistently experience enormous benifits with permenant life-changing results. This gentle yet powerful meditation fosters deep relaxation, mental clarity, and transformative insight. These qualities are especially sought after by people working in high-pressure fields such as technology, research, business, health care, and education.

Many people that try TWIM feel stuck in your meditation practice—or no longer make progress into deeper levels of insight and well-being. TWIM offers a clear—time tested path that was clearly articulated by the Buddha. TWIM practitioners frequently report that it eliminates confusion in favor of confidence and reduces frustration in favor of composure. These happen in the fist few days of practice. Extended TWIM retreats are transcendental and deeply transformational. This is why TWIM has become synonymous with relief.

A Retreat Designed for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re completely new to meditation or have practiced Vipassana, Zen, mindfulness, or TWIM itself, this retreat meets you exactly where you are. New meditators appreciate its systemic clarity blending with kindness and mindfulness with tranquility. Experienced practitioners value full-immersion and individualized support and guidance to enter the deep end of meditative states, jhānas, and liberation of mind.

Those new to TWIM will learn a step-by-step method grounded in the original suttas and taught by the Buddha in the suttas. Beginning on the first day, teachers support every participant with precise and compassionate instruction. The structure of the course is designed to help everyone build the core meditative skills to experience progress in the stages of meditation—both on retreat and after returning to daily life.

Whether you are completely new to meditation or have practiced Vipassana, Zen, mindfulness based stress reduction, or an experienced TWIM practitioner—this retreat is ideal in every way. Originally this course is designed by Bhante Vimalaramsi,—the monk that discovered TWIM. It’s structured to develop the core skills that lead to the deep end of meditation and its benifits. Learn more about TWIM HERE.

Learn from a Expereienced and Compassionate Teachers

The retreat leaders dedicated TWIM meditators. Both are have trained and experienced leading this course. Cassandra Gearhart Ph.D. and Adam Eurich are known for guiding students through the stages of meditation with clarity, warmth, and precision. Their expertise is recognized by their students and TWIM community.

About the Leaders:
Cassandra and Adam embody a spirit of kindness, wisdom, and enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and experience in TWIM. They live and teach weekly meditation classes in Austin, Texas. Both studied, practiced, and mentored for many years mentored by the late Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi.— the monk who discovered TWIM. Moreover, they embody a depth of understanding of meditation and its goals. Finally, their retreat leadership insures authentic instruction with clarity and compassion. Along with teaching meditation, Cassandra works in Counseling Psychology. Learn more on her bio page HERE. Adam is known for his videos that chronical Buddhism in America. Learn more about Adam on His bio-page HERE.

Personal support and guidance

Cassandera and Adam provide dao;u group instruction combined with individual private interviews with guidance to deepen skill development with unambiguous direction. A wise and experienced guide provides clarity and confidence to smoothly progress in the stages of meditation Daily interviews combined with group meetings provide a balanced program that leads to results oriented meditationm practice.

“Adam and Cassandra have been an invaluable resource to me over the past year and a half. I have learned the TWIM approach through attending their weekly meditation group and participating in a few single-day retreats, and have found the TWIM methodology to be a simple, yet effective approach that has significantly deepened my practice. Their compassionate yet direct teaching style has been helpful in guiding both myself and other group members, and their skilled guidance is largely what keeps me coming back week after week. I highly recommend them and the TWIM approach for anyone looking to strengthen their practice.”

— George Guckenberger, MS, Licensed professional counselor associate

Designed for Both Beginners and Experienced Meditators

If you are new to meditation:

You will learn the step-by-step TWIM method that is easy to understand with proven results.
You’ll receive practical guidance, small-group support, and gentle instruction.
The retreat is intentionally designed to reduce confusion, overwhelm, or performance pressure.
Learn more about TWIM HERE.

If you have TWIM experience:

You will deepen your understanding causes and conditions, (D.O.) the aggregates, and imaterai jhānas leading to cessation.
You will receive personalized guidance from both teachers due to your TWIM history.
The retreat is structured support dedicated practitioners aligned to long term meditation goals.
You can participate with a flexible schedule to accommodate and support advanced meditation requirements.

Why this Retreat Stands Out

Clear, evidence-based instructions rooted in the early Buddhist suttas
A teaching approach that appeals to analytical and business-oriented minds
A supportive environment with instructors committed to your progress in the stages of insight
A proven method used successfully by thousands worldwide
Practical tools that naturally reduces and eliminates habitual stress reactions resulting in anxiety, overthinking, and emotional burnout
A retreat experience that inspires long-term practice and meaningful quality of life changes.

What You Will Gain

As a TWIM Graduate you will:

Understand and enyoy meditation as a life-long practice.
Learn how to apply meditation skills in an active daily lifestyle
Experience increased calm, focus, and emotional resilience
Have embodied confidence to continue deepen meditation as a life long wellness practice
Gain insights that help you navigate work, relationships, and daily challenges with new confidence.
Be motivated to return to a retreat to let go and experience greater liberation of mind.

Whatever your motivation, mental well-being or spiritual development, this meditation course is designed to uplift your reality and support your journey though life with more kindness and claity.

In Conclusion

Retreats led by Cassandra and Adam present a rich opportunity to develop the ingeneous system’ developed 5000 years ago by the Buddha resulting in the freedom of mind. Guided by their pivotal role as leaders and teachers, Cassnadra and Adam faithfully reflect Buddhist ethics and wiosdom that insures that the retreat will be richly rewarding experiences to treasure always.

St Francis Retreat Center

Located 83 miles south of San Francisco International Airport. St. Francis Retreat Center is ideal for immersive meditation. The center is situated on a sunny hillside only a few miles from the historic town of San Juan Bautista east of Monterey Bay. The contemporary Spanish-style building complex is nestled among shade trees, a lake, and vineyards, rolling hills and meadows

An Escape into Tranquility

Spacious outdoor practice areas are ideal for walking meditation. There are hillside walking trails and a lake path to maintain regular exercise. Outdoor benches with spectacular views of the Hollister Valley. St. Francis Retreat offers 72 acres for outdoor walking meditation that fosters immediate serenity in the mind and body.

Single and Double Occupancy Bedroom

Comfortable single occupancy bedrooms have been recently renovated. Each private bathroom has two comfortable twin beds with pillows, linens, extra blankets. The bathroom includes a shower, towels, bath mat, washcloths, and soap. A desk and chair with reading lights. Each room has a large window facing a garden. The ambience is quite and ideal space for secluded seated meditation practice. These rooms have covered access to group meditation spaces and the mission style chapel. The meditation hall is available for 24 hour practice. There is ample indoor walking space in the event of rain. Shaded and open air walk ways offer abundant space for sitting and walking practice.

Dining and Food Service

The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio seating with panoramic views of lawns and gardens. In this meditation, Two full service meals are served buffet style. Both offer vegetarian or meat/fish entrees with gluten-free options, salads, fruits, and side dishes. Hot and cold beverages, including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee, are available 24/7. Refrigerated food storage is available to those with special dietary needs or eating disorders that require supplementing tbe standard menu.

Retreat Schedule

Practice times and rest periods are based on individual needs and goals. Participants are required to attend the morning group meditation and evening presentation. For interviews, arrive early in the waiting area outside the conference room and wait to be notified. Teachers will advise self-directed sitting and walking meditation periods based on individual needs. There are abundant Indoor and outdoor spaces for practice.

FIRST DAY: Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4—Saturday April 11

6:30 am Wake up (BELL)
7:00 am Group Precepts and Meditation, Fireside Room
8:00 am Continued meditation or Optional Group Krya Yoga practice (BELL)
8:30 am Breakfast in Dining Hall
9:00 am Self-directed Meditation or Optional Group Q&A, Fireside Room
10:00 am - 11:00 noon Interviews and continued practice
12:00 am - 1:00 pm Lunch/Rest (BELL)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Self Directed Meditation
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm Interviews and continued practice
6:30 pm Tea Break (BELL)
7:00 pm - 8;00 pm Informative talk Fireside Room
8:00 Self-Directed Meditation and Rest

LAST DAY: April 12

Hotels near SFO

Early arrivals or staying overs are advised to select a hotel from the list below. These are modestly priced hotels that offer courtesy airport shuttle service, wi-fi, and complementary breakfast. Cheaper rates may be available through Hotels.com. Kayak.com, and other Web-based portals.

The hotels listed below are located only a few miles proximity of SFO in a commercial district with nearby restaurants.

Millwood Inn & Suites

Days Inn San Francisco International Airport West

La Quinta Inn & Suites, San Francisco Airport West

Driving Directions

Google or Apple maps will the the prefered way to navigate to the center.

From SFO drive south on Highway 101 for 83 miles.

Exit Hwy 101 onto Hwy 156 East at the San Juan Bautista/Hollister exit
After about 3 miles on 156, turn right at the signal onto The Alameda
Pass the San Juan Inn and Old San Juan Hollister Road
Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Road, continue straight about 0.8 miles.
Enter a private drive posted with a sign for St. Francis Retreat. Drive slowly for 1.5 miles from this point.
Park on either side oft he lower building.

From I-5

Exit onto CA-152 W/E Pacheco Blvd. and continue to follow CA-152 W for 35.3 mi
Keep left to continue on Hwy 156 W/CA-156 W, follow signs for Hollister,14.1 mi
Follow Mission Vineyard Rd to your destination 2.2 mi
Turn left onto Old San Juan Hollister Rd 253 ft
Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Rd 0.5 mi
Turn left to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 0.3 mi
Turn right to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 1.2 mile

Arrival and check-in

Check-in at St. Francis at the upper lobby between 11:00 and 12:00 noon. Parking is available next to the lower building. The chapel in the lower building is the location for group meditation and Dhamma talks. On the first day, the buffet lucnch is 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM followed by orientation. Check the posted schedule for details.

The retreat ends after the morning meditation on the last day of the retreat, with time for breakfast, socializing, taking photos, and packing.

Emergency Contact Numbers

There is no public phone in the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers.

Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294

St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234

St. Francis Retreat emergency after-hours phone: 831-207-7042

Detailed Retreat Information

What to Wear:

The weather in San Juan Bautista is typically sunny with cool, clear nights. The average daytime temperature is 72ºF (20ºC), and the average nighttime low temperature is 45ºF (8ºC). Rain is unlikely, but be prepared to bring an umbrella or other wet weather gear for outdoor walking.

Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweatpants with elastic waistbands. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. A warm jacket is needed for cold nights and evening walking meditation. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the compound. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for sunny days.

What to Bring for Meditation:

The meditation hall will provide chairs for sitting. You can bring your meditation chair, meditation cushions or pillows, benches, and floor pads. House slippers and warm socks are appropriate in the meditation hall. Bring a shawl or small blanket for indoor and outdoor seated meditations in the gardens and patio areas.

Other Necessities to Bring:

The center provides bed linens, blankets, and towels. However, you may want to bring a unique personal pillow or blanket. You should also bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc.), a flashlight or headlamp, an alarm clock or watch with an alarm, and a water bottle to fill at the center with filtered water. A wake-up and notification bell will announce meals and group gatherings. If required, you should bring COVID-19 supplies.

What to Leave at Home:

Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs, or alcohol. Only bring food if you have made prior arrangements with the retreat managers to accommodate special dietary needs.

Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergenic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening dhamma talks. Candles, incense, and smoking are prohibited in any building or room.

Clocks and Phones:

Please take care of personal matters before coming so we don’t have to hamper your progress in meditation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones, tablets, and computers will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and held in a secure area until breakfast on the last day.

Emergency Phone Numbers:

There is no public phone in the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers.
Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294
St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234
St. Francis Retreat emergency after-hours phone: 831-207-7042

Interacting with Monastics

Physical contact: Refrain from shaking hands or hugs.
Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer.
Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up when the teacher enters or leaves the room to demonstrate respect. Remain standing until he or she is sitting or has departed.
Attentiveness: Please do not cross your arms or legs during the conversation. It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image, monk, nun, or lay teacher.
Timeliness: Be present and seated at the scheduled starting time and plan your questions to respect the end time.
Conversation topics: Though you’re welcome to have enjoyable conversations about the dhamma and the practice, refrain from asking personal or potentially unreverent questions. For example, this includes asking for value statements about other practices or religions, individual attainments, or potentially controversial topics (i.e., COVID).
Generosity: donations (Dana) are gratefully accepted. These teachers live by the Dhamma. Your generosity directly supports his ability to teach. Though physical gifts are appreciated, they are impractical while they travel.

Simplicity and Renunciation

Meditation retreats offer a sacred space protected and removed from the world. They allow participants to look deeply inside, quiet their minds, and open their hearts. The most beneficial and rewarding spiritual life experiences often happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is crucial for developing patience, steadfastness, lovingkindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom.

These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice called “taking what is offered.”

Taking What is Offered

Taking any Residence—whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the assigned accommodation and continue practicing this spirit throughout the retreat.
Taking Food that is Offered—Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice. The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious meals. Gluten-free alternatives will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with other special dietary needs may arrange with the retreat manager to bring supplemental food items with them to the retreat. Food is prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall. The kitchen is restricted to St. Francis staff.
Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, participants are expected to embrace the practice of silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, telephones, computers, email, or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening dhamma talks and teacher interviews when questions are encouraged. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency.
Serving the Community—Participants may volunteer for community duties as a daily form of meditation. This activity acquaints participants and helps the retreat function smoothly. A sign-up sheet for daily retreat jobs will be available at registration.

Simplicity and Renunciation print version download

COVID-19

There are currently no COVID-19 public health safety state or local mandates. There are no vaccination requirements at St. Francis Retreat Center. As a precaution, we ask that participants do a home test before they arrive. As an additional safety measure, take another home test on the opening day of the retreat and a further test on the following morning.

TWIM