Gates of Liberation

The Gates of Liberation Retreat, Delson Armstrong Oct 26–Nov 2, 2025, San Juan Bautista, CA

About the Retreat

The “Three Gates of Liberation”, are key concepts in Buddhist teachings aimed at transcending suffering and achieving liberation. Emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness are the features that mark these gateways which will be central features of the course. The 7-day, 7-night residential retreat is oriented to the development of jhana states leading to cessation and awakening as described in the Pali texts. The retreat provides an ideal environment and individual instruction by Delson with guidance in the signless state. The course incorporates daily group talks, instruction, and daily one-on-one private interviews. Enrollment is limited to twenty-five participants with a dedicated TWIM practice.

The course incorporates practice in pranamayakosha. This is an aspect of Kyria yoga that Delson studied and practiced in India. Pranamayakosha in a primary practice performed in many Vedic spiritual traditions. Modest practice while sitting or standing accelerates development of vitality at cellular levels resulting in enhansed physical energy and mental acuity. Kyria practice requires no special clothing or gear.

In the audio clip below, Delson explains the significance of developing the understanding and experience of the gatway to liberation.

About Delson

Delson Armstrong is a highly respected meditation teacher known for guiding practitioners into and throught the deep end of mediation. Trained in multiple traditions, including TWIM (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation), he has deeply studied the suttas and achieved profound meditative insights. His clear understanding of the jhānas, dependent origination, and cessation makes him a sought-after guide for serious students.

Delson Armstrong has authored approximately 12 books, spanning both fiction and meditation topics. His most notable is A Mind Without Craving, Oct 2021. In that book, he offers detailed instruction and commentary on meditation practices presented during a ten‑day retreat, including sutta-based teachings and jhāna methodology—particularly suited for advanced practitioners. His recent book is Dependent Origination – Craving (Tanha): The 12 Links of Dependent Origination Series. Sept 2024. Delson’s books are available on Amazon Books HERE.

Prerequisites and Guidelines:

Meditators should have a consistent dedicated daily practice.

Eight training precepts will be taken each day. This includes not eating past the noon day meal and meditative silence except during dhamma talks and interviews. Restrictions on the use of mobile devices and computers beginning on the first day until the last evening of the retreat. The devices will be safely stored during this period.

Practice times, rest periods, and mealtimes are based on each participants individual goals and capacities. Everyone is encouraged attend the morning group meditation, daily dhamma talks, interviews, and Kryia practice sessions.

Meditative silence is maintained throughout the course, except for daily interviews, and discussion segments. Mobile devices are not permitted at any time during the retreat. They must be secured with the retreat manager and returned on the last evening following the closing remarks by Delson.

These guidelines are minimal requirements and meant to support safe and sacred meditation that uplifts the heart and mind toward the noble goal of liberation.

In this video, Delson discribes attaining cessation as the highest mundane state in meditation. There is a compelling discussion following the talk about entering into cessation including skill need to overcome obstructions to attainment of cessation.

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“Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage” ― Ramana Maharshi

California 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 on 70 acres of rolling hills and meadows.

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.

Comfortable rooms have been recently renovated. Rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, comfortable beds, pillows, linens, blankets, towels, washcloths, and soap. A desk with reading lights provides warm accommodation on chilly California nights. The group meditation space and chapel are available for 24 hour practice. There is ample indoor walking space in the chapel and shaded outdoor space for sitting and walking practice.

Dining

The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio seating with panoramic views of lawns and gardens. Two meals a day 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 (preliminary)

Practice times and rest periods are based on individual needs and goals. Morning group meditation and evening dhamma discussion sessions are optional. For interviews, please arrive early in the waiting area outside the casa Maria then wait to be notified. During your intervew, Delson will advise self-directed sitting and walking meditation periods based on your individual needs and goals. This schedule is subject to change before and during the retreat.

FIRST DAY: Sunday, October 26

NEW & REVISED 
1st Day Schedule

Monday: Oct 27–Saturday: Nov 1

LAST DAY: Sunday 2

Travel by Air

Those arriving at SFO by air may reserve ground transportation and are responsible for emailing their arrival and departure information to the retreat manager. Late arrivals or those arriving at Oakland or San Jose airports are responsible for personal transportation to the retreat center and return at their own expense. Travelers are advised to check in for departing flights 90 minutes before domestic and 2 hours before international departures.

Optional Ground Transportation

St. Francis Retreat is located approximately 83 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Participants traveling by air will require round-trip ground transportation between SFO and the retreat center. The retreat team is available to assist with coordinating reliable transportation arrangements for those arriving at SFO.

When booking flights, please ensure sufficient time is scheduled for connections connectng flights and with ground transportation. For planning purposes, participants are advised to arrive at SFO in time for ground transportation departure to the retreat center at approximately 1:00 PM, Sunday, October 26, 2025. Plan to arrive at SFO at approximately 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 2, 2025, so book flights accordingly.

A reliable airport shuttle service will convey participants roundtrip. Those who have indicated a requet for group transportation will be contacted by the Retreat Manager (retreats@TWIM.network) with details.

Hotels near SFO

Early arrivals or staying overs are advised to select a hotel from the list below. These are modestly priced hotels that near the ariport with low cost taxi service avaiable 24/7, Free 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 many 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.
Drive for about .5 miles.
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