October Retreat 2025

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, 6-night residential retreat is oriented to dedicated meditators with previous experience in TWIM and the immaterial jhanas. The retreat offers an ideal environment and individual instruction for those seeking advanced guidance in the signless leading to cessation. The course incorporates daily group talks, instruction, and one-on-one daily private interviews over Zoom with Delson. Enrollment is limited to twenty participants and require Delson’s approval to attend. Learn more about Delson on his website at www.DelsonArmstrong.com

This course incorporates daily instruction and practice in pranamayakosha—an aspect of Kyria yoga initially practiced by Delson. Pranamayakosha in a primary practice performed in many Vedic spiritual traditions. It accelerates spiritual development at cellular and chromosomal level. It engenders physical energy and mental acuity. Kyria practice requires no special clothing or gear. Scott Jordan will assist Delson in leading these sessions. He is a registered yoga teacher who trained in India with yoga masters and is a certified TWIM instructor. Learn more about Jordan on his bio page HERE.

Each evening there will be an group dhamma discussion to review the key points delivered in Delson’s daily talk. This optional group meeting is an opportunity for participants to share their experience and better understand ways of engagement the three gates of liberation.

In the audio clip below, Delson explains the significance of developing the understanding and practice skill to experience the three gateways to liberation.

Practice Guidelines:

Practice times, rest periods, and mealtimes are based on the retreat’s individual goals. Participants are encouraged attend the morning group meditation, dhamma talks, interiews, and Kryia practice sessions. Please be prompt for group sessions and interviews. For interviews, arrive early, especially in the waiting area outside the interview room. During your interview, Delson will suggest self-directed sitting and walking meditation periods based on individual needs and interests. There is abundant Indoor and outdoor space for sitting and walking practice.

In this video, Delson talks attaining cessation as the highest state in meditation. The talk is followed by important discussion about entering into cessation and the importance of recognizing hindrances the may obstruct it.

St. Francis Retreat Center

Located 83 miles south of San Francisco International Airport. St. Francis Retreat 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 and vineyards on 70 acres of rolling hills and meadows.

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

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 securely stored and returned on the last evening following the closing remarks.

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 cozy and warm accommodation on chilly California nights. The group meditatio hall and chapel are avaialble for 24 hour practice. This is ample walking space throughout the camps throughout the campus. There are hillside hiking trails in the surrounding hillside and a lake with easy trails to walk the shoreline.

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, including 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. 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

11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Check in Upper Lobby
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch, Dining Room
1:00 - 2:00 pm Orientation Casa San Jose
7:00 - 8:00 pm Delson's Introduction, Casa San Jose
8;00 pm Optional Group Dhamma discussion, practice, and rest

MONDAY, Oct 27—Saturday Nov 1

6:00 am Wake up (BELL)
6:30 am Group Precepts followed by Meditation, Upper Conference Room
8:00 am Breakfast (BELL)
9:00 am - 12;00 Self-Directed Meditation and Interviews
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch/Rest (BELL)
1:00 - 7:00 pm Self Directed Meditation and Interviews (BELL)
7:00 - 8:00 pm Delson's Introduction, Casa San Jose
8;00 pm Optional Group Dhamma discussion, practice, and rest

LAST DAY: April 12

Reservations and Registration

This is a non-profit retreat. The teachings are free and without charge. The fees cover fixed costs at St. Francis Retreat Center, including food, lodging, insurance, teacher travel, and minimal administration expenses. Retreat staff are unpaid volunteers. Single Occupancy Room $995

Payment and Refund Policy

Click the Blue button above to register and pay deposit or pay full registration fees.
If the retreat is cancelled for reasons beyond our control, payments made will be refunded minus the standard bank processing fee of 2.9% and will be credited to the original source of payment within ten banking days.
Cancellations after September 1, 2025 are not refundable however, fees will be applied toward payment for future retreats or symposiums hosted by the this organization up to 24 months following the cancellation date. Alternatively, fees may be donated to the retreat leaders including the 501c3 charitable organization tax exemption.
For more information contact The retreat administrator at: admin@LearnTWIM.org

The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers for the LearnTWIM.org and thevTWIM Foundation, a Non-profit 501c3 tax exempt organization.

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 Group Ground Transportation

For your convenience, a passenger van service may be available for round-trip to and from the retreat center, 83 miles from SFO.

Those requiring ground transportation must coordinate flight arrival and departure times with the retreat managers before booking airline or hotel reservations. Contact the retreat manager for registration and payment instructions.

Arrivals by air should make flight and hotel reservations with adequate time to connect with either private or optional ground transportation contracted by retreat staff. Roundtrip reservations are $210 per person including luggage and tip.

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