Covers Costs
Sustainer Rate
$399
Our standard rate.
The foundation of our community.
- Supports program sustainability
- Not tax-deductible
Silent meditation retreat
Online
Befriending Mortality: Living an Awakened Life through Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati)
We all “know” that we will die, yet we tend to ignore this fact and put our collective head in the sand. But rather than running away from our inevitable finitude, we can harness the power of this reflection to stay aligned with our deepest values and to live and love more fully. Through mindfulness of death (maraṇasati) practice, we become more fully and gratefully present for this miraculous, passing show called life.
Fully embracing our life’s impermanence can give rise to a deep letting go and freedom so that we can be fearlessly and peacefully prepared for our death as a potentially liberative moment. Considering the myriad spiritual benefits of maraṇasati, let us come together to explore this supreme practice, one on which the Buddha invited us to reflect daily for the sake of ourselves and others. Frank Ostaseski will be a special guest joining us in person on the evening of Thursday, October 29th.
This retreat includes one daily session of interactive practice which is essential for deepening practice; and it is a silent retreat except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
On-Land Teachers: Nikki Mirghafori, John Martin, Kodo Conlin, and Frank Ostaseski (special guest on Oct. 29th)
Online Teacher: Jeanne Corrigal
Online Retreat Details: The online retreat will be offered via Zoom and will include: meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and opportunities to ask questions during Q&A with on-land teachers, broadcasted live from Spirit Rock’s Upper Meditation Hall. There will also be practice meetings on Zoom with a dedicated online Spirit Rock teacher, as well as online affinity groups. Please note: the on-land teachers will not offer practice meetings to online practitioners. PLUS - CEs are NOT available for the online retreat.
Online Retreat:
- Broadcast of all Dharma talks, meditations, and other instructions
- Retreat homepage - includes retreat schedule, access to recordings, other resources
- Recordings of all teacher-led sessions
- Practice meetings with the online teacher
- Opportunity to ask questions during Q&A with the on-land teachers
- Online affinity groups (optional)
Sliding Scale Pricing
Choose your rate
We offer our retreats on a sliding scale to make the Dharma accessible to all.
By selecting the highest rate you're able to afford, you help support Spirit Rock's ability to offer lower rates and meet the growing number of scholarship requests. Your generosity sustains our nonprofit mission and ensures that these teachings of lovingkindness and wisdom remain available to everyone.
Financial Aid
Needs-based assistance
Scholarships are limited to those with significant financial need.
If you need a scholarship to attend, we encourage you to select the scholarship rate that best aligns with you and your financial circumstances.
Muditā / Karuṇa Scholarship
$199
For those facing financial hardship, including elders 65+ on fixed incomes, or those with serious or life-threatening illnesses.
- Not tax-deductible
BIPOC Scholarship
$199
For those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color and need financial assistance to attend a program.
- Not tax-deductible
Young Adult Scholarship
$199
For young adults (ages 18–26) experiencing financial need who wish to attend a program and deepen their practice.
- Not tax-deductible
- Shared or single accommodations
Teacher Dāna
Please note that registration fees do not include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.
Meet the Teaching Team
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD
Teacher
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She was empowered by the living Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical vipassana. She serves as a Stewarding Teacher and on the Board of Directors at Spirit Rock.
John Martin
Teacher
John Martin has been devoted to dharma practice since 2001. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Spirit Rock Guiding Teachers Council. John teaches Vipassana, Metta and LGBTQI-themed meditation retreats. He also teaches in dedicated practitioner programs and supports practitioners in bringing practice to daily life.
Kodo Conlin
Teacher
Kodo Conlin is an Insight teacher and Zen priest. Currently the co-managing director at Insight Retreat Center, Kodo has lived for many years in temples, monasteries, and Dharma centers, cultivating a heart of practice.
Jeanne Corrigal
Guest
Jeanne Corrigal is the guiding teacher for the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community. She is Métis, and one of her first teachers in loving presence was Cree Elder Jim Settee. She is a graduate of the 2017-2021 IMS teacher training program.
Frank Ostaseski
Teacher
Frank Ostaseski Hoshi is a respected Buddhist teacher and a pioneer in contemplative end of life care. He is the visionary co-founder of the Zen Hospice Project and the Metta Institute, and he is the author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.