Applications open on March 15.
This sacred period, deeply rooted in the ancient 90-day practice tradition which dates back to the time of the Buddha, offers a unique opportunity to dwell peacefully in the great hidden mountain of Deer Park Monastery, nurturing your mind and spirit.
The Rains Retreat is a time to immerse yourself in the practice of mindfulness, to look deeply and learn profoundly.
Living in the serene and natural environment of Deer Park Monastery, we create the conditions to nurture wholesome seeds within us, allowing them to grow stronger each day. This environment helps us recognize the roots of our pain and suffering, transforming them and bringing peace to ourselves and our loved ones. Together, practicing in mindful community, we can work towards alleviating the suffering in society, far beyond what one can do alone.
Many Rains Retreat participants envision this sacred time as a sabbatical from their professions, allowing them space to gain deeper clarity, new tools, and an intentional community to support them on the path of Right Livelihood. The monastery also draws from a deep history and commitment to Engaged Buddhism, which guides the framework of our teachings and retreat programs.
We hope you will join us for this transformative experience. Come, breathe, and walk with us. Together, we can touch the wonders of life and the peace within and around us.
With love and trust,
The Monastics of Deer Park Monastery
NOTE: We will also be offering one-week and two-week long stays during the Rains Retreat, which are called General Practice Retreats. This page is for those interested in applying to attend the FULL 3-month Rains Retreat only. If you are interested in opportunities to register to attend shorter stays during the Rains Retreat, please keep an eye on our website here.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be willing and able to stay at the monastery for the entire 3-month plus time period, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Please note there will be NO REFUNDS given for voluntary early departure.
There are boundaries in place with the intention of encouraging your full participation in the Sangha for the entire 90 days.
Please be aware that all Rains Retreat participants will be reviewed after two weeks, and the full 3-month stay is not guaranteed. In the event that someone is not practicing in harmony with the community, they may be asked to depart (in which case we would, of course, offer a refund).
You must be 18 or older to attend without a parent or guardian present. For all retreat stays at Deer Park (with the exception of Teen Camp), we cannot accept minors under the age of 18, attending without a parent or guardian.
Important Dates
The opening ceremony for the Rains Retreat will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026 during the Day of Mindfulness at Deer Park Monastery. We will close the retreat with a ceremony on January 17, 2027. Applications are due by September 11, 2026, but we encourage you to apply early as there are some limitations on the number of registrants received.
- March 15, 2026 — Registration opens for the 2026-27 Rains Retreat
- NOTE: We will do our best to respond within 3 weeks of receiving your application.
- September 11, 2026 — Applications close. We ask that all interested parties submit a registration form a minimum of four weeks in advance of the retreat arrival date.
- October 9, 2026 — Arrival Day, 2 to 4 pm
- October 17, 2026 — Counting Sticks Ceremony, 7:30 pm
- October 18, 2026 — Rains Retreat Opening Ceremony
- January 17, 2027 — Rains Retreat Closing Ceremony
- January 18, 2027 — Departure Day, 9 am
Rains Retreat Cost
Supporter Rate $13,500 (Dorm Room); $9,450 (Tent Camping)
Benefactor Rate $10,800 (Dorm Room); $7,560 (Tent Camping)
BASE RATE $9,000 (Dorm Room); $6,300 (Tent Camping)
* Reduced Rate $6,750 (Dorm Room); $4,725 (Tent Camping)
** Special Case Rate (18-35 years old) $4,500 (Dorm Room); $3,150 (Tent Camping)
* For the Reduced Rate, we require a letter of request to the community prior to approval. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status.
** The Special Case Rate is for those age 18-35 years old and we require a letter of request prior to approval. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status.
If none of these rates meet your financial situation, please write a letter of request to the community. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status (also include what rate you are able to afford). You may be requested for a virtual interview prior to approval.
ACTION WAKE UP
Action Wake Up (AWU) is a new 15-month residential training program in Buddhist spiritual practice, applied ethics, community living, mindful service, and leadership development. Deer Park Monastery welcomed the first Action Wake Up cohort of young people (aged 18-35) to live and train in Escondido, California in October 2025, with the beginning of the Rains Retreat. Learn more about Action Wake Up here.
FAQs
I'm interested in monastic life. Is this for me?
Yes, in fact, those interested in monastic life are required to attend the 3-month Rains Retreat first. Learn more about becoming a monastic here.
I am NOT interested in monastic life. Is this for me?
Yes, you do not have to be on the path of monastic life to enjoy the teachings and practices of the 90-day Rains Retreat. Immersing yourself in 90-day practice can bring much peace, healing, and harmony to you, outside of the monastery, in whatever you are pursuing in your career and personal life.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, you must be 18 or older to attend without a parent or guardian present. For all retreat stays at Deer Park (with the exception of Teen Camp), we cannot accept minors under the age of 18 attending without a parent or guardian.
What happens during the Rains Retreat?
The Rains Retreat is a time to immerse yourself in the practice of mindfulness, to look deeply and learn profoundly. Our daily schedule will be rich with sitting meditation, walking meditation, working meditation, and service meditation. You will have the chance to participate in Dharma talks, receive mentoring, and take classes designed to deepen your understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.
Throughout your stay, you will be a part of Sangha activities, including eating meditation, listening to the bell, singing meditation, and practicing loving speech and deep listening. You will also have the opportunity to work side by side with our Sisters and Brothers, serving the Sangha and sharing joy with all who come to us.
What scholarship or financial assistance is available?
You may be eligible for a Contemplative Fellowship for partial cost coverage. Please note that Contemplative Fellowships only apply to the first 30 days of long retreats, such as the Rains Retreat. Fellowships only apply to the BASE RATE and cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts.
* For the Reduced Rate, we require a letter of request to the community prior to approval. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status.
** The Special Case Rate is for those age 18-35 years old and we require a letter of request prior to approval. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status.
If none of these rates meet your financial situation, please write a letter of request to the community. Upload your letter on our Contact Us page. Please include your gender and a statement of your current financial status (also include what rate you are able to afford). You may be requested for a virtual interview prior to approval.
Please be aware that all Rains Retreat participants will be reviewed after two weeks, and the full 3-month stay is not guaranteed. In the event that someone is not practicing in harmony with the community, they may be asked to depart (in which case we would, of course, offer a refund).
If you have questions about which hamlet to apply to, or if you have any additional questions, please contact our registration office: Contact Us
