REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
About the Retreat
The Buddha the Scientist Retreat will be held October 1 - October 4, 2026, co-hosted by UCSD, one of the world's leading public research universities.
The retreat will be held at Lions Camp at Wrightwood, located at Teresita Pines in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains near Wrightwood, California.
Address: 22800 Big Pines Hwy, Valyermo, CA 93563
Approximate travel times:
- 2.5 hours from Deer Park Monastery
- 1.5–2 hours from Los Angeles
- 2.5–3 hours from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Approximately 40 minutes from Ontario International Airport (ONT)
The mountain setting offers a peaceful environment with fresh air, pine forests, and quiet walking paths that support mindfulness and deep practice. The facilities are simple and communal, similar in spirit to Deer Park Monastery.
Rooted in the teachings of Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, this retreat emphasizes the integration of mindfulness into daily life, providing a nurturing environment to slow down, connect with the present moment, and deepen your meditation practice.
Participants will have the rare opportunity to join scientists and scholars in shared mindfulness activities, creating a space where contemplative practice informs and enriches intellectual exploration.
Whether you are new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat will support your journey of inner transformation and cultivate the clarity and compassion needed to make meaningful impacts in your life and the world.
Sample Schedule
6:00 AM Morning Sitting Meditation
7:00 Walking Meditation
7:45 Breakfast
9:00 Working Meditation
11:00 Dharma Talk or Presentation
12:30 PM Lunch
2:00 Total Relaxation
3:00 Dharma Sharing
5:00 Exercise Time
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening Mindfulness Activity
About the Symposium
Following the retreat, The Buddha the Scientist symposium will be held at UCSD on Monday October 5, which invites scientists from around North America to explore the intersection of Buddhism, psychology, and neuroscience through the embodied practice of mindfulness. The symposium combines mindfulness practice with groundbreaking scientific inquiry and discussion. When registering for the Retreat, you can select the option to reserve your spot for the Symposium simultaneously.
The Buddha as a Scientist
The Buddha, as a true pioneer, ignited a revolution in understanding the mind and body. His teachings offer concrete methods to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight—an invaluable compass for seekers throughout the ages. Moreover, he embodied a scientific mindset, continually adapting his teachings based on real-life evidence gleaned from his own practice and that of his students.
This will be our fifth The Buddha the Scientist event. View past TBTS events below:
