The Blue Cliff Winter Retreat is an annual retreat whose origins date back to the time of the Buddha. Traditionally, Buddhist monastics in Asia observe these three months during the rainy season in the summer; hence its other name is the Rains Retreat. Monastics remain within the monastery boundaries, without having to travel outside, and devote their time and energy to the practice. This tradition dates back to the Buddha’s time and continues to this day in many Buddhist monastic communities all over the globe.

It is a time for Buddhist monastics to deepen their studies, practice, healing, and transformation. At Blue Cliff Monastery, we also welcome lay practitioners to join us and participate in this focused period of practice alongside the monastics. This creates a joyful, community experience, and a time for collective healing and transformation.

The Winter Retreat is a wonderful way to deepen your personal practice of mindfulness in the context of community. The emphasis is on practicing as a community as we live, practice, study, and serve.

This year, our Winter Retreat will begin on Friday, November 7th, 2025 and will end on Sunday, February 8th, 2026.

During that time, Blue Cliff will remain open to welcome short-term guests for seasonal retreats, new as well as seasoned practitioners, who wish to come to join us for the practice.

Please email mlep@bluecliffmonastery.org with any questions.