Silent Retreat 2025

The Beauty of Silence Retreat

Wednesday, October 1st to Sunday October 5th, 2025.
Dear Friends,

Silent Retreat from Wednesday, October 01st to Sunday, October 05th, 2025

Silence is not the absence of sound—it is the space in which true awareness arises. Step away from the noise of daily life and into the quiet embrace of stillness. The Beauty of Silence is a guided silent retreat designed to help you reconnect with yourself, nature, and the present moment through intentional quiet. In this 5-day retreat, you’ll be held in a supportive environment ideal as Magnolia Grove Monastery for deepening your meditation practice. With periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movements, mindful meals, deep relaxation, listening to the Buddha’s deep teachings, etc, you’ll explore the transformative stillness and peace that lie within. It’s very special because you will do all these practices with a monastic community and friends on the path. When the whole community is in silence from distractive noises, we can easily get in touch deeply with the wonders of life that are present within and around us. In an atmosphere of peace and presence, this retreat offers you the rare gift of silence—not as emptiness, but as a space rich with clarity, insight, and restoration. Through mindful practices, gentle guidance, and sacred silence, you’ll rediscover how much wisdom can be heard when the world grows quiet. 

Whether you’re seeking renewal, inner calm, or simply a break from the constant stream of input, this retreat invites you to slow down and listen to what truly matters. Whether you are new to silence or a seasoned meditator, this experience provides the space to listen deeply—both inwardly and outwardly. 

Come as you are. Leave renewed, centered, and more fully present.

Please note that all retreatants must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the retreat until the morning of the last day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Please refrain from any form of communication with fellow retreatants, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc.

With Love,

–Your Favorite Magnolia Grove Monastics

Some important information that might be helpful:

– Camping (bring your own tent/camper van): $ 240.00

– Commuter (staying in nearby accommodation): $ 240.00

– Bed in shared room (dorm/cabin): $ 400.00

Please note that cabins are reserved for families and couples, based on “requested roommates.” All families/parents with children will be placed in cabins, if available – if not, they will be waitlisted. Other options are camping or commuter; or staying in the men’s/women’s dorms (if no cabin becomes available), which may mean splitting the group up. If waitlisted, we will follow up about these options – and/or you may include your preference in the notes section.

A 20% discount for seniors (over 64) and young adults (under 27) is automatically included when you register. For students who require financial assistance, please mention this in the Notes section at the bottom of the registration form. For anyone else who requires financial assistance, please contact our office.

The retreat begins on August 27th with onsite arrival between 2 and 5 pm CT, and ends on August 31st after lunch.

Retreat sample program:

  • Wake up
  • 45 minute of Sitting Meditation / 5 Mindfulness Training Transmission Ceremony
  • Walking Meditation
  • Breakfast
  • Mindful Service
  • Dharma Talk
  • Mindful Lunch
  • Deep Relaxation
  • Dharma reflecting/sharing
  • Mindful Movements
  • Mindful Dinner
  • Sitting Meditation

All meals will be vegan. Please be sure to let us know in the Notes section if you have certain food allergies when you register.

Wake up

Morning Sitting Meditation; Sutra reading / Touching of the Earth

Walking Meditation

Breakfast

Mindful Service

Dharma Talk

Lunch

Deep Relaxation

Dharma Sharing

Personal Time / Private Consultation

Dinner

Evening Sitting Meditation / Presentation

Noble Silence

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer for this retreat, please visit: https://forms.gle/by6TScqUqNqMGm4HA

 

(Being a Volunteer requires you to come a day earlier than the retreat and staying behind at least the afternoon of departure day on Oct. 5th to help clean up.
You will also be asked to lead a family in  one of the following service meditations: Potwashing, Meditation Hall, Toilet cleaning… etc. for more exact details, please be in touch with our retreat organizers at: volunteers@magnoliagrovemonastery.org)

Offer funds to support Magnolia Grove Monastery

Donations are processed on our behalf through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

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