Deepening Into Presence
A Weekend of Meditation, Mantra & Movement
With Chandra Easton
Course Overview
This weekend retreat is part devotional dharma, part satsang, part joyful reunion with likeminded people. We’ll chant together, meditate together, move our bodies, and let our hearts open in the way that only happens when we make space for it. Join Chandra for a weekend deepening into the teachings and practices explored in her weekly class, Releasing Into Presence: Buddhist Bhakti at the growing edge of contemplative practice, playful, heartfelt, and rooted in real depth.
Through the three doors of body, speech, and mind, we’ll explore what it means to simply be natural. We’ll immerse ourselves in our own innate wisdom and rediscover the freedom that’s already here. Weaving together dharma teachings, meditation, mantra, movement, and singing chants, Chandra offers expert guidance to help you release into grounded presence with ease and comfort. Classes will be relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun, enhanced by community and collective practice.
Surrounded by redwoods and sweeping views, this is a chance to slow down, listen deeply, and attune to the elements and rhythms of the earth, cultivating clarity, openness, and connection. All are welcome, just as you are. Come ready to sing, breathe, laugh, rest, and be held by a container of good people in a beautiful place.
What we'll explore together
- Meditation — seated and supine practice, indoors and outdoors, accessible to any level. Including guided meditations on integrating with the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, and their qualities within us
- Mantra & devotional chant — chanting together as a doorway into presence
- Mindful movement — gentle yoga and somatic movement, connecting to the flowing, spontaneous nature of being
- Dharma teachings — talks weaving Buddhist wisdom with the natural world, pointing to the freedom already within you
By the end of the weekend, you’ll have tools to let go of habitual patterns, rest in innate awareness, and carry this natural approach to liberation back into daily life.
Saturday night: live devotional music
We’ll be joined by guest musicians on Saturday evening for an evening of devotional music — a joyful, heart-opening way to integrate the practices and open to deeper states of joy and release.
About Chandra
Dorje Lopön Chandra is a Buddhist teacher, devotional music artist, author and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. Her work draws on Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism, decades of teaching Hatha Yoga (including Shadow Yoga). Her teaching is warm, playful, and rooted in the real depth of authentic lineage — she is the co-translator of the Dzogchen text, Sublime Dharma, and author of Embodying Tara. She is the co-founder of the 21 Taras Collective (www.21tarascollective.org). Visit www.chandraeaston.com to learn more.
Come as you are
Whatever your spiritual path or meditation experience, you are welcome just as you are. No prior meditation or yoga experience is required. Seated and supine meditations will both be offered, and accommodations are provided for those who need them.
Ways To Attend
Choose the option that fits your comfort and budget. All options include the full weekend, all teachings and practice, Saturday night’s music, and farm-to-table meals.
| Accomodation Type | Price |
|---|---|
| King Room (private) | $1000 USD |
| Double Room (shared, 2 people) | $900 USD |
| Bunk Room (shared, sleeps 4–6, might be co-ed) | $850 USD |
| Sunset Room (tatami mats, shared dorm) | $800 USD |
| Bus (Private space, standard bed, sleeps 1 or 2) | $745 USD |
| Camping (bring your own tent) | $695 USD |
| Commuter (day-only, no overnight stay) | $450 USD |
| Online | $450 USD |
Payment plan available — email Kamille at admin@chandraeaston.com Limited number of scholarships are available — please contact Kamille at admin@chandraeaston.com
Dates
November 20-22, 2026
Friday evening arrival – Sunday lunch departure
What students say
A perfect on-ramp
This retreat is a warm, low-pressure way to meet Chandra and experience her teaching in person — and a beautiful introduction to her yearlong online course, Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra, beginning October 1, 2026. If this weekend opens something in you, the yearlong journey is where it deepens.
Where we’ll Gather
Nestled among the redwoods in the Berkeley Hills, Anza Retreat offers rolling hills, golden light, and sweeping views — just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Between sessions, soak in the Japanese hot tub, sweat it out in the sauna, take a cold plunge, or wander the trails. All meals are delicious, farm-to-table fare. Exact address given below.
GETTING THERE
Please note that the closest and most convenient airport is Oakland International Airport (OAK).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is good too, but a bit farther away and you have to contend with the potential Bay Bridge traffic if you drive. Both airports do have a subway that will bring you to Downtown Berkeley station. Then you can take an Uber or Lyft or organize rideshare to
LOCATION ADDRESS:
Anza House
630 Kenyon Avenue,
Berkeley, 94708
(Some maps may say it’s in Kensington, don’t worry, it’s the same. Kensington is a small town right on the border of Berkeley).
Retreat Schedule:
November 20th, Friday
Arrival / check in:
- Residential: Check in between 3-5pm
- Dinner: 5:30-7pm (optional, and for everyone)
- Evening opening session: 7:30-9:00pm
- 10pm lights out / Noble Silence (until breakfast the next day)
November 21st, Saturday
- 7:00-8:00am: Outdoor meditation
- 8:00-9:00am: Breakfast (self serve)
- 9:00-10:00am: Seva and personal time
- 10:00am-12:30pm: First Session
- 12:30-1:30pm: Lunch
- 1:30-3:30pm: Seva and personal time
- 3:30-6:00pm: Second Session
- 6:00-7:00pm: Dinner
- 7:00-7:30pm: Seva
- 7:30-9:30pm: Devotional chanting & dancing
Departure / check out:
November 22nd, Sunday
- 8:00-9:00am: Breakfast
- 9:00-10:00am: Seva and personal time
- 10:00am-12:00pm: Final Session – closing and integration
- 12:00-1:00pm Lunch
- 1:00-2pm: Seva / Check out / Goodbyes
Retreat Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 90+ days before the retreat
Full refund of all payments.
Cancellations 30–89 days before the retreat
50% refund of all payments.
Cancellations 0–29 days before the retreat
No refund.
Transfers
- You may transfer your registration to another person up to 15 days before the retreat at no additional cost.
- No transfers within 15 days of the retreat start date.
Other Important Notes
- No refunds for late arrival, early departure, or missed sessions.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover illness, emergencies, or travel disruptions.
- If the retreat is canceled by the organizers for any reason, all payments will be fully refunded.
