An Undefended Heart

An Undefended Heart is a five-night residential silent meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, rooted in the Insight Meditation (Vipassanā) tradition. It is led by Vinny Ferraro, Cara Lai and Matthew Brensilver, and is meant for practitioners who already have some meditation experience and are longing to come home to the heart as a source of wisdom, connection and freedom.

The retreat draws on the heart practices to explore meeting life with courage, tenderness and an undefended heart. The aim is a big heart that is neither sentimental nor naïve, but strong enough to stay present with the full range of human experience. Joy, grief, beauty and difficulty are not treated as obstacles. In the teachers' words, they are the curriculum.

What to Expect

Arrival is in the afternoon on the first day, between 2:30 and 4:30 PM, followed by orientation, room assignments, a first sitting and an orientation meeting. From there the days follow the rhythm of a traditional silent retreat: several periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, guided practices, Dharma talks, meals and rest. Through lovingkindness, mindfulness and embodied awareness, the practice steadies the mind and gently disarms the heart, making room for a wiser, more responsive way of being.

The retreat includes one small group meeting, teacher consultations and Q&A sessions. Silence is kept throughout, except during teacher-led Q&A, small groups and other practice meetings. On the final morning there is a last practice session and a closing circle, with departure at 11:00 AM.

About Vinny Ferraro

Vinny Ferraro has practiced Insight Meditation (Vipassanā) since the mid-90s. He has been Guiding Teacher of the Big Heart City Sangha in San Francisco for 20 years, and he was trained and empowered by Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Society.

About Cara Lai

Cara Lai has dedicated her life to awakening, for herself and others. She is a working mother, and her teaching is described as relatable, authentic, funny, sometimes crass, and accessible to many people.

About Matthew Brensilver

Matthew Brensilver, PhD, teaches at the Insight Retreat Center, Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Society. Before teaching meditation full-time, he spent years researching addiction pharmacotherapy at the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine. He remains interested in the dialogue between Buddhism and science.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. Meals are provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of the center's 80 rooms, 16 are doubles and the rest are single occupancy. Single rooms are limited and are first prioritized for those with serious medical needs, though guaranteed single rooms are offered at the top of the sliding scale. Participants meet in the Upper Meditation Hall. Transportation to and from the center is not included.

Before You Go

This retreat is designed for people with some meditation experience, and prior Insight Meditation practice is assumed. Spirit Rock recommends attending two to three daylong programs before a first residential retreat. The retreat is taught in English.

Lodging, all meals, the teaching program and small group meetings are included in the registration. Teacher dana is not included. At the close of the retreat there is an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock. Bring your own personal toiletries and any medications.

Retreats are offered on a sliding scale, with scholarships available for those in financial need. A limited commuter option, with meals but no overnight stay, is open to those who have already completed a weeklong silent residential Insight retreat.