Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Releasing into Presence: A Meditation, Mantra, Music and Movement Retreat

December 30 – January 3, 2025

Chandra Easton

Bring in the New Year with a rejuvenating week filled with meditation, yoga, hot springs, and the time and space to release the old and welcome the new. We’ll slow down and experience the benefits meditation, gentle yoga, and music offer the body, mind, and soul. Buddhist teacher and author Lopön Chandra will share expert guidance to help you release into grounded presence with ease and comfort.

In this retreat, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Practice meditation inside and out in nature while gazing over the Pacific Ocean. Chances are you will spot whales migrating south for the winter.
  • Learn various meditation techniques, including mindfulness of breathing and Buddhist-based awareness practices.
  • Experience the healing benefits of mantra recitation, singing, and devotional music (kirtan).
  • Learn gentle yoga and breathwork to access deeper states of meditation.

This will be a week of fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation to get you recharged for the coming year. Whatever your spiritual path or meditation experience, you are welcome just as you are. No prior experience is required. Seated and supine meditations will be offered. All are welcome.

This workshop has additional $25 faculty tuition.

Chandra Easton

Chandra Easton is a teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. She has taught Buddhism and Hatha Yoga since 2001 and was given the title of Vajra Teacher, Dorje Lopön, in 2015. She serves on Tara Mandala’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council. She is the author of Embodying Tara (2023).

Full Bio