Realizing The Way
A 3-day residential retreat with Henry Shukman
Mount Madonna Retreat Center, California
October 9-12, 2025
In-person
An invitation to Realizing The Way from Henry
Taking practice to another level
โThe term โThe Wayโ has at least two meanings in the history of Buddhism. Itโs the path of practice, which leads to less suffering and greater well-being for self and others. But itโs also a reference to the great unfolding of reality โ the arising of all things, here and now.โ
Join us for the first-ever residential retreat by The Way. Over three days, together weโll step deeper into practice, as we come to recognize the true meaning of the โWay:โ the non-separateness inherent in our experience, that creates our deep, intrinsic connection to the world around us.
A residential retreat offers a prime opportunity to amplify your practice. There’s nothing quite like shared practice over an extended period, where insights deepen, friendships form, and the path ahead becomes clearer.
What makes this retreat different?
Over the three days, Henry will guide you through an immersive exploration of both non-dual awareness and heart-opening mindfulness, weaving together ancient wisdom and modern insight in his signature style. But youโll also have plenty of time to meet and connect with others walking the same path, to share practice notes and stories, and form new connections.
What sets this retreat apart is its spaciousness and intimacy. Extended Q&A sessions offer time for deeper questions and discussion โ ones that naturally arise as we settle into shared practice. While there will be periods of silent sitting, this retreat will also welcome discussion, reflection, and connection.
Together, weโll sit, share, and discover. Youโll have time to speak with others on the path, to form meaningful bonds, and to experience meditation not as an isolated practice, but as a living, breathing way of being.
Retreat Schedule
Thursday |
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Thursday3:00pm - 6:00pm |
ThursdayArrival and check-in |
Thursday5:15pm - 6:15pm |
ThursdayDinner |
Thursday7:30pm - 8:30pm |
ThursdayWelcome and guided meditation |
Thursday
|
|
ThursdayFriday |
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Thursday7:30am - 8:30am |
ThursdayMorning meditation |
Thursday8:30am - 9:30am |
ThursdayBreakfast |
Thursday10:00am - 12:00pm |
ThursdayGuided and silent meditation, talk and Q&A |
Thursday12:30pm - 1:30pm |
ThursdayLunch |
Thursday3:00pm - 5:00pm |
ThursdayGuided and silent meditation, talk and Q&A |
Thursday5:00pm - 6:15pm |
ThursdayDinner |
Thursday8:00pm - 8:45pm |
ThursdayEvening meditation |
Thursday
|
|
ThursdaySaturday |
|
Thursday7:30am - 8:30am |
ThursdayMorning meditation |
Thursday8:30am - 10:00am |
ThursdayGuided and silent meditation, talk and Q&A |
Thursday10:00am - 11:00am |
ThursdayBrunch |
Thursday1:00pm - 4:00pm |
ThursdayGuided and silent meditation, walking and Q&A |
Thursday5:15pm - 6:15pm |
ThursdayDinner |
Thursday8:00pm - 8:45pm |
ThursdayEvening meditation |
Thursday
|
|
ThursdaySunday |
|
Thursday7:30am - 8:30am |
ThursdayMorning meditation |
Thursday8:30am - 9:30am |
ThursdayBreakfast |
Thursday9:30am - 10:15am |
ThursdayCheckout from rooms |
Thursday10:15am - 12:15pm |
ThursdayGuided and silent meditation, talk and Q&A |
Thursday12:30pm - 1:30pm |
ThursdayLunch |
Student feedback after Henry’s
recent retreats
Thank you for creating this nourishing space. Our practice together revealed a place of deep authenticity, opening to ease and acceptance โ which remains an anchor throughout my days since.
This was my first time sitting in shared stillness with so many others and it was absolutely magical.
I loved listening to Henry, the guided meditation and meditating with this sangha. The atmosphere had beautiful lightness and depths and I still feel it inside.
About Mount Madonna
Retreat Center
Mount Madonna holds space for personal transformation. Through community of practice, stewardship of sacred land, preservation of wisdom, and lifelong learning, Mount Madonna exists to support and foster peace in the world.
Located on 380 acres of redwoods and grasslands on a mountain top overlooking the Monterey Bay in California, Mount Madonna is a peaceful haven where you can step back, slow down, and reconnect to your center, to nature, and to a more authentic flow of life.
Accommodations
Mount Madonna Center has a wide range of comfortable, beautiful accommodations. You’ll be able to select your prefered housing option and see pricing when you register for the retreat. For any questions about guest accommodations, feel free to contact Mt. Madonna Guest Services at (408) 846-4090.
Nourishing Vegetarian Meals
All meals are strictly vegetarian. Mount Madonnaโs kitchen uses fresh, high quality ingredients, incorporating organic and local products whenever possible, in lovingly prepared menus. They can accommodate most special dietary needs and requests, including dairy- and gluten-free.
Getting to Realizing The Way
Our retreat will take place at Mount Madonna Center, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Californiaโs Central Coast โ just two hours south of San Francisco, with sweeping views of the Monterey Bay. The closest airport is San Josรฉ Mineta International, with San Francisco International, Oakland, and Monterey Regional also nearby.
For detailed directions, travel tips, and shuttle options, please visit Mount Madonna’s Transportation page.
Event Details
Price: $1,159 โ $1,999
When: October 9-12, 2025
Where: Mount Madonna Retreat Center in Santa Cruz County, California
Questions?
If you have any questions about this retreat, please contact our Courses & Retreats Manager, Jeremy. Weโre happy to answer any questions and look forward to having you join us!
Scholarships
We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for this retreat. We welcome you to contact our Courses & Retreats Manager Jeremyย for details about how to apply.
Subscribe to The Way app to get a $160 discount on this retreat, plus 20% off all events.
To claim your discounted rate, book through the appโs Events page. Click here from your mobile phone to go directly to the Events page. Have questions? Email us at info@thewayapp.com.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least thirty (30) days before October 9, 2025 are fully refundable. Cancellations made less than thirty (30) days but more than seven (7) days prior to October 9, 2025 incur a cancellation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total reservation amount. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than seven (7) days in advance of the start date of the retreat.
