New Year’s Retreat
An Invitation to Simplicity and Letting Go
with Ayya Ānandabodhī
December 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Applegate Retreat Center, Applegate, CA
Pārāyana Vihāra carries on the tradition of the Saranāloka New Year’s retreat in California. During retreat, we come together as a community to support each other in our practice, consciously letting go of the past and opening to whatever the new year may bring.
This year’s retreat was made possible by last year’s participants paying it forward and this year’s participants will have the opportunity to support next year’s as well!
The retreat is held in Noble Silence and includes sitting and walking meditation, daily Dhamma teachings, and morning and evening chanting. There will be opportunities for group practice discussions along with Q&A.
Around a lively bonfire on New Year’s Eve, those who wish can join in chanting, releasing past regrets, and setting intentions for the new year.
We will be following the Eight Precepts, participating in the daily routine with awareness and kindfulness. Skilled yoga teacher, Corina Stoicescu, will be offering an optional period of guided movement practice daily.
We aim to make this retreat a welcome place for people of a diversity of ages, races and genders.
Lodging and Meals
Accommodations are double rooms with shared bathroom facilities. The retreat center is wheelchair accessible. We are unable to accommodate any other environmental needs.
Two meals are offered daily – breakfast and a main meal. In keeping with monastic tradition, the main meal is eaten before noon. In the evening, hot tea is available and “monastic allowables” are served, e.g. dark chocolate, cheese, ginger, soy milk. All meals will be vegetarian and alternatives will be available to accommodate gluten free and dairy free diets. We are unable to accommodate other dietary needs.
Location and Travel
The Applegate Retreat Center is located about 2-2.5 hours driving from the San Francisco/East Bay, Oakland and San Francisco Airports, and about an hour from the Sacramento Airport. There are Amtrak trains from the Bay Area and from Sacramento to Auburn.
Retreatants should commit to stay for the entire retreat and to fully participate in the retreat schedule. We will not accept any requests for late arrivals or early departures.
Please make travel arrangements accordingly so that you arrive in time for registration (3:00 pm ‐ 5:30 pm) on opening day and are able to stay through the closing ceremony and activities on the final day (approximately noon).
Retreat Cost
Continuing in the ancient Buddhist tradition, the retreat and teachings are offered freely. In turn, retreatants are afforded an opportunity to support those transmitting the Dhamma by offering donations (dana) to the teachers and the retreat manager. Operating and food expenses are paid from dana previously received. At the end of the retreat, you can pay it forward by donating to support future retreats to be offered on a dana basis.
The Eight Precepts
To refrain from…
1) taking the life of any living creature
2) taking that which is not given
3) any intentional sexual activity
4) false and harmful speech
5) consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness
6) eating at inappropriate times
7) entertainment, beautification and adornment
8) lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place (not indulging in sleep)
Covid Protocol
Covid continues to be a factor in the world and we ask everyone to take extra precaution in the two weeks before opening day. More information will be provided nearer the retreat. We anticipate that everyone will be required to take a covid antigen test within 24 hrs before arriving at Applegate Center. Masking will be optional.
Registration
To register for the retreat, you will need to both (1) complete the registration form and (2) submit your deposit.
A deposit of $200 is needed to secure your registration. You can pay your deposit online or by check.
- If you attend the retreat, your deposit will be returned to you upon request or can be offered as a freewill donation to Pārāyana Vihāra.
- If you cancel before November 28, 2025, your deposit will be returned to you upon request or can be offered as a freewill donation to Pārāyana Vihāra.
- If you do not cancel by the November 28 cancellation deadline and do not attend the retreat, you will forfeit your deposit.
Important information about online payment and tipping: We use Zeffy to safely process your online deposit payments. Unlike most online transactions, Zeffy does not withhold fees from your payment. In order to provide this service at no charge to us, Zeffy asks donors to “tip” them. The tip in the form defaults to 15%. You can change the amount by selecting ‘Other’ in the dropdown and then entering an amount – $0 or $5 or any amount you wish.
After registering, you will receive communication from Kathy, our retreat registrar and manager, via email from <kathycheney48@gmail.com>.