Stillness Within: Half Day Silent Retreat
Stillness Within: Half Day Silent Retreat
Take a half day to return to yourself — to quiet the mind, open the heart, and reconnect with the peace that’s always been within. Stillness Within is an intentional gathering devoted to stillness and mindful service through silent meditation and reflection.
Inspired by traditional Vipassana retreats, Stillness Within offers the same depth of silence — without the need to travel far or leave life for ten days. In just half a day, we pause to listen inward, soften the mind, and remember that peace has always been within reach.
We’ll begin the day with a group meditation led by Tenzin Chophel Rinpoche, a Tibetan monk recognized by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Master Lobsang Jampa Tenzin of Sok Lok, Litang (Learn more about Rinpoche and his teachings on Tibetan Buddhism and meditation).
Throughout this half day retreat, we’ll move together through silence, meditation, reflection, and service. Our intention is that you leave with tools to cultivate your own sacred space of stillness and serenity — wherever you are.
⛩️ About the Retreat
The half day silent retreat is a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner calm. In silence, we listen. In reflection, we realign. In stillness, we return home.
🧘 Schedule
10:00 AM – Check-In
10:30 AM – Opening Session
11:30 AM – Reflection + Journaling
12:00 PM – Silent Lunch (includes a light vegetarian meal for all registered participants — please bring your own eating utensils and water vessel)
1:00 PM – Community Service
2:00 PM – Closing Session
3:00 PM – Completion
🍃 What to Bring
Comfortable clothing for sitting - layers if you'd like
A pillow, meditation cushion, or blanket for comfort
A journal and pen for reflection
Your own eating utensils and water vessel
📍 Location
Land of Compassion Buddha, Tibetan Temple — 2322 E Cortez St, West Covina, CA 91791
🫶 Donation Tiers
All donations directly support 501(c)(3) non-profit project All Who Meditate and Land of Compassion Buddha, a Tibetan Temple located in West Covina — all donations are fully tax-deductible.
🌱 Seed of Peace — $20
🌸 Bloom of Mindfulness — $30
☀️ Light of Service — $50
🕊️ Spirit of Stillness — $100
Your contribution helps sustain accessible meditation and mindfulness programs for our growing community.
For those called to donate in addition to, or donate and be excluded from participating in the retreat — visit the link here. Thank you for your generosity and contribution to the cause.
🪷 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need prior meditation experience?
Not at all. Stillness Within welcomes everyone — whether this is your first meditation or part of your ongoing practice. All guidance will be gentle and beginner-friendly.
2. What should I bring?
Please bring:
Comfortable clothing for sitting - layers if you'd like
A pillow, meditation cushion, or blanket for comfort
A journal and pen for reflection
Your own eating utensils and water vessel
3. Will we be in silence the entire time?
Yes. Silence helps deepen awareness and connection with the present moment. We kindly ask participants to refrain from talking (including whispering) during the retreat. Journaling, writing, and mindful communication with facilitators when needed are welcome.
4. Is there a fee to attend?
This is a donation-based retreat hosted by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donation amounts go directly toward the non-profit project All Who Meditate in direct partnership with Land of Compassion, the Tibetan Temple hosting this retreat, and help us continue offering accessible mindfulness programs.
5. What’s included in registration?
Your registration includes:
Guided group meditation and facilitation
Reflection, journaling, and community service
Lunch (a light vegetarian meal for all registered participants — — please bring your own eating utensils and water vessel)
6. Where is the retreat located?
The retreat will take place at Land of Compassion Buddha, Tibetan Temple — 2322 E Cortez St, West Covina, CA 91791
7. What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM. Please arrive on time to settle in before the meditation begins at 10:30 AM. Late arrivals may be asked to join quietly once the first session is complete.
8. What kind of community service will we do?
Service will be light, mindful, and coordinated with the temple — such as helping with simple grounds care or cleaning tasks. It’s a chance to give back with presence and gratitude.
9. What if I need to leave early?
To honor the integrity of the space, we ask that all participants stay through the closing circle if possible. Please plan accordingly so you can fully experience the retreat.
10. How can I continue the practice afterward?
We invite you to join future All Who Meditate community events and virtual gatherings like The Breathing Room and Breathe & Stretch. These spaces help you integrate mindfulness and breathwork into daily life.
📸 Media Release: We’ll be capturing photos and videos to capture the essence of the half day retreat. If you’d rather not be included, just let us know when you arrive — we’ll honor that with kindness.