Meditation, Hiking, and Introductory Meeting

Welcome to the first in-person gathering of the new Contemplative Practice Community!

We will meet at the magical and secluded Questhaven Retreat in Escondido for mindful hiking, meditation, and an introductory conversation about the future of this group. Share your hopes for the group, what you might like to contribute, and discuss the best timing for regular events.

Our community will be rooted in Mahayana Buddhist values of compassion, wisdom, and awakening. We emphasize:

• Online meditation and in-person hiking/meditation events
• Spiritual friendship (kalyāṇa‑mittatā).
• Peer learning rather than a hierarchical teacher–student relationship.
• Supporting one another in bringing practice into daily life.
• Openness to all, while anchoring in traditional Mahayana teachings.

Format:

• Short meditation (5 min)
• Introductions and short overview of the initial vision (15 min)
• Group discussion (20 min)
• Mindful hiking (45 min - first half in silence, second half social)
• Closing meditation (10 min)
• *Optional: Second hike and picnic (~1 hour)

When you enter, drive up the hill, pass the welcome center on your right, and we will be meeting under the oak tree on your left-hand side, just in front of the old chapel with the painting of Mother Mary on the outside. The oak tree has a bunch of locks for sitting you can park in the lot just beyond the oak tree.

This will be an open dialogue, not a presentation. Your hopes and ideas will help shape what we become — this community is an experiment and will evolve with your input.

Hiking trails will be easy. Please bring hiking shoes or decent sneakers, water and sunscreen. Plus snacks or lunch if you plan to join the optional picnic!

We operate on a donation basis so there are no financial barriers to participation. If you have time, please visit www.cpcommunity.org to get a sense of the initial vision.