California
California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
Program No. 7726RJ
Santa Cruz is a unique blend of coastal landscapes, world-renowned research centers and abundant art and culture. Come be inspired and learn a lot in this coastal California setting.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
5B, 5L, 5D
)
13 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
5 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Retreat center check-in from 4:00 p.m. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We will then gather in the dining room for refreshments.
Dinner:
In the retreat center dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. We will learn from our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts. Meals in the dining room or outside dining area will be vegetarian and made mainly of local organic ingredients. Filtered drinking water, hot water, tea, coffee and fresh fruit are always available. Wi-Fi is available in the dining area. There is a public phone available, and an office phone for urgent calls. Wi-Fi calls can be made from your phone. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Meditation, Vegetarian Nutrition
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.Qigong includes gentle movement, usually done standing, approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
Qigong (Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese healing art that has been used for centuries to balance internal body energy and to promote good health. This method of internal energy work is a fantastic and easy practice that brings physical happiness, mental calm, and a general since of well-being. Gentle physical will be are combined with breathing and awareness, for energy building and flexibility. After a break, we will have a class in the Gompa on Buddhist ways. We will explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations and discussion, we will learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather in the Pine Room for a class on vegetarian nutrition, led by a local expert. The class will cover all the basics of how to eat a balanced vegetarian diet.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Nature Walk, Nutrition
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong includes gentle movement, usually done standing, for about 1 hour; no special clothes or equipment required. Nature walk about 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours; steep inclines.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will have a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll gather for another class on Buddhist ways. We’ll explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture and guided meditations, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll set out on a healthful nature walk to appreciate the beauty and peace of our surroundings in this pristine environment where redwood forests and rolling meadows abound. Those who choose not to participate in the walk will have free time. After a snack, we’ll regroup for a class on nutrition for good health.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Vegetarian Cuisine, Music
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll regroup for a class on Buddhist ways and explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations and discussion, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather for a class on vegetarian cuisine.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
We will be joined by a local musician who will entertain us with a performance.
Day
5
Qigong, Buddhism, Meditation, Herbs for Vitality
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll regroup for a class on Buddhist ways and explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations, and time for questions, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather for a class on vegetarian cuisine and herbs for vitality.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
We’ll end our final night with a closing circle for peaceful reflection. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Program Concludes
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room. Retreat Center check-out 11:00 a.m. Luggage may be packed and put in cars or fully packed and left in rooms by the door until after lunch.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a final session featuring Qigong and Buddhist ways.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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