Our Journey....

In 2012, during a retreat in Mississippi, our Venerables realized that most temples & meditation centers served 2 populations:  the elders with their traditional chanting and meditation and the children/youth with their youth group programs.  

What was missing was something for the middle group – the working professionals and college students who will be our next teachers, doctors, engineers, business owners, etc.  This is the group who will greatly impact our community, shaping and making a difference in society.  Thus, the Retreat of Awakening (ROA) was born. 

Alongside the ROA's Spiritual Advisors/Venerables, several brothers and sisters came on board 11 years ago as they too also believed in the Mission & Objectives of the Retreat of Awakening.  Our first Retreat was organized in 2013 in Wrightwood, California.

We are grateful for the volunteer staff members who stayed with us on this journey from Day 1 and those whom joined our ROA family along the way.  We are grateful for their continuous dedication to help us carry out the objectives of the Retreat of Awakening and serve the community.