About Enso

Enso is the Zen circle of pure `emptiness’, which both as symbol and action, exemplifies the freedom that meditation practice opens in us: to live fully, presently and awake.

The retreat is surrounded by three peaks, bordered by a meandering stream and enclosed within a horse ranch contained by a natural setting that provides a balanced support for deep practice.

Enso gives space to retreat in mountain tranquility with a `chop wood, carry water’ engaging environment of garden, horses and nature. We offer zazen meditation combined with engaged work and inner transformational study. Enso Retreat Center will also be hosting and offering to the community access to a comprehensive library that covers the range of the universal perennial philosophy and literature as well as Buddhist philosophy.

All my life I’ve been lazy
hating anything solemn,
finding light matters more congenial.
Others may study how to make a profit,
I have my single roll of scripture.
I don’t bother to fit it with roller or case,
or trouble to carry it here or there.
Like a doctor prescribing a medicine for each disease,
I use what remedy is at hand to save the world.
Only when the mind is free of care
can the light of understanding shine in every corner.

from the Eccentric Hermit Poet Han Shan
translation by Burton Watson

Enso hosts workhops, seminars and retreats in meditation, creative and contemplative arts, and the essence of the wisdom traditions. A large library of ‘perennial philosophy’ and Dharma literature is also available to borrow and study.

Enso is located in the east county mountains of San Diego about 40 minutes drive.

Mission

The mission of Enso is to provide both place and curriculum for engaging in the practices of Mindfulness and Presencing, opening us to the discovery our genuine core of being. This practice is one that clarifies our inner world, resolves emotional dissonance and opens us to what Robet Bly termed ‘enthusiasm for the vertical dimension’. […]

Doug Brackmann, PhD.

Doug teaches and guides ‘Day of Mindfulness’ and the ‘Transforming Negative Emotions through Mindful Presencing’ retreats at Enso. He also shares a six week class in San Diego based on an integral view of the most recent neuro science and meditation research. His background is both in cognitive and organizational psychology. “I have spent my […]

Ken Small – Enso Retreat Director

Ken facilitates the curriculum at Enso  Retreat Center and offers classes in Zen mindful awareness, movement meditation, Zen garden design, Meso-American spirituality and principles of the perennial philosophy. His background is in herbal-nutritional therapy, Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Meso-American spirituality, with deep roots sourced in the perennial philosophy. He offers guidance in Mindfulness Presencing Therapy, […]