General Information

The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative educational center devoted to the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential," the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination. Esalen soon became known for its blend of East/West philosophies, its experiential/didactic workshops, the steady influx of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers, and its breathtaking grounds blessed with natural hot springs. Once home to a Native American tribe known as the Essalen, Esalen is situated on 27 acres of spectacular Big Sur coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply behind.

There are various ways to experience Esalen, ranging from an overnight visit to a long-term stay as a seminarian. Prior Reservations are always essential. The weekend and five-day workshops described throughout the Workshops section of the catalog are the standard route for coming to Esalen. The Experiencing Esalen workshops, scheduled periodically, offer an introduction to practices such as Gestalt, massage, sensory awareness, and meditation. From such a sampling, participants can then choose those approaches they are most attracted to and pursue them in subsequent seminars.

Another way of being at Esalen which allows a greater involvement at a lower expense is the Work Study Program, an intensive twenty-eight day work-oriented program for individuals who want to make a directed, personal commitment to self-exploration and growth, and a contribution to the Esalen community.

For those who wish an extended stay, there are periodic long-term programs which involve didactic seminars or professional trainings as well as experiential workshops. Please see Special Programs.

Finally, there are other events that enrich life at Esalen. There are occasional forums in which writers and thinkers, both visiting and resident, share their ideas with the community. On Wednesday nights there may be lectures, films, dance performances, or other events. Bodywork of various kinds is available by appointment with individual practitioners. There is also a community event schedule offered. Please check the bulletin board when you arrive.

Esalen is a center for experimental education. We offer neither psychotherapy nor assurances of change.

Catalog Subscriptions

If you would like to receive the printed Esalen Catalog via mail, subscription cost for one year is $20 for the United States, and $35 for all other countries. Send your check or money order (U.S. currency) to: Subscriptions, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA 93920.

The Hot Springs at Esalen

We would like those people who are planning their first visit to Esalen to know that swimsuits are optional, and nudity common, in the hot springs massage area, and swimming pool. We encourage each individual to choose what is most comfortable, either wearing a swimsuit or not, and emphasize that the environment we strive for at Esalen is one of personal sanctuary and respect for the human body.

In addition to round-the-clock availability for Esalen guests, the hot springs are open to the general public, by reservation only, from 1am to 3am. There is a $20 fee, payable by credit card only. To make reservations, call 831-667-3047.

Accreditation

Many formal educational institutions recognize the time spent at Esalen as being worthy of credit in their own curricula; check with your university or college. We would be glad to supply information to your school regarding any of our programs or series of programs.

Continuing Education at Esalen

Esalen is a provider of continuing education credits for nurses, psychologists, MFCCs, LCSWs, and massage practitioners and bodyworkers.

Approved workshops are noted in the Workshops section, as well as listed separately in the Continuing Education section. Those workshops for which approval is still pending are noted in the Workshops section only.

Disabled Access

Here at Esalen, even though many of our paths are paved, they are extremely steep due to our cliffside location. In fact, Big Sur is the steepest meeting of land and sea in the continental United States. Nonetheless, we at Esalen are committed to accommodating guests who have disabilities.

If you have a disability and think you might need assistance, and you would like to visit Esalen or participate in a workshop, please give the office as much advance notice as possible about your needs. Although we are in the process of increasing our disability access, access to some parts of our property continues to be difficult. With enough planning, arrangements can be made for access to many of our facilities.

Because of the large volume of guests at Esalen, we require a minimum of 72 hours' notice to arrange for accessible accommodations. If you will need sign language interpretation at an Esalen workshop, we require at least two weeks' notice to arrange for interpreter services. In all cases, we will do our best to assist you with your needs.

Recommended Reading and Mail Order Merchandise

Most books listed as recommended reading for workshops are available through Esalen's bookstore and through our Online Bookstore. All other bookstore items are also available via mail order. For ordering information please call 831-667-3049.

Ongoing Residence Program

Offered beginning mid-September and ending mid-June, the Ongoing Residence Program is designed for those who would like to have time and space in the Esalen environment for an intensive workshop program over a long term. A Residence Program stay is 26 days (four "weeks" and three weekends).

Participants may select any of the five-day workshops offered during their stay with weekends free to enjoy Esalen's other amenities. (Occasionally workshops are canceled, so second choices are advised.)

The specially-discounted cost is $4,750 per 26-day period for standard accommodations and $3,960 for bunk bed rooms. No other discounts apply.

If you cancel or change any part of your Residence Program at least five full days before its start, there will be a $150 cancellation fee. If you cancel with less than five days' notice, the cancellation fee is $330.

Esalen Is Tax-deductible

Contributions to Esalen Institute are tax-deductible. The expenses of attending Esalen, including travel, are deductible for federal income tax purposes as an educational expense if incurred to maintain or improve professional or work skills (See Income-Tax Regulation I.162-5.)

Mid-Point House Available to Esalen Guests

Esalen's Mid-Point House is now available as an upgraded accommodation alternative for seminarians and personal retreat guests. Nestled behind the lush Esalen Garden at the edge of the coastal cliff, the Mid-Point House features a redwood deck overlooking the Pacific, a comfortably furnished living room, and a full kitchen.

For details, please call the Esalen office at 831-667-3000.

Esalen Frequently-Asked Questions List

Please see our new section, Frequently-Asked Questions and Their Answers, for more information on a variety of topics.