Take a Buddhist Retreat

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This retreat explores the seven major bodhisattva figures of East Asian Mahayana Buddhism, and their spiritual practices and iconographic depictions. These archetypal figures represent particular traditions of Mahayana schools, scriptures, and liberative teachings, offering a useful way to understand the whole range of bodhisattva teachings. Each embodies a particular combination of beneficial transcendent practices:

  • Shakyamuni Buddha: a model for all bodhisattvas
  • Manjushri: wisdom and insight
  • Samantabhadra: interconnectedness, artists, and spiritual activists
  • Avalokiteshvara/Guanyin/Kannon: compassion; taking many forms of empathetic listening and skillful means
  • Jizo: guardian of women, children, and beings facing difficulties
  • Maitreya: loving kindness and great patience
  • Vimalakirti: the enlightened layman

Traditional cultures venerated these archetypes as external forces and guides in the world. But since their inception, they

Coming to a Retreat

A retreat at the Monastery is different from those offered at most other retreat centers. Participants take part in a unique integration of the retreat’s topic and Zen training, stepping into the monastic schedule and cloistered community for a weekend.

Each retreat begins on Friday evening with instruction in Zen meditation and an orientation to the Monastery’s schedule. The still mind cultivated in morning and evening zazen is carried into all activities: walking meditation, liturgical services, working together in silence, and participating in the workshop sessions. The retreat concludes on Sunday with a formal talk by the abbot, followed by lunch.

You’re asked to engage fully in every part of the schedule and to preserve the harmony of the program by staying until the retreat ends on Sunday afternoon. Be prepared for a rich and challenging experience as you and the other participants enter into the demanding and powerful discipline of monastic Zen training.

For those with a particular interest in learning more about Zen training, particularly as it unfolds in the Mountains and Rivers Order, we suggest our Introduction to Zen Training retreat, offered each month. See our schedule of retreats for dates and more details about our programs.
The Eight Gates of Zen

All retreat participants train within The Eight Gates of Zen—a modern expression of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path. Read more about the Eight Gates.
Arrival and Departure

Registration is from 5:00 to 6:00pm on Friday evening. A light supper is served at 6:00, followed by an introduction to the weekend at 7:30. Be sure to arrive no later than 7:00pm. Departure is between 1:30 and 2:00pm on Sunday. Please contact the Training Office prior to the retreat if you think you’ll need to leave early for any reason.

Accommodation and Meals

Retreat participants stay in dormitories segregated by gender. We provide bed linens, pillows, and a blanket. Private or semi-private rooms are available only for residents of one month or more. Camping on the grounds or staying at local inns is not allowed. Meals are vegetarian; we ask that you accommodate yourself to the meals served and not bring food for personal consumption.
What to Bring

Loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in color
Work clothing for indoor and outdoor work
Toiletries
Towel
Flashlight

Do not bring food, pets, musical instruments, radios, alcohol or illegal drugs. Please turn your cell phones and other electronic devices off for the duration of the retreat so that you can step away from your every day concerns and experience the Monastery cloister. There is a public phone in the office that guests are welcome to use.
Retreat Schedule
Friday

5:00 – 6:00pm Arrival and registration
6:00 – 6:30 Light supper
7:30 – 9:00 Introduction to Zazen and Orientation to the Monastery
9:30pm Lights Out
Saturday

4:55am Wake-up (4:25am during Spring and Fall); silence observed through Morning Service
5:30 – 6:30 Dawn zazen (4:50 – 6:30am during Spring and Fall)
6:30 – 6:50 Morning Service
7:00 – 7:30 Informal Breakfast
8:15 – 9:45 Silent Caretaking Practice
10:00 – 12:30 Retreat Session with Instructors (10:00 – noon for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch and Rest Period (noon – 1:30 for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
2:00 – 5:00 Retreat Session with Instructors (1:30 – 5:00 for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
5:00 – 6:00 Break
6:00 – 6:30 Light Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Evening Zazen
9:30 Lights-out
Sunday

6:15am Wake-up
6:45 – 7:15 Informal Breakfast
7:45 – 8:45 Silent Caretaking Practice
9:00 – 12:00 Sunday Morning Program: Liturgy, Zazen, Dharma Discourse
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch and Departure
Retreat FAQ
What is included in the cost of the retreat?

Everything: accommodations, meals, and workshop fees.
What are the accommodations like?

Dormitory-style accommodations segregated by gender are provided in the Monastery’s main building. Each room has bunk beds and sleeps 6-8 people. We provide bed linens, pillows, and a blanket. Camping on the grounds or staying at local inns is not allowed. We cannot accommodate children during retreats.

What kind of meals are served?

Meals are vegetarian, with plenty of whole grains and fresh vegetables. Gluten-free and vegan options are often available and clearly labeled. We ask that guests accommodate themselves to the meals served and not bring food for personal consumption.
How much free time will I have?

All of our programs take place within the Monastery’s training schedule, which is highly structured. You will have a short break after meals and, in most cases, an hour’s break before supper. All residents and retreat participants are also assigned a daily dish crew to help with after-meal clean up.
What should I bring?

Loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in color
Work clothing for indoor and outdoor work
Toiletries
Towel
Flashlight

Do not bring food, pets, musical instruments, radios, alcohol or illegal drugs. In the spirit of entering the Monastery cloister, please do not bring your cell phone or any other electronic devices—or keep them turned off and put away. There is a public phone in the office that guests are welcome to use if you need to connect with family members during the weekend.
What should I wear for meditation?

Loose-fitting clothes in dark or muted colors.
Do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts or tight leggings.
Please do not wear scented lotions, perfumes, cologne, or jewelry.
Do I need to bring my own meditation cushion?

No, cushions are provided for each participant. If you have your own cushion, feel free to bring it, but it should be black and round, so that it fits in with the zendo aesthetic.
I experience a great deal of discomfort when I sit on a cushion. Are their other options?

Yes, you can use either a seiza bench (a low bench used in a kneeling posture) or a chair. The use of both is discussed during meditation instruction and both are readily available in the zendo.
Is there coffee served?

Yes. There is fresh coffee brewed and ready before the dawn meditation period. Black, green and herbal teas are also available throughout the day.
What time should I plan to arrive?

Please plan on joining us between 4 and 6 pm on the day your retreat is scheduled to begin for registration and to settle into your dorm. Supper begins at 6:00, and the orientation to the Monastery starts at 7:30 pm.
When does the retreat end?

All of our programs conclude with our Sunday Morning Program and a community lunch which ends around 1:00 pm.
How can I register for a retreat?

A $50 deposit is required to reserve your space in a retreat. You can register online or by calling the Training Office.
What happens to my deposit if I have to cancel a retreat reservation?

A $50 deposit is required to reserve your space in a retreat. Deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel seven days or more before the start day of the retreat, the deposit can be transferred to a future retreat. Transferred deposits must be used within 12 months of your retreat cancellation. No transfer credit is given if you cancel with less than seven days notice, fail to appear for the retreat, or leave the program early.
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