Whether you are a beginner at meditation or more experienced, the retreat you're looking for is probably already on our schedule: for one day, a weekend, a week or even longer.
We offer more meditation retreats than any other Zen training center in America, including our program of one-day Beginner's Mind Retreats with shorter meditation periods that are perfect for people just starting out.
During our winter and summer training periods, called angos, we observe the meditation retreat schedule five days a week for five months of the year, and anyone can drop in to join us at anytime.
A Zen retreat is called a sesshin, which means "gathering the mind." A retreat setting such as ours gives you the strength of communal support and the encouragement of individual guidance. As a full-time participant you are provided with comfortable dormitory housing, flavorful and nutritious vegetarian meals, and compassionate one-on-one instruction. Everything we do during retreat – seated and walking meditation, eating, work, ceremonies and rest – helps to maintain daylong mindfulness.
But that's just the start. The peace of mind you realize during a retreat makes every part of your life go better. Instantly, you will realize the true benefit of Zen practice: to enhance the life you already have.
Retreats are more powerful when participation is full-time. Because many people have work, school and family commitments, we welcome part-time and non-residential retreatants as well. The cost of a meditation retreat, including meals and housing, is $40 per day for non-members and $30 for Hazy Moon members. Contact us for more information and registration.