Zen Mountain Monastery: Retreats and Training in Zen Buddhism

April

March 30 - April 1 Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with Ryushin Sensei and ZMM Staff

This is the Monastery’s most popular retreat. Designed for those new to Zen, the weekend introduces the most important aspects of traditional Zen training within the context of the unique Eight Gates program...

April 6 - 8 Weekend Sesshin    

with Ryushin Sensei

Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), work practice...

April 13 - 15 Making Space    

with Mn. Hojin Kimmel

Beginning with zazen, we'll learn how to connect, be present and release our grasp on the incessant flow of our thoughts and return to a natural, open and receptive state. Then, we can directly experience a way of accessing a more intuitive aspect of our being...through drawing and painting we'll explore how we can deliberately relax into the creative process. By engaging the natural creative impulse within, we can allow our whole body and mind to slow down enough to touch the joy and intimacy we are so deeply seeking.

April 13 - 15 Life-Death Dance    

with Judith Lief

In this workshop, we will explore how practices and insights of the Buddhist tradition can be applied in facing our own death and in accompanying others who are dying. We will practice a traditional contemplation of death and impermanence. By facing the reality of death, we can reduce our fear, open our hearts, and work more skillfully with the dying. Through dialogue and discussion we will examine our hopes, fears, and preoccupations. We will also discuss practical guidelines for helping those facing death and other losses.

April 16 - 22 Apple Blossom Sesshin CLOSED

with Shugen Sensei and Ryushin Sensei

Must Join By Thursday

Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), work practice...

April 27 - 29 Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with Ryushin Sensei and ZMM Staff

This is the Monastery’s most popular retreat. Designed for those new to Zen, the weekend introduces the most important aspects of traditional Zen training within the context of the unique Eight Gates program...

May

May 3 - 6 Impermanence    

with Shugen Sensei and Ryushin Sensei

The only true path to equanimity within an ever-changing world is through a deep study and realization of impermanence. But what is that path? In this retreat, which will include extended periods of silence, formal oryoki breakfast, and face-to-face teachings for all participants, we will examine how, through practice, we can use the very manifestation of impermanence that we encounter in any given moment to respond with wisdom and compassion.

May 11 - 13 Buddha's Therapy    

with Mark Epstein, MD

Using what we have learned from psychoanalysis, in particular from the pioneering work of the child analyst D.W. Winnicott, we will discuss the impact of the Buddha's early loss of his mother on his journey toward enlightenment. In exploring things in this way, we hope to show how relevant the Buddha's psychology can be for those who have suffered early trauma, either the kind where something happened or the kind where nothing happened when something might profitably have. Rather than seeing emotional life as outside the realm of the dharma, this weekend's workshop will show how to bring the worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy together.

May 11 - 13 The Sacred Art of Eating    

with Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi

In this workshop we will use practical eating exercises and guided meditations to establish mindfulness around eating. We will experience the effects of certain food on our moods, learn about the seven types of hunger, and explore the central role of unsatisfied "heart hunger" in unbalanced eating. As we enjoy the delicious vegetarian meals offered at the Monastery, we will renew our enjoyment of eating, and re-establish contact with our inner wisdom around food.

May 21 - 27 Shuso Hossen Sesshin

with Shugen Sensei and Ryushin Sensei

Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), work practice...

Sunday Morning Program

Wednesday Evening Meditation

Many Wednesday evening meditation periods during the year are also open to the public. Newcomers will receive beginning instruction in Zen meditation and orientation to the Monastery. Please call the training office at (845) 688-2228 if you plan to visit on Wednesday.

Once you have received an introduction on either a Sunday or a Wednesday, you can join us for all meditation periods during the weekly schedule (except for sesshin once a month) .