Trust in the Heart Week-long Retreat, June 22-29, 2025
The theme for this week-long retreat, led by Rev. Master Meian, is Great Master Kanshi Sosan’s poem, “That Whis is Engraved upon the Heart that Trusts to the Eternal.” It shows us how to let go of our judgements and opinions, to deepen our faith and stillness, and entrust ourselves to our True Nature, so that we may find true peace of heart in the midst of the many conditions of our lives.
“The Way to the Ultimate is not hard;
simply give up picking and choosing.
Just by not giving in to hatred and craving
will your heart and mind be as clear and bright
as the realm beyond the opposites.”
The text is on page 213 in “Buddhist Writings” translated by Rev. Hubert Nearman, and can be freely downloaded from our website.
Rev. Master Meian will offer Dharma talks and discussions as well as private spiritual counseling for each participant. This retreat is open to those with some experience of Soto Zen meditation and practice.
Lanakvatara Sutra Week-long Retreat, August 17-24, 2025
Led by Rev. Master Enya Sapp.
Description to be posted.
The Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts retreat October 23-26, 2025
At the heart of this retreat is transferring the merit of our Dharma practice to those who have died in tragic and distressing circumstances, as well as the conversion of “hungry ghost” states of suffering which are the result of greed and craving. In addition to Dharma talks and discussions we celebrate the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts ceremony (Segaki), a memorial in which we offer the food of the Dharma to help bring peace to all those in need.
New Year Celebratory Retreat Dec. 29 – Jan. 1
Celebratory Retreats offer a more relaxed schedule and provide an opportunity for monks and lay trainees to practice and celebrate together. They are open to those who have been to an introductory retreat.
This three-day year-end retreat offers a time of reflection and celebration together as members of the Buddha’s family. Dharma talks will explore ways to deepen our resolve and Buddhist training in the coming year. New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a festive meal, meditation, Maitreya Vigil and our midnight New Year Ceremony,