Week-Long Retreats
Throughout the year we offer 7-day retreats that focus on the fundamentals of Buddhism, Buddhist scriptures and sutras and aspects and questions arising out of contemporary practice. Week-long retreats offer periods of seated meditation, working meditation, ceremonies and chanting, silent meals and time for quiet reflection and individual practice. Week-llong retreats are open to those who have formally taken the Buddhist Precepts and to those who have attended retreats at Shasta Abbey or at a temple of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. We ask that those coming to a Week-Long Retreat to arrive between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m.
2017 Week-Long Retreats
March 19 – 26, 2017
Jukai: The Ten Precepts Retreat
The Ten Precepts are at the heart of the tradition of Serene Reflection Meditation. The Ten Precepts Retreat is the doorway through which those who wish to become lay Buddhists make their commitment to the Precepts. It is also a time for those who have previously made this commitment to reaffirm it. Through the five traditional ceremonies, as well as in Dharma talks and daily practice, this retreat explores the fundamental aspects of receiving and living the Precepts. Those who have attended an Introductory Retreat, and those who have participated in training at a Priory of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, are welcome to apply. We invite people who wish to take the Precepts for the first time and those who wish to deepen their understanding of, and resolve to keep, the Precepts to share this joyous week with us
June 18–25, 2017
Shobogenzo Retreat: The Everyday Practice of the Buddhas and Ancestors
All sentient beings have Buddha Nature through and through, And the Tathagata continually dwells therein, ever constant.
During this retreat, led by Rev. Master Meian, we will explore chapters of the Shobogenzo: the Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching, Great Master Dogen’s famous work renowned for its profundity and beauty, as well as its excel- lent practical advice and encouragement for all those who follow the Way of the Buddha. 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.
August 20 -27, 2017
Teachings of our Tradition Retreat
This retreat, which will be led by several different senior monks of our Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, will look at various facets of the profound Teachings of the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition. Each monk will bring their unique experience and understand- ing of the Dharma and will offer Dharma talks, Dhar- ma discussions, and private spiritual counseling upon request. This retreat is open to those with some experi- ence of Soto Zen medita- tion and practice.
“The practice of serene reflection meditation, the keeping of the sixteen Precepts, the prin- ciple that all beings are at heart Buddha, and gratitude” – the primary teachings and practices of our lineage as stated in the Bylaws of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives.
Please check the calendar or contact the Guestmaster with any questions you have about future seven-day retreats.