Please find our 2023 retreat schedule below. The retreat is from 9 am to noon, on zoom in virtual format.
Why should I attend a retreat? A retreat is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in practice. Spending a day or weekend together in presence cultivates the wisdom of just being. We are experiencing our true selves free of ideas that needlessly complicate our lives and the lives of those at home, work, etc. Retreat is therefore an opportunity for experiencing deeply what the great Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki in his classic book, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, wonderfully described as our "beginner's mind":
"In the beginner's mind there is no thought, "I have attained something." All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something. The beginner's mind is the mind of compassion. . . There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind. You should not say, "I know what Zen is," or "I have attained enlightenment." This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Be very very careful about this point. If you start to practice zazen, you will begin to appreciate your beginner's mind. It is the secret of Zen practice."
We invite you to come and find out for yourself!
Our retreats are a wonderful opportunity of being together in silence and peace. Through our meditation practice forms, we cultivate a spacious environment for opening to ourselves and each other. Our practice leads to a more harmonious lifestyle, one that is deeply in touch with a world that is always in flux. Just being leads to less stress, personal growth, and healing. All are welcome regardless of experience. If you plan to attend, please send an email to openheartzen@gmail.com
Why should I attend a retreat? A retreat is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in practice. Spending a day or weekend together in presence cultivates the wisdom of just being. We are experiencing our true selves free of ideas that needlessly complicate our lives and the lives of those at home, work, etc. Retreat is therefore an opportunity for experiencing deeply what the great Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki in his classic book, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, wonderfully described as our "beginner's mind":
"In the beginner's mind there is no thought, "I have attained something." All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something. The beginner's mind is the mind of compassion. . . There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind. You should not say, "I know what Zen is," or "I have attained enlightenment." This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Be very very careful about this point. If you start to practice zazen, you will begin to appreciate your beginner's mind. It is the secret of Zen practice."
We invite you to come and find out for yourself!
Our retreats are a wonderful opportunity of being together in silence and peace. Through our meditation practice forms, we cultivate a spacious environment for opening to ourselves and each other. Our practice leads to a more harmonious lifestyle, one that is deeply in touch with a world that is always in flux. Just being leads to less stress, personal growth, and healing. All are welcome regardless of experience. If you plan to attend, please send an email to openheartzen@gmail.com
2023 Saturday Virtual Retreats - from 9 am to noon
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023