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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250317
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UID:44574-1742169600-1742774399@www.mountaincloud.org
SUMMARY:2025 Spring Sesshin (hybrid)
DESCRIPTION:The Wellspring of Not-knowing: Embodying wholeness in divided times\nMonday\, March 17 – Sunday\, March 23\nThis is offered in-person & virtually   \nFor this week of sesshin\, we set aside our daily concerns\, our ordinary conventional social ties\, and release ourselves back into the origin point that lies at the heart of the great wisdom traditions. At the same time\, the ingathering of sesshin invites us to sink into stillness right in the midst of this breaking\, broken open world. \nSesshin – ‘encounter of the heart’ – is the practice that awakened Shakymuni Buddha to his true nature\, and it’s the well-tested practice that can awaken us to the boundlessness at the core of each of our lives. We gather in shared silence to rest in things just as they are and to explore the vast and uncompromising wholeness that is our true home. \nJoin us for this timely opportunity. \nThe event will be hybrid\, with both part-time and full-time attendance options.  \nApplications for in-person attendance are now closed. Online space still available! \nOnline Participants can register here (no application required):\n\nRegular Registration\nScholarship Registration\nExperience the unique opportunity of extended practice with support from: \n\nThe profound silence and stillness of the age-old sesshin format.\nThe deep container provided by Sanbozen Associate Master Valerie Forstman.\nDokusan (one-on-one interviews) conducted in person by Valerie and online by Zen Teacher Carolyn Seburn.\nQ&A sessions with Assistant Sanbozen Teachers Shana Smith and Scott Thornton.\n\n∞ \nSesshin is a term used in Zen to refer to an intensive period of meditation practice\, typically lasting several days to a week or more. During sesshin\, practitioners engage in extended periods of sitting meditation (zazen)\, walking meditation (kinhin)\, chanting\, and other forms of Zen practice under the guidance of a teacher. Sesshin is often held in a retreat setting\, with participants observing noble silence and following a strict schedule of meditation sessions interspersed with short breaks for rest and meals. The purpose of sesshin is to deepen one’s meditation practice\, cultivate mindfulness\, and gain insight into the nature of reality. \n∞ \nSample Retreat Schedule (Mountain Time)\nDaily Schedule (Tuesday – Saturday)\n \nMorning \n\n6:00-7:30am  Sitting\n7:30-9:30am : Breakfast\, samu (work practice)\, and rest\n\nMain Block \n\n9:30am-noon   Sitting and dharma talk (recorded and shared via email in the evening)\nNoon-1:30pm  Lunch and rest\n2:00-5:30pm   Movement\, Sitting and Q&A (recorded and shared via email in the evening)\n\nEvening Block \n\n5:30-7:00pm   Dinner\, rest\, personal time\n7:00-8:30pm    Sitting & Closing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n∞\nOnline or “At-Home” Attendance\nThis Spring\, we are thrilled to offer a comprehensive online experience for those participating in the retreat from the comfort of their homes! Drawing from our past experiences\, we understand the profound potential for connection and depth that online retreats can offer. We recognize the numerous benefits of engaging with the sangha\, sharing teachings\, and adhering to a structured schedule while remaining in your everyday environment. We’re committed to providing a supportive and enriching retreat experience\, offering flexibility and resources to empower your practice journey. We look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you! \nFor our online participants\, here’s what we are offering: \n\nOrientation & Welcome Session: Monday\, March 17th at 6:00 PM MT. Here\, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow online retreatants\, set the tone\, and establish intentions for the week ahead.\nOnline Retreat Handbook: Explore our Online Retreat Handbook to delve deeper into the practices and principles of our Zen retreats. Learn how to create an optimal environment for deep practice from the comfort of your home. Click here to access the handbook.\nOptional Break-Out Group Support Sessions: Throughout the retreat\, join sessions with Scott Thornton\, which offer personalized support and guidance as you settle into your practice\, make adjustments\, or navigate challenges.\nDaily Recordings: Receive recordings of Talks and Q&A sessions each day\, allowing you to revisit and deepen your understanding of the teachings at your own pace.\nFlexible Options: Choose between Part-Time (3 days or less) or Full-Time (4-6 days) options for the retreat. Customize the schedule to fit your availability and needs\, ensuring a tailored experience that aligns with your situation.\n\nOnline-Participation Cost\nPart time – $175 (3 days or talks/Q&As) \nFull time – $345 (4-6 days) \nBenefactor – $425\, pays for your attendance and supports scholarships for others. \nScholarships– We will also provide 25% and 50% needs-based scholarships upon registration.\n\nRegister here:\n\nRegular Application \nScholarship Application \n\nFor general questions about the retreat contact Xander. \n\n∞\n\nOn-Site Attendance (full-time only)\nOnsite attendance offers a profound opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the practice and the sesshin schedule. Whether you choose to stay on-site or commute from your own lodging\, being on campus allows you to deeply engage with your community of fellow practitioners and experience the interconnectedness of our practice community. Our lodging options include rustic cabins\, a cottage\, camping on campus\, or bringing your own campervan. While we cannot guarantee lodging preferences\, we will be in touch upon the acceptance of your application to discuss available options. \nIn-person retreatants are accepted based on an application process designed to ensure that this intensive sitting experience is a good match for you.\nTo apply\, please visit: Application Link \nOn-site Participation Cost \nShared Lodging – $799\nCamping (tent or van) – $699\nCommuting – $699\nScholarships – We will also provide a number of 25% and 50% needs-based scholarships upon registration.\n\n*please note that catering costs have increased since 2023 and this is reflected in these costs\nFor general questions about the retreat contact Xander. 
URL:https://www.mountaincloud.org/event/2025-spring-sesshin/
LOCATION:Mountain Cloud Zen Center and Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Retreats,Sanbo Zen,Sesshin,Special Events
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