Intro to Zen Sesshin: Weekend Retreat

Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13
This course is offered in-person & virtually
Explore the benefits of a silent retreat with Mountain Cloud—discover how it can enrich both your practice & your life.
This weekend retreat is crafted to support individuals new to Zen-style retreats or those adopting a “beginner’s mind” approach to this powerful practice. We’ll delve into how the retreat format enhances our well-being and experience the enriching effects of extended silence and stillness on our practice. Whether you’re new to “sesshin” experiences, haven’t attended one recently, or simply seek more support for your practice, we invite you to join us. To attend in person, please read and follow our COVID-19 Protocols for MCZC’s current policies on masks, vaccinations, and testing.
∞
What to expect
- Commute, attend online, or stay on campus to settle on our 20 acre land in the Santa Fe foothills
- Receive practice support through talks, Q&As, optional 1-1 with the Sanbo teacher
- Guided movement throughout to support your body during extended sitting
- Three nourishing, home-cooked, vegetarian meals a day
- Dedicated rest periods for you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of silence and stillness.
Sample Retreat Schedule (MT)
subject to change
Friday
- 6pm – 7:30pm: Group Dinner & Orientation
- 7:30 – 8:00: Zendo Orientation & Meditation
Saturday
- 7:00am — 8:00am: Movement & Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am -12:00pm: Movement, Talk, Q&A & Meditation
- 12:00pm – 2:30pm: Lunch & Rest
- 2:30pm – 5:30pm: Movement, Meditation, 1 on 1 support
- 5:30 pm – 7:00pm: Dinner & Break
- 7:00pm – 8:30pm: Meditation Session
Sunday
- 7:00am — 8:00am: Movement & Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am -12:00pm: Movement, Meditation & Closing
- 12:00pm: Lunch
∞
Stay with us
Immerse yourself fully in the experience by staying onsite at our rustic campus in the foothills. Revel in the tranquility and simplicity, escaping the everyday clutter of your life. Explore our trails, and bask in the expansive views of the Santa Fe Valley and the night sky. In-Person: $249 (25% and 50% Needs-Based scholarships available) Register here to attend in person
Your Guide
Scott Thornton is an Assistant Teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and the Residency Director at Mountain Cloud. He has been a student of Ruben Habito Roshi for 22 years at The Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, TX, and soon will be moving to Santa Fe to practice at Mountain Cloud and to direct its Residents Program. He has been a Clinical Psychologist for 34 years. His first career was in Theater, and he is still an active singer/songwriter and performer. During this retreat, you can choose to sit with Scott in our Zendo most mornings, attend the weekly Intro Class on Sundays from 10-11:15 am, or receive personalized 1-1 guidance. Read this lovely interview by Richard McDaniel with Scott about his journey into meditation.

- Start
- April 11
- End
- April 13
- Event Categories
- Retreats, Sanbo Zen, Special Events



