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Event Series: Weekend Retreats

Intro to Zen Sesshin: Weekend Retreat

Friday, October 17 Sunday, October 19
This course is offered in-person & online

“Mistake after Mistake”: An Introduction to Sesshin with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton

We cannot help it. Zen master Dogen taught that Zen practice (and life) entails making mistake after mistake. That’s not an excuse, but rather an admission, made with serene and energized resolve to live and practice with a full and open heart. In this weekend retreat, we will explore what it’s like to make “mistake after mistake” and return again and again to the present moment through the practice of Zazen. We’ll bring curiosity and care to the “mistakes” and to what may arise in the supported container of extended stillness in sangha.

This sesshin is geared toward those new to extended periods of practice, but open to all.

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

Your Guide

Scott Thornton is a Teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and a Teacher and Residency Advisor at Mountain Cloud. Scott provides practice guidance to residents and leads our weekly Book Group, monthly Aging Buddhas gatherings, and weekly Intro to Zen classes.

Scott and his wife, Guiding Teacher Valerie Forstman Roshi, came to work at Mountain Cloud in July of 2022. After an early career as an actor and singer, he turned to Clinical Psychology, a profession he has worked in for over 45 years (and from which he plans to retire in early 2026), though he still enjoys the occasional singer-songwriter gig! He began meditating on his own for 12 years before joining The Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas and beginning Koan study with Ruben Habito Rōshi in 2000. He continues his training with Henry Shukman Roshi. Read this lovely interview by Richard McDaniel with Scott about his journey into meditation.

Registration Options

In-Person: $249
Online:
$119
(25% and 50% Needs-Based scholarships available)

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.

 

 

Start
October 17, 2025
End
October 19, 2025
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