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Event Series Event Series: Weekend Retreats

Weekend Retreat (hybrid)- Heart of Compassion

Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10
This is offered in-person & virtually

Register here

Register here with scholarship

Rest in your essential being — just for one weekend.

Zen has deep roots in the practice of pilgrimage. From the teachings of the Buddha to the tradition of “wandering with the wind,” pilgrimage is a way of engaging, exploring, and embodying the dharma — the reality of who and what we truly are. So what does it mean for lay practitioners like us to pilgrimage?

What if this pilgrimage is not a geographical trek but a homecoming — a refuge from our everyday way of being, and a chance to realize, we’ve already arrived. With the world in the throes of war, we have the opportunity to set aside two days for a pilgrimage of peace — a pilgrimage into peace. Might it matter to the wellbeing of the world for us to arrive, even for a moment, in the indivisible peace that is our native ground?

Please join us for this Spring Weekend Retreat at Mountain Cloud. Practitioners of all experience levels are invited to this weekend of extended practice. We gather, locally and globally, to sit for the peace of the whole world – and to be that peace. The design of this retreat is to maximize time spent in deep practice — there is no afternoon Q&A, and more periods of zazen.

Participation Fee*

  • Benefactor – $249
  • On-site – $225 for all onsite participants including commuters, campers, etc
  • Online – $119
  • Scholarships We will provide 25% and 50% scholarships for on-site and online participants upon registration.

Onsite Participation 

Onsite 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.For general questions about the retreat contact Xander

Online Participation 

Drawing from our past experiences, we understand the profound potential for connection and depth that online retreats can offer. We’ve designed a comprehensive online experience that allows participants to engage with the sangha and teachers teachings, and feel the support of the schedule while remaining in your everyday environment. You’ll receive:

  • Orientation & Welcome Session: Friday, November 8 at 6:00 PM MT. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow online retreatants, set the tone, and establish intentions.
  • Online 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.
  • Optional 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.
  • Daily Recordings: Receive recordings of Talks each day, allowing you to revisit and deepen your understanding of the teachings at your own pace.

For general questions about the retreat contact Xander

Weekend Retreat Schedule (MT)  – subject to change

Friday

  • 6:00pm — Dinner & Orientation for Onsite / Orientation online for Online participants
  • 7:00pm — Zazen
  • 8:00pm — Evening Ceremony

Saturday

  • 6:00am — Zazen
  • 7:30am — Meal/Break/Work Practice
  • 9:00 am – Guided Movement
  • 9:30 am —Zazen
  • 10:00am — Dharma talk
  • 11:00am — Zazen
  • 12:00pm to 2pm– Meal/Break
  • 2:00pm — Zazen
  • 3:30pm — Outdoor Kinhin (walking meditation)
  • 4:00pm —Zazen
  • 5:30pm — Meal/Break
  • 7:00pm — Zazen
  • 8:30pm — Evening Ceremony

Sunday

  • 6:00am — Zazen
  • 7:30am — Meal/Break/Work Practice
  • 9:00 am – Zazen
  • 10:00am — Dharma talk
  • 11:00am — Zazen
  • 11:30am — Q&A & Closing
  • 12:00pm — Lunch

Participation Fee*

  • Benefactor – $299
  • On-site – $249 for all onsite participants including commuters, campers, etc
  • Online – $119
  • Scholarships We will provide 25% and 50% scholarships for on-site and online participants upon registration.
*Note on Cost & Scholarships: Our fees have increased since 2020 as the cost of catering, facilities and overhead has risen. Scholarships are an important part of our model — they are intended for anybody who wants to but would otherwise not attend due to their financial realities. Our main mission is to support you in accessing practice opportunities.
Start
November 8
End
November 10
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