Weekend Retreat (ONLINE)- Living Peace
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH SCHOLARSHIP
Rest in your essential being — just for one weekend.
Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 14
Led by Associate Zen Master Valerie Forstman
Offered ONLINE
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*
- Online – $119
- Scholarships We will provide 25% and 50% scholarships for participants upon registration.
*Note on Cost & Scholarships: Our fees have increased since 2020 as the cost of catering, facilities and overhead has risen. Benefactor Fees are another part of our fee ecosystem that helps us offer unlimited scholarships. 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, so we encourage you to use them. If our available scholarships are not sufficient to support your participation, please reach out to Xander directly at mczcadmin@mountaincloud.org!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH SCHOLARSHIP
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, April 12 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
- 7:00-8:00pm — Welcome & Zazen
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
- 8:30-9:30 — OPTIONAL SITTING (at sit.mountaincloud.org using password mountain22)
- 9:45 am – Zazen
- 10:00am — Dharma talk
- 11:00am — Zazen
- 11:30am — Closing
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH SCHOLARSHIP
- Start
- April 12
- End
- April 14
- Event Categories
- Hybrid Event, Retreats, Sanbo Zen