Weekend Sesshin: Encounter of the Heart-Mind
Encounter of the Heart-Mind
Weekend Sesshin with Scott Thornton
Friday, November 13th – Sunday, November 15th
Online and in-person (onsite or commuter)
Whether new to Zen or a long-time practitioner, this weekend offers an opportunity to experience sesshin and to explore the benefits of longer periods of practice. Together we will create a space of deep silence, putting aside the routines of everyday life and delving deeply into the experience of this very moment — and the matter of who and what we truly are.
The weekend format is designed to support individuals new to Sanbo Zen-style retreats as well as to enhance the deepening practice of seasoned sitters. Practitioners of every level of experience are invited to join us in this ”Encounter of the Heart-Mind.”
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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, and optional 1-1 with Scott
- 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 – 8:30pm: Zendo Orientation & Meditation
Saturday
- 6:30am – 8:00am: Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am -12:00pm: Movement, Dharma Talk, Q&A, and Meditation
- 12:00pm – 2:30pm: Lunch & Rest
- 2:30pm – 5:30pm: Movement, Meditation, 1 on 1 support
- 5:30pm – 7:00pm: Dinner & Break
- 7:00pm – 8:30pm: Meditation
Sunday
- 6:30am – 8:00am: Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am – 12:00pm: Movement, Dharma Talk, Meditation, and Closing
- 12:00pm: Lunch
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Registration Options
Online: $80
In-Person:
Shared Lodging (cabin, cottage): $320
Camping: $300
Commuting: $260
25% scholarships available. Members receive 15% off. See registration page for details.
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Your Guide
Scott Thornton (San’un-ken) 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 (from which he just retired this year!), 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.
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Engaging Online Experience
We are thrilled to offer a comprehensive online experience that can offer profound connection and depth. Online participation includes:
- Orientation & Welcome Session: First evening of sesshin. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow online retreatants, set the tone, and establish intentions for the weekend ahead.
- Closing Session & Integration Session: We offer a closing circle at the end of the retreat, and an “integration” session in the week after the retreat. These provide extra context, opportunity for Q&A, and the chance to connect with fellow participants.
- Daily Recordings: Receive recordings of Talks and Q&A sessions, allowing you to revisit and deepen your understanding of the teachings at your own pace.
- Optional 1-1 Practice Guidance: Participants will have the opportunity to meet 1-1 with Scott, providing extra support to dive even deeper during the retreat.
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.
Immersive Onsite Experience
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 (in your own tent or one of our three bell tents), or bringing your own camper/van. Revel in the tranquility and simplicity and bask in the expansive views of the Santa Fe Valley and the night sky.
For general questions about the retreat contact Xander.
