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Zen Women: Breaking Through in a Gateless World

Daylong Retreat Series | In-Person and Online | Join for one or all! 

Daylong Retreat Series Dates: 
January 12th (Email us for a copy of the teisho.)
February 15th (Email us for a copy of the teisho.)
June 28th – Ryu Tetsuma (Register here)
July 19th (Register here)
November 8th (Register here)
BUNDLE OFFER: Register for June + July + November Daylongs for 15% Off.  Register for bundle here. 

Zen Women: Breaking Through in a Gateless World

In a series of five Zazenkai/Daylong Retreats throughout 2025, Valerie presents us with a unique opportunity to experience the insights of ancestors rarely encountered due to the biases of their times. Valerie’s authentic dharma experience is matched by her skill as a scholar as she helps us learn about these historical figures, while helping us touch into their (and our) gateless world.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, a Zazenkai is an excellent way to immerse yourself in longer periods of silent sitting practice. The day includes both sitting and walking meditation, one or two guided movement sessions, a Dharma talk from Valerie, and a Q&A session in the afternoon. This Zazenkai will be available both online and on-site. If you plan to attend in person, please bring your own lunch; tea will be provided. 

Series Dates:
January 12th (Email us for a copy of the teisho.)
February 15th (Email us for a copy of the teisho.)
June 28th – Ryu Tetsuma (Register here)
July 19th (Register here)
November 8th (Register here)
BUNDLE OFFER: Register for June + July + November Daylongs for 15% Off. Register for bundle here. 

Participation Fee: The cost for the day is $50. Scholarships are available; please see the registration page for more details.

June’s Focus: Ryu Tetsuma 

Following on her return from a 27-day mini-ango in Germany, Valerie will invite us to keep company with Ryu Tetsuma (Liu Tiemo), dharma heir of the 9th century master, Isan (Guishan). Ryu Tetsuma’s name means ‘Iron Grindstone,’ an indication of her reputation for prevailing in dharma dialogues or, as Grace Schireson puts it, “to reduce the strongest matter to dust.” In his introduction to a famous exchange between Isan and Ryu – Case 60 in the Book of Serenity or Shoyoroku, Wanshi (Wansong) praises Ryu as “old woman Chan . . . a true master.” Join us as we follow in the footsteps of Ryu Tetsuma and Isan, exploring the world where there is no coming or going, no near or far, and tasting the feast that is immediately at hand. To attend in person, please read and follow our COVID-19 Protocols for MCZC’s current policies on masks, vaccinations, and testing.

Schedule (Mountain Time)

  • 6:30-8:00am: Meditation
  • 8:00-8:45am: Meal Break (breakfast provided for onsite participants)
  • 8:45am: Guided Movement
  • 9:00am: Meditation
  • 10:00am: Dharma Talk
  • 11:00am: Meditation (Optional Breakout Room following the talk)
  • 12:00pm-1:00pm: Meal Break (On-site participants bring their own lunch. Tea service provided.) 
  • 1:00pm: Meditation and Q&A
  • 2:00pm: Guided Movement
  • 2:15pm: Q&A
  • 3:00pm: Meditation
  • 3:30pm: Closing

Join us onsite – and stay the night! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immerse yourself — stay onsite for a ZazenkaiPersonal retreats are one of the ways you can stay onsite at Mountain Cloud for a Zazenkai. During their stay, personal retreatants can freely enjoy the Zendo and land, 1-1 guidance with Assistant Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton, and the supportive embrace of daily community activity of residents. Choose from a range of lodging options from our dormitory style cottage, private cabins, and even camping. Members receive 50% discount for stays.

Residency is another way you can stay with us. Residents stay for 1-3 months, in an intimate cohort setting designed for lay practitioners seeking refuge in a moment of transition, depth for their practice, or community support. $800 per month includes any retreats or Zazenkai happening that month and training with Assistant Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton.

Date
June 28, 2025
Time
6:00 am - 3:30 pm
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