A retreat at the Monastery is different from those offered at most other retreat centers. Participants take part in a unique integration of the retreat’s topic and Zen training, stepping into the monastic schedule and cloistered community for a weekend.
For a complete listing of current retreats at both of our locations, check here:
Each retreat generally begins on Friday evening with instruction in Zen meditation and an orientation to the Monastery’s schedule. The still mind cultivated in morning and evening zazen is carried into all activities: walking meditation, liturgical services, working together in silence, and participating in the workshop sessions. The retreat concludes on Sunday with a formal talk by the abbot or another teacher or senior student, followed by lunch.
You’re asked to engage fully in every part of the schedule and to preserve the harmony of the program by staying until the retreat ends at noon at Sunday lunch. Be prepared for a rich and challenging experience as you and the other participants enter into the demanding and powerful discipline of monastic Zen training.
For those with a particular interest in learning more about Zen training, particularly as it unfolds in the Mountains and Rivers Order, we suggest our Introduction to Zen Training retreat, offered each month. See our schedule of retreats for dates and more details about our programs. You can see our updated covid protocols for all visitors here.
The Eight Gates of Zen
All retreat participants train within The Eight Gates of Zen—a modern expression of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path. Read more about the Eight Gates.
Arrival and Departure
Arrival and registration is from 4:00-5:30pm on Friday evening unless otherwise noted (If you need to arrive after 5:30pm, please call to notify the registrar ahead of time: 845-688-2228). There is a meal liturgy service and a light supper at 6pm, followed by an introduction to the weekend at 7:30. Departure is between 1:30 and 2:00pm on Sunday. Please contact the Training Office prior to the retreat if you think you’ll need to leave early for any reason.
Accommodation and Meals
Retreat participants stay in dormitories segregated by gender preference (male, female, non-binary or trans as per request). We provide bed linens, pillows, and a blanket. Private or semi-private rooms are available only for residents of one month or more. Camping on the grounds or staying at local inns is not allowed.
Meals are vegetarian, and are prepared by residents with the guidance of the Tenzo (kitchen supervisor). The menu generally accommodates vegan, gluten-free and non-dairy preferences. We ask that you accommodate yourself to the meals served and not bring food for personal consumption. For more information on special dietary needs, please see the FAQ below.
What to Bring
- Loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in color
- Work clothing for indoor and outdoor work
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Flashlight
Do not bring food, pets, musical instruments, radios, alcohol or illegal drugs. Please turn your cell phones and other electronic devices off for the duration of the retreat so that you can step away from your every day concerns and experience the Monastery cloister. There is a public phone in the office that guests are welcome to use.
Typical Retreat Schedule
Friday
5:00 – 6:00pm Arrival and registration
6:00 – 6:30 Light supper
7:30 – 9:00 Introduction to Zazen and Orientation to the Monastery
9:30pm Lights Out
Saturday
4:55am Wake-up (4:25am during Spring and Fall); silence observed through Morning Service
5:30 – 6:30 Dawn zazen (4:50 – 6:30am during Spring and Fall)
6:30 – 6:50 Morning Service
7:00 – 7:30 Informal Breakfast
8:15 – 9:45 Silent Caretaking Practice
10:00 – 12:30 Retreat Session with Instructors (10:00 – noon for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch and Rest Period (noon – 1:30 for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
2:00 – 5:00 Retreat Session with Instructors (1:30 – 5:00 for Introduction to Zen Training Weekend)
5:00 – 6:00 Break
6:00 – 6:30 Light Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Evening Zazen
9:30 Lights-out
Sunday
6:15am Wake-up
6:45 – 7:15 Informal Breakfast
7:45 – 8:45 Silent Caretaking Practice
9:00 – 12:00 Sunday Morning Program: Liturgy, Zazen, Dharma Discourse
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch and Departure
Retreat FAQ
What is the health and wellness policy?
Please review our health protocols and current COVID policy HERE before you register for a retreat or visit the Monastery.
What is included in the cost of the retreat?
Everything: accommodations, meals, and workshop fees.
What are the accommodations like?
Dormitory-style accommodations are provided in the Monastery’s main building, sleeping 4-8 people, and in the Jizo House sleeping 2-4 people per room. Each room has single beds or bunk beds. We provide bed linens, pillows, and a blanket. Camping on the grounds or staying at local inns during retreats is not allowed. We cannot accommodate children during retreats with the exception of family retreats.
What kind of meals are served?
Meals are vegetarian, with plenty of whole grains and fresh vegetables. Gluten-free and vegan options are often available and clearly labeled. We ask that guests accommodate themselves to the meals served and not bring food for personal consumption.
What if I have special dietary needs?
Due to the demands of cooking for a community, the kitchen staff may not be able to accomodate all dietary restrictions. If you have health concerns that require a very specific diet while you are here, please let the registrar know so that we can discuss how to best accomodate your situation.
How much free time will I have?
All of our programs take place within the Monastery’s training schedule, which is highly structured. You will have a short break after meals and, in most cases, an hour’s break before supper. All residents and retreat participants are also assigned a daily dish crew to help with after-meal clean up.
What should I bring?
- Loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in color
- Work clothing for indoor and outdoor work
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Flashlight
Do not bring food, pets, musical instruments, radios, alcohol or illegal drugs. In the spirit of entering the Monastery cloister, please do not bring your cell phone or any other electronic devices—or keep them turned off and put away. There is a public phone in the office that guests are welcome to use if you need to connect with family members during the weekend.
What should I wear for meditation?
Please wear loose-fitting clothing, dark or muted in color. Dress modestly, by keeping your shoulders and knees covered.
Please do not wear scented lotions, perfumes, cologne or other fragrances, and consider letting go of adornments such as decorative jewelry.
Do I need to bring my own meditation cushion?
No, cushions are provided for each participant. If you have your own cushion, feel free to bring it, but it should be black and round, so that it fits in with the zendo aesthetic.
I experience a great deal of discomfort when I sit on a cushion. Are there other options?
Yes, you can use either a seiza bench (a low bench used in a kneeling posture) or a chair. The use of both is discussed during meditation instruction and are readily available in the zendo.
Is there coffee served?
Yes. There is fresh coffee brewed and ready before the dawn meditation period. Black, green and herbal teas are also available throughout the day.
What time should I plan to arrive?
Please plan on joining us between 4 and 6 pm on the day your retreat is scheduled to begin for registration and to settle into your dorm. Supper begins at 6:00, and the orientation to the Monastery starts at 7:30 pm.
When does the retreat end?
All of our programs conclude with our Sunday Morning Program and a community lunch which ends around 1:00 pm.
How can I register for a retreat?
A $50 deposit is required to reserve your space in a retreat. You can register online or by calling the Training Office.
Is there financial assistance available for attending programs?
It is our hope and aspiration that financial considerations do not remain a barrier for anyone wishing to come and practice. Please see our Financial Assistance page for more information, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: (845) 688-2228.
What happens to my deposit if I have to cancel a retreat reservation?
A $50 deposit is required to reserve your space in a retreat. Deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel one week or more before the start day of the retreat, the deposit can be transferred to a future retreat. Transferred deposits must be used within 12 months of your retreat cancellation. No transfer credit is given if you cancel with less than seven days notice, fail to appear for the retreat, or leave the program early.
