ZMM Retreats

Upcoming Retreats at Zen Mountain Monastery

Explore Zen Mountain Monastery through one of our upcoming retreats. Please don’t let financial issues prevent you from attending a program at the Monastery. If you can’t afford the program fee, there are options. If you are looking for retreats at the Zen Center of New York City, click here.

intro To Zen

INTRO TO ZEN WEEKEND

Experience Zen training for yourself. Our most popular retreat and a great place to start.

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Coming To The Monastery

COMING TO THE MONASTERY

How to enter the schedule and life of the Monastery for the first time. Come visit us on Mount Tremper.

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ONE-MONTH RETREAT

Each month we’re joined by individuals seeking an immersive experience of Monastery life.

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RETREAT CATEGORIES

– Arts

– Buddhist Studies

– Introductory

– Meditation Intensives

– Women’s Retreats

Upcoming Retreats at Zen Mountain Monastery

Peaceful Dwelling: Meditation Intensive

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

February 28 - March 3, 2019
Our traditional zazen intensives, such as sesshin, are carefully planned and scheduled to help practitioners develop inner and outer meditative strength and stability. Yet, when the schedule and structure falls away—at home, after the intensive is over—you may find it challenging to maintain your clarity of purpose and practice. The Peaceful Dwelling retreat provides a […]

March Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

March 8 - 10, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

One Dharma: The Critical Mind & Loving Kindness

with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

March 15 - 17, 2019
When the mind becomes quiet and clear, we can better understand the subtleties of the Buddha’s teaching and more clearly experience its relationship to our lives. Through silent sitting and inquiry guided by the teacher, this intensive presents an opportunity to explore One Dharma – one aspect of practice – and see its intimate connection with the whole of […]

Precepts II: Entering the Way of Compassion

with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

March 22 - 24, 2019
This second-level retreat is open to all who are interested in practicing the Dharma. In this retreat, we will examine and discuss bodhicitta—the great aspiration to liberate self and other—and its important role in […]

March Founding Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

March 25 - 31, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

April Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

April 5 - 7, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Ango Intensive Spring 2019 – Manifesting Buddha: Where Night and Day Intermingle

with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

April 11 - 14, 2019
Pleasure and pain, sweet and bitter seem clearly distinct; the first we enjoy, the latter we dislike. From this perspective, it seems natural enough to try every means to keep the two far apart, to seek out the sweet and avoid the bitter. Simple though this seems to an unexamined mind, it insures […]

April Apple Blossom Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

April 22 - 28, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

May Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

May 3 - 5, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Awakening to Karma: How Karma Manifests as Our Life and Practice

with Ron Hogen Green, Sensei

May 17 - 19, 2019
What does karma mean for our practice and for our own awakening? How does the relationship between karma and our life help us to foster a more compassionate way of living? To live in a more open and […]

Shuso Hossen Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

May 20 - 26, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

June Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

May 31 - June 2, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Of Benefit to All – The Four Immeasurables

with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

June 7 - 9, 2019
The Four Immeasurables originated with the Buddha. A simple and profound teaching that, if practiced deeply, will bring us into intimate contact. In this retreat, we’ll study and practice these teachings as they […]

Finding The Still Point

with Mn. Shoan Ankele and Mn. Gokan Bonebakker

June 21 - 23, 2019
When the mind becomes quiet, we are placed in a space to clearly see the relationship we have to the activities within our lives. This weekend is designed to develop the confidence to deepen your[…]

Moving into Stillness: Running as Meditation

with Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, Sensei

June 21 - 23, 2019
Running for exercise is a relatively new discipline, yet in 2018 alone, over 110,000 million people in the U.S. said they run on a regular basis. There’s running as sport, for weight loss, as therapy, or as a palliative. But is it possible to also see running as moving meditation—as a way to deeply study our body and mind, to be fully present to ourselves and the wonder of […]

June Summer Solstice Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi & Hojin Sensei

June 24 - 30, 2019
NOTE: Participants must enter by Thursday evening. Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

July Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

July 5 - 7, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Circles on the Water: A Wilderness Retreat for Women

with Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei

July 9 - 14, 2019
Few things compare with the dappled beauty of our northern lakes in the bright green summer. This calmness and serenity rest on a great depth of being, an unselfconscious state of grace, in which all things have their place. Apparent simplicity hides complexity, and absorbing the clarity of this environment can help us find the […]

Weekend Sesshin

with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

July 12 - 14, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

The Perfection of Patience

with Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, Sensei

July 19 - 21, 2019
Shantideva describes patience as both an antidote and a great austerity because requires that we renounce our desire and anticipation in order to be fully present to the completeness of this moment. In this retreat we’ll explore Shantideva’s teachings on anger, hatred, patience, and impatience, focusing particularly on the skillful means needed to […]

July Interdependence Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi & Hojin Sensei

July 22 - 28, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

August Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

August 2 - 4, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Brush with Our Time

with Kazuaki Tanahashi

August 9 - 11, 2019
While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice... Step by step, we will find ways to foster the joy and serene excitement that can be applied to everyday life. Using a variety of papers and brushes, we will experiment with artistic interpretation […]

Intermediate Kyudo: Zen Archery Intensive

with Don Symanski

August 13 - 18, 2019
This is one of the foremost Kyudo training opportunities in the US. You'll receive personalized instruction in basic and formal group shooting. You'll learn formless aspects of Kyudo as well. Designed for anyone who has taken “first shot” at the Monastery or elsewhere.[…]

Beginners Kyudo: Zen Archery Intensive

with Don Symanski

August 14 - 18, 2019
Through meticulous attention to detail, all aspects of the Kyudo form and movements provide a subtle mirror of the self, as well as an opportunity for deep study. In this outstanding retreat, beginners will receive training in the Seven Coordinations[…]

Being the Bowl: A Clay Retreat with Raku Firing

with Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei

August 14 - 18, 2019
Being the Bowl is the profound study of staying unconditionally with one thing. How can we return, again and again, to just this one thing through the cascade of our ever-changing moods and emotions? How can we meet ourselves freshly each moment? How can we challenge ourselves to respond spontaneously, allowing ourselves to hear, feel, […]

August Hazy Moon Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi & Hojin Sensei

August 19 - 25, 2019
NOTE: Participants must enter on Monday evening. Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

Peaceful Dwelling: Meditation Intensive

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

August 29 - September 1, 2019
Our traditional zazen intensives, such as sesshin, are carefully planned and scheduled to help practitioners develop inner and outer meditative strength and stability. Yet, when the schedule and structure falls away—at home, after the intensive is over—you may find it challenging to maintain your clarity of purpose and practice. The Peaceful Dwelling retreat provides a […]

September Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

September 6 - 8, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Wild Grasses Sesshin: A Meditation Intensive for Women

with Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei

September 12 - 15, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, liturgy, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), work practice and talks by the teacher […]

September Mountains and Rivers Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

September 23 - 29, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), […]

October Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

October 4 - 6, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Qigong for Health and Vitality

with Pragata Blaise

October 18 - 20, 2019
The word “qigong” is Chinese, but the arts of energy have been practiced since antiquity: by the Indians as “yoga,” the Tibetans as “wisdom art,” and the Egyptians and Greeks as “mystery art.” It is claimed that in physical terms the right practice of Qigong is superior to conventional exercise. Combining focused breathing and subtle meditative movements, practicing Qigong […]

October Harvest Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

October 21 - 27, 2019
NOTE: Participants must enter by Thursday evening. Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting...

Introduction to Zen Training Retreat

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

November 1 - 3, 2019
Are you new to meditation or Zen Buddhist practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher? Designed for those new to Zen or formal Zen training, this introductory retreat allows you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience […]

Four Truths Chan Retreat

with Rebecca Li

November 8 - 10, 2019
The Buddha’s teachings in the Four Noble Truths invite us to examine the human condition of suffering. In this retreat, we reconnect with ourselves by cultivating clear awareness of the ways in which we experience suffering, from the most obvious forms to the subtler ones. With this awareness, we penetrate the mind to discover […]

November Shuso Hossen Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi, Hojin Sensei & Hogen Sensei

November 18 - 24, 2019
Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen...

Buddha’s Enlightenment Vigil

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

December 6 - 8, 2019
At Zen Mountain Monastery, we celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment with a vigil dedicated to the simple yet profound practice of zazen. We’ll begin Friday evening with introductory remarks and a renewal of our bodhisattva vows. Then, we’ll mark the Buddha’s enlightenment by sitting together through the night and day. In the spirit of hermitage practice...

31st Annual Dana Dinner

with MRO Teachers and Senior Staff

December 13 - 15, 2019
The Holiday Dinner is a non-denominational event, free to all and has been an annual event since its inception in 1988 […]

December Rohatsu Sesshin

with Shugen Roshi & Hojin Sensei

December 26, 2019 - January 1, 2020
ZMM
NOTE: Participants must enter by Thursday evening. Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen...