Attending a Beginner's Mind Retreat
What is a Beginner’s Mind Retreat?
The purpose of this retreat is to allow participants to experience a full day of meditation, as practiced during our 6-day sesshin (meditation retreat). During this weekend, you will experience the basics of a sesshin (intensive meditation retreat). We will follow a monastic schedule in silence (aside from initial instructions and periodic chanting), which allows us to temporarily drop what's outside and go deeply into inner work. All elements of a meditation retreat will be covered, including basic meditation techniques, posture, breathing, formal meals, and facing obstructions.
What should I expect?
Participants are oriented Friday evening, and given instruction as to how the retreat will proceed. Dinner is served at 6 pm, and tours are offered after dinner. They awaken Saturday morning around 4 am and end the day at around 9:30 pm. Saturday is spent in silence, and participants are asked to maintain their meditative state of mind through all the activities of the day. Sunday follows the same general morning schedule as Saturday, after which participants join the community for the Sunday Program (chanting, meditation, dharma talk and informal lunch) from 10 am to 1:30 pm.
On Saturday we meditate together for approximately 8 hours. We usually meditate in 25 minute periods. The periods are separated by a wiggle bell or walking meditation. The wiggle bell is a chance to adjust your posture or change sitting equipment. Kinhin usually follows two 25-minute periods of zazen, and lasts for 10 minutes. Each sitting block is roughly 2 hours long, after which there is a meal or some other activity.
We provide meditation supplies (chairs, benches, and cushions), but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Meals are formal and held in silence, with the exception of meal chants. There is a morning work period and a few breaks throughout the day. Also included in the Saturday schedule is an afternoon dharma talk (teisho), interview with the teacher (sanzen), and formal tea at night.
For more details see the Beginner’s Mind Schedule
Proper Attire:
To support the dignity of spiritual practice, we ask people to wear modest, subdued clothing during retreats at the monastery. Please do not wear shorts, sleeveless or tank tops, or shirts with advertising or logos.
Also because many people are sensitive to scents, please do not wear perfume or cologne, or use strongly scented toiletries.
What to bring:
- Personal toiletries
- Oryoki bowls (if you have them, if not they will be provided)
- Clothes for light work, including outdoor shoes
- Slip-on shoes or sandals that can be put on and taken off quickly
- Flashlight (optional)
- We provide towels, blankets, and linens.
Please do NOT bring:
- Pets
- Non-prescription drugs (allergy medications, vitamins & supplements are allowed)
- Alcohol
- Radios
- Reading material
Cell Phone Use
During Beginner's Mind retreats we encourage all participants to keep their cell phones powered off for the duration of the retreat. The phone number for the monastery is 503-728-0654, and is checked daily. Please arrange for those who might need to contact you in case of an emergency to use this number, rather than your cell phone.
Food
The food served will be healthy, vegetarian food. The food may contain eggs and dairy products. Wheat free and dairy free food will be provided if requested. If you have specific food allergies please email the Head Cook or call us and explain.
Food donations are always encouraged. Good coffee & nuts are especially appreciated.
