Retreat Cabin Application
Open Dates
Great Vow Zen Monastery
The retreat hut is available only to those who have already participated in a weekend retreat or longer here at the monastery. The monastery retreat cabin rests on the edge of our 23 acres of forest. Though, just a short walk to the monastery buildings, it has a feeling of a forest hermitage. Equipped with running water, electricity, a small kitchenette with electric stovetop and small refrigerator and a compost toilet it is an ideal location for doing short solo retreat practice. You will have access to our forest trail system, beautiful meadows and gardens, as well as the privacy…
Five Buddhist Precepts for Ethical Living – Online
With Laura Jomon Martin
February 26 - April 2, 2026
Online
These 90 minute 5 Precepts classes will happen every Thursday for six weeks. We all want to live a compassionate life. The precepts give us a framework for what it means to live an ethical life. More then a set of rules to follow, the precepts are deep inquiries into the actual living of our lives with attention and love. The format is an introductory talk followed by class discussion. Participants will be encouraged to do a short writing on each precept and practice with the precept during the week. There are also some supplemental readings.
Beginner’s Mind Weekend Meditation Retreat
With Darah Shonin Ashton and Onshin Landry
February 27 - March 1, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
The teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism empower us to live our lives wholeheartedly with openness, insight and compassion. During this weekend retreat we follow a silent retreat schedule, which allows us to temporarily put aside outside concerns and go deeply into inner work. The silent retreat schedule includes about seven hours of sitting meditation (with breaks), Buddhist chanting services, formal oryoki meals, and a period of community work practice. On the first evening the retreat leaders will give thorough instruction on the foundations and methods of Zen meditation. Opportunities to meet with a teacher or senior practitioner to discuss…
Death’s Tiny Tea House – Being With Dying
With Kodo Conover
February 28, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
The Buddha’s teachings on impermanence and death are fundamental: “I am of the nature to die, there is no way to escape death.“All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature of change; there is no way to escape being separated from them.” The Five Remembrances And, at the same time, we live and practice in a culture that generally discourages discussion of dying, death, and grief. Death’s Tiny Tea House will provide the community an opportunity for an open conversation about death and related topics. Discussion at this Saturday afternoon Tea House will feature…
16 Bodhisattva Precepts Online Class Series
With Larry Fuho Trussell
March 1 - April 5, 2026
Online
The beginning and end of our practice is ethical living; acting, speaking and thinking in ways that support the greatest wellbeing and awakening for all beings. Anyone who has taken the 5 Precepts Class can take this class, whether you have already formally taken the precepts, are considering taking the precepts, or you are simply curious about the ethical guidelines that rest at the foundation of Zen practice.
Practice in Activity Workshop
With Kodo Conover and Linda Chōon Frischmeyer
March 14, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
We spend many, many hours in activity, whether working in employment, as a volunteer, or in our homes. Work environments and the people we work with can be challenging. All work experiences are opportunities for Zen practice. Join us for a deeper dive into right action, right speech and right livelihood, and bringing spiritual practice into our daily activities; we also practice with the transitions between silence and work activity. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch. No one turned away for lack of funds. In-person only.
March Sesshin – Deep Listening
With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei, Hogen Bays, Roshi and Anusha Enryu Fernando
March 14 - 22, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
Awareness meeting sound has been a gate into the depths of the heart-mind for as long as human beings hve longed to open. During this sesshin we come together in joyous recognition of the power of deep listening, and sink into the rhythms of our wild, wonderful and mysterious life.
Service to the Temple
March 28, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Working together is part of our spiritual practice, and allows us to honor and care for the sacred space that Heart of Wisdom provides in our city. Please join with community for this morning of practice and work together.
ZCO Board Meeting March 2026
March 29, 2026
Heart of Wisdom (in person) and Online (Zoom)
Board meetings are open and members of the community are invited to attend. Board meetings are a place to find out what’s happening and how ZCO functions. Typical topics include finances, reports on goings on at the monastery and temple, committee reports, and the community's strategic plans.
The Resilient Heart
With Hogen Bays, Roshi
April 2 - 5, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
This retreat is one in which Hogen Roshi often experiments with dharma teaching and practice. So, please come with a flexible mind, open to possibilities. This retreat/workshop is (as are all of our events) an opportunity to hear the teachings of liberation, to reflect and verify them and to apply them to our lives. As the truths of dharma penetrate our hearts they relieve our dissatisfaction and enable us to help others. Our practice is a continual invitation to expand our view. As our view expands, we no longer live tethered to our preferences, judgements and beliefs about how we think the world should be.…
Doing The Work of Byron Katie
With Linda Chōon Frischmeyer
April 3 - 4, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
“Of all the diseases, all the ailments that afflict humanity, there is one common denominator: the conditioned mind. Our unconditioned minds are deeply interconnected." - Chakung Jigme Wangdrak "The Work is about internal cause and effect. It is not about the external world.” - Byron Katie Please attend Friday evening and Saturday. This in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple provides newcomers and those familiar with this form of meditation opportunities for: Learning about The Work of Byron Katie Identifying our beliefs Doing The Work (meditation) Learning to facilitate another; listening and being present Q & A Guest facilitating…
Spring Practice Period: Awakening with the Earth
April 7 - May 31, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Spring at Great Vow Zen Monastery is beautiful. The fruit tree blossoms open towards the heavens, the forest is abuzz with new life as birds, insects and tree frogs are wake up from their winter slumber. Early spring flowers emerge in abundant color, offering fresh perspectives and encouragements. With the natural world springing to life with such exubrance and force, residency at the monastery inclines towards the out of doors. We dedicate more of our daily practice to the care and maintenance of our garden and grounds. This includes maintaining our trails and caring for native trees in our…
Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop
With Darah Shonin Ashton, Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault
April 11, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the cushion Chanting Mindful eating Work practice Stillness Walking meditation Koans Tradition and ritual Dharma teachings These workshops fill with waitlists. If you are not coming, please let us know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch.…
April Sesshin
With Larry Fuho Trussell and Laura Jomon Martin
April 13 - 19, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Our meditation practice can be one of relaxed openness and vivid presence, with wisdom into our nature naturally revealing. This is the practice of serene-illumination, a form of meditation where calm-abiding (shamatha) and insight (vipassana) are practiced as one. Sesshin is a rigorous and, at times, challenging silent meditation retreat that is not recommended for beginners. In order to attend in person, we require that you attend one of our silent weekend retreats or a five-seven day silent retreat at another Zen Center before registering for our longer zen retreats. For more information about what to expect when attending…
Spring Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Larry Fuho Trussell
April 25, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
Love & Spaciousness: A Loving Kindness Weekend Retreat
With Patrick Bansho Green and Myoyu Haley Voekel
April 30 - May 3, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
With wonderment on our side, and in relationship with all that is, we recognize the inherent compassion that naturally arises from deep and sustained presence. Held in a container of zen forms and the vibrant dance of a monastery waking up to spring, we will explore the nature of being anything at all! During this silent retreat our day will unfold within the practices of zazen, chanting, formal meals and a short work practice. Much of the day will be spent in the meditation hall practicing seated meditation together. For more information please Click Here: Attending an Event at Great Vow
Service to the Temple
May 2, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Working together is part of our spiritual practice, and allows us to honor and care for the sacred space that Heart of Wisdom provides in our city. Please join with community for this morning of practice and work together.
New Member Tea
May 9, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Calling New Members~ The ZCO membership committee joyfully invites you to join us at our New Member Tea! New member tea is open to ZCO members who joined in the 2025/2026 calendar year. Come connect, make new friends, tour the temple, learn about ways to practice and the organization as a whole. It's a great opportunity to ask questions! Please RSVP so we can provide enough tea, coffee, and brunch.
May Sesshin – The Light of our Ancestors
With Amy Kisei, Sensei, Patrick Bansho Green and Darah Shonin Ashton
May 11 - 17, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
Zen is a direct Mind to Mind transmission--a transmission of light. We study with teachers who help us recognize and embody our awakened wisdom and compassion. During this sesshin, we will connect with our roots and draw strength from the stories of those who have come before us. Our ancestors are real people, walking the path of their lives and opening the Dharma truths - just as we aspire to do. Join us for this intimate week of practice. Sesshin is a rigorous and, at times, challenging silent meditation retreat that is not recommended for beginners. In order to attend…
Inner Critic Workshop
With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei
May 23, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
This retreat will bring together parts work modality (i.e. IFS, Voice Dialogue) with Buddhist meditation practices to amplify understanding, empathy and dis-identification from parts, specifically the inner critic and perfectionist, that hinder our unfolding. Sessions will be a mix of silent and guided sitting meditation and group facilitations where participants directly explore parts of themselves such as those listed above. This is for anyone with an aspiration for a liberated heart or who wishes to address obstacles to Dharma practice and self-understanding. First time and experienced meditators are welcome and will find insight and nourishment. In-person only. Saturday May 23rd from 9 am - 5:30 pm (Lunch will be provided.)
Holding Power Wisely: Ethics, Boundaries, and Care in Buddhist Teaching Relationships
With Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi, Lama Lekshe, Laura Jomon Martin and Patrick Bansho Green
May 28 - 30, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Holding Power Wisely is a two-day, residential applied ethics workshop for Dharma teachers, teachers-in-training, and others who hold positions of spiritual teaching authority within Buddhist communities. Teachers may also send students with possible teaching responsibilities on their development horizon. Since teaching relationships carry inherent power, even when grounded in sincere intention and deep practice, the asymmetry of teacher–student roles creates conditions where vulnerability, projection, emotional dependency, desire, grief, or confusion can arise—overtly or subtly—often during challenging periods of personal difficulty or transition. Without shared language, training, and trusted peer support, these moments can escalate into boundary violations that cause real…
Swords into Blossoms: The Alchemy of Stopping and Seeing
With Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei and Danica Shoan Ankele, Sensei
June 4 - 7, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
On the night of his enlightenment, the Buddha was confronted by Mara, a trickster figure embodying forces that sought to pull him away from awakening. Remaining firmly seated, the Buddha met these forces with stillness and awareness. Mara dissolved, and the Buddha awakened to his true nature. Why does this ancient story remain central to the Buddhist path? It reveals the two essential aspects of meditation practice: stopping and seeing. In Zen, stopping is cultivated through the stillness of zazen—steady presence and non-reactivity. Seeing is the capacity to notice thoughts and emotions as they arise without becoming entangled in them. When we meet…
Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop
With Darah Shonin Ashton, Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault
June 13, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the cushion Chanting Mindful eating Work practice Stillness Walking meditation Koans Tradition and ritual Dharma teachings These workshops fill with waitlists. If you are not coming, please let us know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch.…
Solstice Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Ed Gensho Welsh
June 20, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
Five-Day Silent Chan Retreat led by Guo Gu
With Guo Gu
June 23 - 27, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Tuesday June 23 – Saturday June 27, 2026 In the Chan tradition, there are two main approaches to awakening: the method of silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). The former is a settling method of serene reflection on the nature of awareness; the latter is an explosive approach that aims to concentrate and shatter all mental states so awakening manifests. Retreat practice is an excellent way to deepen our practice, as it allows practitioners to engage with the meditation method in a sustained, focused way under a protected environment with a retreat teacher. Practitioners receive guidance on…
Summer Residency Program 2026
July 7 - August 16, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
The Summer Program at Great Vow Zen Monastery is an opportunity to plunge into Zen practice with the support of community and teachers, and to taste the benefits of calming the mind and opening the heart. Our Summer Program is a special part of our on-going residential program at the monastery. It is designed to give you a genuine immersion in Zen practice, through the practices of meditation, mindful eating. ritual/liturgy, movement practices (yoga/qi gong), and temple work.
City Refuge Retreat
With Kodo Conover
July 16 - 18, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple will be offering an extended opportunity for retreat practice in the city. This three-day non-residential retreat will include many of the elements you’ll find in sesshin.
July Sesshin
With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei, Patrick Bansho Green and Myoyu Haley Voekel
July 20 - 26, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Summer is bright and alive. The sun hangs high in the sky, illuminating the earth with unflinching clarity. What wisdom does a warm summer day offer? Everything is laid bare before the luminous rays of the sun. In this meditation immersion, we will endeavor to study the self, forget the self and glimpse Buddha Nature, opening in silent communion with this community of human and non- human beings. This is our collective awakening.
Heart of the Mountain Sesshin: A Backpacking Sesshin at the Bells Mountain
With Sara Shinei Monial and Danney Soten Lynch
August 2 - 9, 2026
Bell's Mountain Dharma Center
Previous meditation retreat and backpacking experience is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the silent wisdom of the forest, mountains, and sky. Allow these wild places to awaken within you and inform how you experience and embody this life.
Grasses, Trees, and the Great Earth Sesshin
With Amy Kisei, Sensei and Myoyu Haley Voekel
August 10 - 16, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Earth body, sky heart. Rooted and flowing. Luminous and open. We are made of earth and sky, of wind breath and rain song, our lives woven from the teachings of the natural world. This retreat is an opportunity to re-connect and relax into the wild, ancient, wisdom of the Grasses, Trees and Great Earth. We will spend time learning from each of the five elements, as they manifest in our experience. Deeply exploring and releasing into our interconnection with the living, breathing body of the Earth, waters, energizing air, bright fiery sun, and vast spacious sky. This retreat is held…
Summer Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Darah Shonin Ashton
August 15, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
Walking Mountain Pilgrimage Sesshin with Bells Mountain
With Sara Shinei Monial and Danney Soten Lynch
August 29 - September 12, 2026
Pacific Northwest (exact location TBD)
Previous meditation retreat and backpacking experience is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the silent wisdom of the forest, mountains, and sky. Allow these wild places to awaken within you and inform how you experience and embody this life.
Jizo Sesshin
With Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi and Laura Jomon Martin
September 8 - 13, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery - In Person Only
This retreat begins on Tuesday! This retreat will focus on the qualities of Jizo Bodhisattva, guardian of all that comes from the earth, and Jizo’s qualities – benevolence, optimism, fearlessness, determination, and vow. A unique element of this retreat is the inclusion of time devoted to art projects, creative time, and a slide show and talk about Jizo. As part of our practice, we will be making small Jizo-related items. Due to the nature of this retreat schedule, we will be sitting outside and also out of the zendo to make art, there will not be an online option.…
Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop
With Darah Shonin Ashton, Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault
September 12, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the cushion Chanting Mindful eating Work practice Stillness Walking meditation Koans Tradition and ritual Dharma teachings These workshops fill with waitlists. If you are not coming, please let us know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch.…
Equinox Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei
September 19, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
Soul of the Mountain Sesshin: A Backpacking Sesshin at Bells Mountain
With Sara Shinei Monial and Danney Soten Lynch
September 26 - October 3, 2026
Bell's Mountain Dharma Center
Previous meditation retreat and backpacking experience is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the silent wisdom of the forest, mountains, and sky. Allow these wild places to awaken within you and inform how you experience and embody this life.
Autumn Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Laura Jomon Martin
October 24, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
City Refuge Retreat
With Larry Fuho Trussell
November 5 - 7, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple will be offering an extended opportunity for retreat practice in the city. This three-day non-residential retreat will include many of the elements you’ll find in sesshin.
December Sesshin – Rohatsu
With Hogen Bays, Roshi, Larry Fuho Trussell and Darah Shonin Ashton
December 6 - 13, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
The light of the Buddha's awakening has not dimmed. This very moment, alive, awake and luminous. Each year people from all over the world gather to celebrate, to sit in stillness and to be nourished by this truth. All over the world people join in the ritual of Rohatsu sesshin. This sesshin is the culmination of a year of practice and is also the culmination of our fall Ango practice period. At many centers and monasteries, this is the most valued sesshin of the year, and may be the only one that many people are able to attend. We…
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Friday Evenings: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM






























