“Turning to Mystery and Wonder, a Silent Zen Retreat”
with Sunya Kjolhede, Windhorse Zen Community
At the upcoming November retreat our four primary guidelines will be taken from the Windhorse Zen Community sesshin guidelines as: “Upholding silence, not letting the eyes wander, eating lightly, not giving way to negative thoughts.” Most of us have little experience with holding retreats in silence and therefore have some difficulty with this. It can be a highly important component of embracing the wonder of our practice if we allow ourselves the opportunity to keep our mouths closed and our eyes on our feet. In addition, this goes a long way towards keeping the negative thoughts at bay.
We will have dharma talks, private interview with the teacher and chanting, however these are structured speaking and still part of the silence. What we will not have are discussions. Even with our eyes. What is there to see?
Several important aspects of the retreat can help us maintain the silence. First, foreseeable decisions will be made up front, such as schedule, seating place, work assignments and menu. Second, the teacher, attendant and retreat team will be responsible for acting on unforeseen conditions. And finally, the participants will enjoy their practice so much that they will simply do it.
Please do not consider the stillness and silence a stiff and forced rule, but an opportunity and gift that you give both to yourself and to the community. And don’t forget to register!
If you cannot attend the entire retreat, please try to time your arrival to one of the longer break times (such as following a meal). When you arrive, if the doors to the sitting area are closed, please wait in the foyer (or sit on the staircase) until they are opened by the attendant.
Where and When?
When: November 11, 12, 13
Where: The Self Discovery Center
1315 South Ponce de Leon Ave
Atlanta, GA 30306
Cost and Details
The impressive results of Red Clay Sangha’s inaugural membership drive permit us to offer this retreat at a minimal charge, both to Red Clay Sangha members and to the community at large. The $10 registration fee will help defray the cost of meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday; breakfast Sunday). All meals will be vegan.
On-Site Accommodations
Limited shared accommodations are at the Self-Discovery Center. If you are interested in these, please indicate so on your registration.
Schedule
Friday 11/11/11
6:30 pm Orientation talk
7:30 Zazen & Kinhin
9:00 Four Vows & close
Saturday 11/12/11
6:00 am Exercise
6:15 Zazen, Kinhin & Chanting
8:00 Breakfast & cleanup
9:00 Zazen, Kinhin & Dharma Talk
12:15 Lunch & cleanup
1:00 pm Outdoor walking meditation
1:50 Zazen & Kinhin with Dokusan (private interview)
3:40 Chanting service
4:00 Gentle yoga
4:25 Zazen & Kinhin with Dokusan
5:40 pm Supper & cleanup
6:30 Zazen & Kinhin with Dokusan
8:45 Four Vows & close
Sunday 11/13/11
6:00 am Exercise
6:15 Zazen, Kinhin & Chanting
8:00 Breakfast & cleanup
9:00 Zazen & Kinhin
10:30 Dharma Talk, Q&A and Tea
12:00 Lunch at a local restaurant
Register Now!