Swords into Blossoms: The Alchemy of Stopping and Seeing

This four-day residential retreat centers on two foundational Zen practices: stopping (zazen, sitting meditation) and seeing (clear observation of mind and emotion). The retreat title signals its focus—turning difficulty into insight, transforming what feels sharp or painful into something workable.

The structure integrates zazen with art and body practice, suggesting the retreat moves beyond sitting-only format. The center has not yet published the daily schedule, teacher names, or details about what art and body practice entail. Contact Great Vow Zen Monastery directly for information about lodging arrangements, meal format, and whether dokusan (private meetings with teachers) is offered.