Seeing Through Obstacles – Inner Critic Weekend Retreat

This weekend sits at the intersection of Zen practice and contemporary psychological work — not a typical sesshin, but a retreat that uses silent meditation and group facilitation to examine how the inner critic operates in practice and daily life. At Great Vow, a Soto Zen monastery in Oregon, the schedule balances zazen (sitting meditation) with explicitly guided exploration of what Buddhists call kleśa (afflictions or obstacles) and what depth psychology calls the shadow — the parts of ourselves we typically push away or deny.

The format is less austere than a traditional sesshin. Alongside silent meditation periods, you'll work in group settings to investigate habitual self-judgment patterns and what they cost you. The goal is not to eliminate the inner critic (impossible) but to see through its automatic nature and create space between impulse and response. For people new to Zen who are also interested in psychological work, this bridging approach can be more accessible than silent-only retreats.

Great Vow is set on forested land in Oregon with basic but functional residential accommodations. The weekend format (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) keeps the intensity manageable for those balancing work or caregiving. Expect noble silence during meditation periods and more open conversation during facilitation sessions.