This retreat took place Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Saturday, October 10, 2026. View upcoming retreats at Great Vow Zen Monastery.

Saturday
10
October 2026

Service to the Temple – Heart of Wisdom

Soto Zen

Soto Zenday-sitzazen

Morning of zazen and community work service at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland. Includes sitting practice followed by volunteering on maintenance projects—gardening, cleaning, painting. Lunch provided.

About this retreat

This is a single-day work practice at Heart of Wisdom, combining zazen with hands-on service to the temple grounds. The format is straightforward: sit in the morning, then move into maintenance work—gardening, cleaning, painting, whatever the temple needs. Lunch is included.

It's structured as a volunteer event, not a formal retreat, so no sitting experience is required. If you're curious about the temple or Soto Zen practice and want to contribute something concrete while sitting, this is an accessible entry point.

View upcoming retreats→

Originally listed on Great Vow Zen Monastery's website.

Full details from Great Vow Zen Monastery

A morning of zazen and community work service at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland, including gardening, cleaning, painting, and other maintenance projects. Lunch is provided for all volunteers.

Also at Great Vow Zen Monastery03

Thursday – Saturday

Nov 05 – Nov 07

City Refuge Retreat

Great Vow Zen Monastery

Zen · silent · commuter
$120