Love & Spaciousness: A Loving Kindness Weekend Retreat

This weekend sesshin uses the formal structure of Zen practice—zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), chanting, and oryoki (formal meals eaten in silence in the meditation hall)—as the container for exploring loving kindness and spaciousness. The retreat isn't centered on a particular sutra or koan but instead lets the daily rhythm itself become the practice, with compassion and presence emerging through sustained engagement with traditional forms.

The schedule runs full days of practice, so expect an early wake time, multiple sitting periods separated by walking meditation, chanting services, and work practice. Meals are part of the retreat structure—formal, silent, mindful—not a break from it. The monastery setting provides the kind of sustained quiet that makes three days of silence feel contained rather than daunting.

Great Vow Zen Monastery is located in rural Oregon. Residential practice means you stay on-site; the retreat fee covers lodging and meals.