Spring Practice Period: Awakening with the Earth

This is a residential practice period at Great Vow Zen Monastery running April 6 to May 30, 2027 — just under eight weeks of continuous residence. The stated structure pairs deepened zazen (seated meditation) with seasonal outdoor work: garden maintenance, trail care, and forest stewardship. The title, "Awakening with the Earth," signals the focus: sitting practice alongside the land coming into spring.

"Practice period" is the Zen monastic term (ango in Japanese) for an extended season of concentrated training — longer than a weekend or weeklong retreat. Great Vow describes this one as residential, meaning participants stay at the monastery for the duration. That is a significant time commitment, and the listing does not mention partial-stay or commuter options.

Beyond the dates and the general shape, little has been published: no lead teacher, no daily schedule, no wake-up or sitting details, no pricing, and no application requirements. Contact Great Vow directly through their calendar listing to confirm what the period involves, what it costs, and what a stay looks like before committing to nearly two months.