Weekend Retreat (Sesshin)

This bi-annual retreat is open to the general public, both to those currently engaged in a Zen practice or those wishing to renew their commitment, as well as to those who have had no prior experience but wish to be introduced to the Way of Zen.

Practitioners new to our sangha will receive a brief introduction to our zendo on Friday evening. Those with no prior experience will be part of the Zen for Beginners teaching, receiving instruction and ongoing support during the weekend from one of our two teachers. Those participating in the Zen for Beginners will have the option of taking on a lighter sitting schedule.

The weekend, which begins on Friday evening with dinner at 6pm and ends after lunch on Sunday, consists of zazen (sitting meditation), kin-hin (walking meditation), two dharma talks, a chanting service, samu (work practice) and, of course, rest periods and meal breaks. Daisan or dokusan, a meeting with one of our two teachers, is available for all those who attend the sesshin.

The retreat is held at the Garrison Institute, located on the banks of the Hudson River in Garrison, N.Y., one hour north of the George Washington Bridge. Metro North trains from Grand Central Station in NYC afford public transport to Garrison Landing, with complimentary van service to and from the retreat house.

The rooms are singles, doubles or triples/quads with varying rates. The gracious atmosphere and lovely grounds, along with 6 excellent vegetarian meals made, whenever possible, from local products, and a welcoming staff make the Garrison Institute an ideal location for our retreats. The Garrison Institute web site has further information along with a photo guide to the facility.

If you have any questions about the retreat, please don’t hesitate to call or email us and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

General Information:

Dates for 2013
Fall 2013 dates to be announced

 

Cost: (payable with registration)
Single room $ 240 (members) $ 255 (non-members)
Double room $ 210 (members) $ 225 (non-members)
Triple/quad room: $180 member $ 195 (non-member)
These costs cover our payment to the retreat house only.
If you wish to add a donation to help cover costs incurred by Still Mind Zendo as well as costs of our offering financial assistance for those who need it, we would be most grateful. Just add the amount you wish to donate to your registration check. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

Registration Deadline: The registration deadline is the Tuesday before each Sesshin, after that date there will be an additional late registration fee of $50.00.

Cancellation fee (requested by the retreat house):
$25 (unless a replacement is found)

Arrival time:
Anytime after 3pm. Dinner is at 6 pm.

Departure time:
1-2 pm on Sunday. Van to train at 1:45 pm.

Travel directions and train schedule will be e-mailed upon receipt of registration form and check.

Click here for REGISTRATION FORM

 

To go to the Garrison Institute web site click here.