The Circle of the Way: An Embodied Introduction to Zen

March 12 - 14, 2027

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Arrival: Friday, March 12th, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Departure: Sunday, March 14th, 12:30pm

Tuition: $250
+ lodging costs (food & drink included)

~Add extra nights at 50% off~

Arrival: Friday, March 12th, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Departure: Sunday, March 14th, 12:30pm

Tuition: $250
+ lodging costs (food & drink included)

~Add extra nights at 50% off~

About this Retreat

The Circle of the Way is an invitation to explore the living intersection of meditation, movement, and the wisdom of the present moment. Set in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, this retreat offers an opportunity to experience Zen meditation and teachings alongside exquisite instruction in mindful movement, in the shared space of curiosity, compassion, and connection. Together, we will explore the tenderness of practice: the courage it takes to show up, the intimacy of inhabiting our bodies, and the quiet sense of belonging that emerges when we practice alongside one another.

Through seated meditation, contemplative inquiry, and embodied practice, we will explore how the principles of Zen can inform our relationship to ourselves, one another, and the world around us. Movement becomes a form of listening, meditation an opportunity to settle into the present moment, and the body a gateway to greater awareness and understanding. Through the rigor and intimacy of practice, we discover the quiet richness of simply being here, in this body, in this moment, open to the possibilities that emerge when we meet life as it is.

At the heart of this retreat is the recognition that our lives, exactly as they are, are no other than practice itself. There is no separate destination to reach or ideal self to become. The Circle of the Way invites us into the ongoing cycle of aspiration, practice, realization, and surrender: feeling the call to begin, committing ourselves to the work, opening to what is revealed, and letting it all go, again and again. Held by the beauty and stillness of the mountains, we gather to practice, explore, and deepen our relationship with the Way, returning to the beginning with fresh eyes and an open heart as the cycle unfolds anew.

What to Expect

  • This weekend is designed for beginning and intermediate practitioners, offering an opportunity to explore the relationship between Zen meditation, mindful movement, and embodied awareness. Movement practices will help prepare the body and mind for seated meditation, while the stillness of meditation will, in turn, inspire and inform our movement. Together, these complementary practices invite us to listen more deeply, cultivate awareness, and discover new ways of meeting ourselves and our experience.

  • Our Dharma teachings will center on Dōgen Zenji’s fascicle Gyōji Dōkan: The Circle of the Way, exploring the rhythms of continuous practice and the invitation to engage Reality courageously and intimately, exactly as it is. Through Dōgen’s teachings, we will reflect on how practice unfolds not as a means of reaching some future destination, but as a way of meeting each moment with presence, curiosity, and care.

  • Throughout the weekend, you will receive instruction in zazen, or seated Zen meditation, alongside embodied practices that invite you to discover, uncover, and recover the wisdom of the body in both movement and stillness. Whether you are new to Zen or looking to deepen an existing practice, you are welcome to come as you are, bringing your curiosity, your questions, and a willingness to explore.

Why Attend?

This retreat is open and welcoming to anyone drawn to explore Zen, regardless of experience. It will be especially supportive for:

  • Establish or strengthen your seated meditation practice with guidance and support.
  • Explore mindful movement practices that support meditation, deepen embodied awareness, and enrich the way you meet daily life.
  • Discover the complementary relationship between stillness and movement, and how each can inform and inspire the other.
  • Engage with the teachings of Dōgen Zenji and explore how Zen practice invites us to meet Reality exactly as it is.
  • Meet fellow practitioners and cultivate the rare gift of excellent friends on the path.
  • Step away from the rhythms of everyday life to immerse yourself in contemplative practice, surrounded by the beauty and stillness of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Experience the ongoing cycle of aspiration, practice, realization, and surrender, returning to your life with renewed clarity, curiosity, and commitment to the Way.

FAQs

Is meditation experience required for this retreat?
No. This retreat welcomes beginning and intermediate practitioners. Individualized instruction and support will be provided to meet you where you are in your practice.

Is movement or yoga experience required for this retreat?
No. We will guide you through movement practices tailored to your body and abilities. All movements can be explored at your own pace, with an emphasis on curiosity, comfort, and embodied awareness rather than performance or achieving a particular shape.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing for sitting and moving. Drala Mountain Center provides basic yoga and meditation equipment, but you can feel free to bring any supports that you prefer to use. We also suggest bringing a notebook or journal to write down any reflections or insights you receive.

What if sitting meditation is uncomfortable for me?
There is no need to force a particular posture or endure tremendous pain in your sitting practice. Chairs and other supports can help you find a sustainable position. The intention is to also tenderize and open the body to find more ease in our sitting posture, as well as meet our discomfort with curiosity and openness.

What if I am new to Zen or unfamiliar with Dōgen’s teachings?
You are welcome here. The retreat will introduce key aspects of Zen meditation and Dōgen Zenji’s teachings in an accessible way. No prior knowledge is necessary, only a willingness to explore, listen, and engage with the practice.

Program Schedule

Day 1: Friday, March 12th: Arrival

2:00 – 5:00 pm: Check-in
5:30 pm: Drala Orientation
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Opening Circle, Movement and Zazen
9:00 pm: Evening Closing

Day 2: Saturday, March 13th: Raising the Aspiration to Awaken

7:00 am: Morning Movement
7:30 am: Zazen
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Embodied Practice: Awakening awareness and preparing for sitting
10:00 am: Zazen
10:30 am: Break and Personal Time
11:00 am: Dharma Exploration 
12:30 pm: Lunch
1:30–3:30 pm: Personal time for rest, exploration, and journaling
3:30 pm: Outdoor movement practice, walking meditation, and integration
5:15 pm: Zazen and Dharma Reflection 
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Expression and Manifestation: Movement, meditation, and exploration
9:00 pm: Evening closing 

Day 3: Sunday, March 14th: Cast It Away, Begin Again

7:00 am: Morning Movement
7:30 am: Zazen
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Embodied Practice: Movement and stillness
10:00 am: Zazen
10:30 am: Break, personal time
11:00 am: Dharma Exploration: Cast It Away, Begin Again
12:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm: Closing Circle and Departure 

Testimonials

“Lauren is a kinesthetic, somato-relational genius, weaving and coaxing life force deep into the body through her sweet and sure guidance, beckoning your body and being into more vitality, wakeful ease and strength. I trust Lauren’s attunement, kindness and deep, creative wisdom.”

– Rochelle



“This weekend spent with Butsudō Sensei was an experience that I will never forget. It opened my eyes to a part of myself that I thought I had lost. It has inspired me to start a daily practice and devote myself to the Buddha Way. 

~ Julia S.



“I am very grateful for the space, energy, and teachings you shared with us. This has been a beautiful experience. It ‘s so amazing to have witnessed such a beautiful practice and to be guided through it. Thank you Butsudō Sensei and Lauren Juno. “

 Junior

Retreat Faculty

Brian Butsudō Turner Sensei

Brian Butsudo Sensei has been practicing Zen in the White Plum branch of the Soto lineage for nearly twenty years. The story of his entering into the Zen path is documented in Michael Pollan’s New YorkTimes best seller “How to Change your Mind.” He received monk ordination in 2012 and Dharma Transmission in 2023 from [...]

Lauren Beale

Lauren is a performing and visual artist, choreographer, improviser, contemplative teacher and yoga instructor. She holds an MFA in Dance from The University of Colorado Boulder with an emphasis in collaborative, interdisciplinary performance and creative practice. Lauren has performed nationally and internationally with Colorado based companies Michelle Ellsworth Artland, Gesel Mason Performance Projects, 3rd Law [...]

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout. All options include meals and drinks.

Off Campus
 Participants who wish to commute from their own accommodations off-site.
Example: Own home, Air BnB, Camping nearby in Red Feather.

Car Camping
We have some primitive parking spots in our Rigden parking lot, for parking and sleeping.
Note: Your vehicle must be self contained, you cannot pitch a tent or set up other camping gear.

Single/Double Tents
(Late May – Early September)
Platform Tents located in Our Main Campus Area and in our more remote Maitri Village, each of which is near a bathhouse. Tents can be rented as a single or a double (with a roommate).
These 12′ x 14′ tents have twin beds, bookcases and a hanging clothes rack.*
Note: Bedding is NOT provided. Please bring your own twin sheets, blanket / sleeping bag, and pillow.

Dormitories
Two Rooms with beds for up to 7 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. Bathrooms just down the hall, which are also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Junior Suites
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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