Zen: The Vital Way – Explore Timeless Practices for a Modern World

What is Zen? As with any powerful question, asking wholeheartedly is itself a pathway to liberation.

“Zen” is a word that has been co-opted and integrated into our everyday vocabulary, taking on multiple meanings such as minimal, elegant, and calm.

But what is Zen, really? And, just as important, why Zen?

Zen is both a training and a full inhabitation of our humanity. By directly experiencing the life force and liberation always here now, we naturally respond with unconditioned compassion toward this moment, as it is.

In his essay Genjokoan, Eihei Dogen Zenji writes: “To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be verified by all things.”

During this weekend program, we will focus on studying the self in order to recover who we truly are and have always been. We will practice zazen (just sitting) as a way of learning, recognizing, and trusting in our true nature.

What You Will Gain from This Retreat

1. A grounding in authentic Zen practice — direct instruction and experience in zazen.
2. Practical tools for daily life — ways to carry the clarity and compassion of Zen beyond the cushion.
3. An introduction to Zen teachings — timeless guidance that cuts through confusion and reconnects us with presence.
4. A deeper sense of belonging — to yourself, to community, and to the natural world.
5. A felt experience of simplicity and peace — the heart of Zen as a lived reality.

Who This Retreat is For

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

1. Beginners curious about meditation and Zen’s unique approach.
2. Practitioners from other traditions seeking a fresh perspective.
3. Long-time meditators who want to reconnect with the heart of practice.
4. Those experiencing stress, restlessness, or disconnection who wish to find ease and grounding.
5. Anyone inspired to live more fully, compassionately, and authentically in each moment.

Program Schedule:

March 13th

Friday 2:00 – 5:00 pm Registration

5:30 – 6:00 pm Orientation

6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner

7:00 – 9:00 pm Why/What is Zen? and Zazen Practice Saturday

March 14th

5:30 – 7:00 am – Zazen

7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast

9:30 – 12:30 pm The Three Perspectives & Six Senses

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch

:30 – 2:00pm Free Time

2:00 Movement/Embodiment

3:30 – 6:00 pm Emotions/Zazen

6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner Sunday

March 15th

5:30 – 7:00 am – Zazen

7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast

9:30 – 11:30 pm Zazen refinement

11:30- 12:35 pm Integration, Close & DMC Moment of Appreciation

12:45 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure