Maha Bodhi Zen Center regularly holds half-day meditation retreats. These retreats are a gentle yet powerful introduction to the practice of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, as well as a chance for the interested few to step out of the conventional world into the world of love.
Two half-day retreats are offered each year. The two retreats scheduled for 2012 are:
| Sunday, May 20th from 8am-11:30am (Orientation for first-timers will be Saturday, May 19th from 7:30pm-8:30pm) |
| Sunday, November 11th from 8am-11:30am (Orientation for first-timers will be Saturday, November 10th from 7:30pm-8:30pm) |
If you have never done a formal Rinzai Zen retreat or would like to review the rules of practice—including how to meditate—the evening before the retreat there will be a short orientation with a question and answer period. At the orientation you will be introduced to meditation, chanting practice, and etiquette for the meditation hall. There will be a full spectrum of practitioners attending, from beginners to people that have been monks for more than 10 and 20 years.
The schedule is as follows:
| Saturday | 7:30pm-8:30pm | Orientation |
| Sunday | 8:00 – 8:30 | Tea/Chanting |
| 8:30 – 11:00 | Zazen (Meditation) | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Dharma Talk / Close |
After the talk, at 11:30am a delicious vegetarian lunch will be served.
Cost is $40.00 (This can be paid either at the orientation, the day of the retreat or online via Paypal.)
Location TBA
Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend either by calling 415-571-8417, or email Office@MahaBodhiZenCenter.org.
Also, we invite you to call or email with any questions that you may have about the retreat or formal Rinzai practice.