RETREATS


RETREATS AT THE CAMBRIDGE ZEN CENTER

We offer a variety of one-day and multi-day retreats. One-day retreats are especially suitable for those who are new to sitting in a retreat.

Multi-day retreats, known as “Yong Maeng Jong Jin” retreats, last two or more days. "Yong Maeng Jong Jin" is a traditional phrase that means “to leap like a tiger while sitting.” Anyone can make this leap and transform their life sitting a YMJJ.

The January Two-Day Retreat is open for registration. Learn more and sign up at cambridgezen.org/register. Please register by 12 PM on Friday, January 10th.

Please let us know if you need to park your car in our parking lot as space is limited.

Meditation Retreats provide a rare opportunity to investigate your life for an extended period of time. Through this investigation, you can more easily access your inherent wisdom and compassion.

UPCOMING DATES

WHat TO EXPECT

Retreats are held in silence and consist of sitting and walking meditation, chanting, vegetarian meals, kong-an practice and more.

TYPICAL YMJJ RETREAT SCHEDULE

  • Saturday from 8:15 AM (for all) with formal lunch and dinner with practice until 9:30 PM.

  • The Sunday YMJJ schedule begins with bows at 4:45 AM with a formal lunch until 3.00 PM, followed by a Circle Talk. You may also join at 8:00 AM if you were not spending the night. Ending times on Sunday can vary depending on the number of students or the teacher’s discretion. Anyone attending either day of the retreat may also join on Zoom.

Entry Times  

  • NEWCOMERS: Those who have never sat a retreat in our school, please join us for an orientation at 8:00 AM on the day you’re sitting. We strongly advise newcomers to go through orientation first before joining the retreat. Orientation starts at 8.15 AM sharp on the day of the retreat.

  • EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS: The retreat begins at 8:15 AM on Saturday for work period with a break for lunch at mid-day. Please plan to arrive at the Zen Center at 8:00 AM before the retreat to get settled. Sunday begins with bows and chanting at 4:45 AM.

Retreat Registration 

You can conveniently register online for the current month. Please note that online registration closes at NOON on the Friday prior to the retreat. As there are many preparations to be made, we cannot accommodate late registration. If you have any questions about the retreat, please email us at director@cambridgezen.org.  

RETREAT FEES

  • $75 per day for the general public

  • $55 per day for members in good standing in the Kwan Um School of Zen, and seniors or clergy

  • $45 per day for college and graduate students (ID required), and members in good standing in the Kwan Um School of Zen with 10 precepts.

    DANA for teacher

    Dana is the ancient Pali word for “generosity of heart”, or “freely giving”.  It is customary to give dana to the teacher at the end of the retreat. Your generous support truly helps them to continue teaching.

Give Dana

What you'll need - and WOn't need

  • Please wear comfortable and loose clothing. You may want extra layers and socks in the winter months.

  • Please join the retreat on time. Late comers are not admitted. Please contact us if you can’t attend as scheduled.

  • For those of you attending by Zoom, please keep yourself muted. Please leave your phone switched off.

  • Only full day registrations will be accepted. If you are unable to commit to the full day, register for a future retreat when you are able to commit to a full day.

  • If any problem arises, speak or write a note to the Head Dharma Teacher during walking meditation or a rest period.

Practice with us.