Classes & Retreats

Currently Scheduled Classes & Retreats

Mini Zazen Retreat

Friday June 2nd, 7pm - 10pm. Join us for a mini-Zazen retreat, with periods of meditation (20-25 mins) with short breaks between. This retreat will be done in silence. No RSVP is needed, and please arrive prior to the 7pm start so we can get everyone in place before we begin. You can stay for all or any part of the retreat, we only ask that if you intend to leave during the sittings, you do so at the break.

Sangha Weekend Zen Retreat

We will be holding our summer retreat for Sangha members on June 2-3th. This will be available for supporting members, and the additional cost will be $60 to cover food and supplies.

We will start on Friday June 2nd at 6:00pm and prepare for our mini-zazen retreat at 7:00 pm. The retreat participants will continue through the rest of the practice period from 7-10pm (along with any sangha members who wish to stay). Participants will spend the night Friday night at the Zendo, with the retreat concluding Saturday evening around 7:00pm

What to expect: A way to deepen your practice, put your regular life aside and challenge yourself. We will have periods of meditation, instruction, dharma talks, Q&A periods, simple meals (food provided), reflection and gratitude practice and the opportunity to have direct one-on-one time to speak about your personal path with Hoden Sunim.

This retreat is available for supporting members of DGZ only, it is not currently open to the public.

Retreat Sign Up

Class Descriptions

Mini-Zazen Retreat

Every other month we hold a mini-Zazen Retreat on a Friday evening. This is an extended sitting period from 7:00-10:00pm. We will sit for periods of 20-25 minutes with a short break between sessions. We hold this retreat in silence, and weather depending will also practice walking meditation at some point through the evening. Tea and snacks are also served. Please check the schedule above for our next session.

Intro to Zen & Meditation

This class covers core history and concepts in the development of Zen, from the foundational teachings of the Buddha to the establishment of Zen schools and practices. This class will also cover techniques to begin a regular meditation practice, and answer any questions along the way.

This class covers: A brief foundation of the beginning of Buddhism, core concepts behind these teachings, and the Buddha’s core teaching that influenced Zen in later centuries. The first Zen patriarchs and main figures that developed these practices and the concepts that are the foundation of Zen today. Meditation practice, positions and forms to get you started on your practice. We will also have opportunity for questions throughout.

We book this class about every 90 days, check our scheduled events at the top of the page to see when the next one is scheduled and to be able to reserve your spot.

Day / Weekend Retreats

Throughout the year we may schedule a one day, or full weekend sangha retreat that will features many different aspects of practice.

These retreats may have a different focus, but typically there are periods of Zazen for silent meditation, Qigong practice, traditional lunch (mindful eating practice), time for self-reflection, walking meditation (weather permitting), Dharma talks, questions and answers...and potentially more.

Check the schedule at the top of the page to see when our next retreat will take place.