This Saturday retreat provides the opportunity to join the Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community in several periods of uninterrupted meditation in a full day of silence. We observe Noble Silence throughout the day, including meal and tea time. We engage wholeheartedly in alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, an hour of work practice, chanting service and a dharma reflection. Meditation instruction is available at the beginning of the day.

Zazenkai is an opportunity to become more familiar with Zen meditation and to drop deeply into practice. For those unfamiliar, a glimpse of sesshin (week-long intensive meditation retreat) practice is experienced.

Please wear loose clothing that is comfortable for sitting. In-person participants must be  symptom free of flu/Covid, fully vaccinated (against Covid-19) and bring a mask. In-person attendance is limited to 12 attendees (A simple gluten-free, vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided). Online attendees will be provided a Zoom link.

Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community is happy to offer this online and in-person day of practice at no charge ($35 donation suggested to cover meal costs). The schedule is below. Register here.

After attending a Zazenkai, participants may feel encouraged to attend a sesshin (see scheduled dates here.)

Zazenkai Schedule:

6:00 – 7:00am        Optional Zazen and walking meditation (optional meditation instruction)

7:00 – 7:40 am       Zazen

7:40 – 8:00 am        Chanting Service

8:00 – 8:30 am        Breakfast (silent)

8:30 – 9:00 am        Rest/Tea

9:00 – 10:00 am      Work Practice

10:00 – 10:40 am    Rest/Tea

10:40 – 12:40 pm    Zazen and walking meditation

12:40 – 1:00 pm      Chanting Service

1:00 – 1:30 pm        Lunch (silent)

1:30 – 2:30 pm        Rest

2:30 – 2:45 pm        Zazen

2:45 – 3:45 pm        Dharma Reflection

3:50 – 5:00 pm        Zazen and walking meditation

5:00 – 5:30 pm        Tea Break/Rest/Physical practice

5:30 – 6:30 pm        Zazen and Metta Chant

6:30 – 7:00 pm        Dinner (silent)

7:30 – 8:15 pm        Zazen, Four Vows and Depart

Dates of Zazenkai in 2022