Residency
Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community combines the depth of Zen-based contemplative practice with a commitment to social action. Our apprenticeship program is designed to take you through meditation training, hands-on service to others, dharma study, and grounding in the Three Tenets of a Zen Peacemaker – Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Loving Action.
The Bread Loaf Mountain Residential Apprenticeship includes:
- Regular 1-on-1 meditation instruction and spiritual direction with the Guiding Teacher and senior practitioners
- Working on our mobile café, StreetGreens, to bring caring community and nutritious meals to food-insecure neighbors
- Monthly special programs and/or silent meditation retreats
- 2 hours of daily meditation
- Chanting practice and temple position training
- Weekly group study sessions
- 2 healthy vegetarian meals each day
- Supportive, authentic community
- Valuable skills building, study, and practice in Community Engaged Buddhism through the Infinite Circle program
- Many opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities
- Live surrounded by natural beauty, including miles of trails
- Discernment process to consider a longer commitment to residential practice beyond the four-month apprenticeship
The cost of the apprenticeship is $300 per month, with room and board provided, as well as participation in all training programs. We ask that you make a two-month minimum commitment if possible.
Beyond the apprenticeship, those in residential training may live and work at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community for a mutually agreeable period of time. The suggested financial offering for continuing residential training is $300 per month; we ask that all who participate in residential training offer some amount of financial support according to their means to help cover the costs of room, community meals, and study with the teacher. Scholarships or full work exchanges are sometimes available.
For more information about residential training and to obtain an application, contact Joshin at joshin@breadloafmountainzen.org.