Pure Soul Sanctuary | Zen Meditation Retreat

PROGRAM

Zen Meditation

LENGTH

7 Days / 6 Nights

FROM

$1,150

Shikantaza: Just Sitting

Rooted in the Zen Buddhist tradition, this retreat strips away complex visualisations and mantras, focusing instead on "Shikantaza" or "just sitting." By cultivating absolute physical stillness and upright posture, we allow the mind to settle into its natural state of vast, formless awareness.

What's Included:

6 Nights of minimalist, distraction-free accommodation.

Shojin Ryori (traditional Zen vegan) meals eaten in mindfulness.

Daily Zazen (seated) and Kinhin (walking) meditation blocks.

Dokusan (private, confidential interviews) with the Zen teacher.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies (Chado).

Group transfer from the local airport/station.

Quick Jump

Overview Practice Samu Available Dates

Zen is not a belief system or a theology; it is a direct practice of waking up. It emphasizes rigorous self-control, meditation-practice, and the subsequent insight into the nature of things (Kensho or Satori).

In Zen, there is nowhere to go and nothing to achieve. The practice itself is the realization. By stripping away our conceptual thinking and returning constantly to posture and breath, we discover the profound clarity of "Beginner's Mind."

The rhythm of the retreat is set by periods of intense stillness alternated with mindful movement:

Zazen (Seated)

Practiced facing a blank wall (Soto style) to minimize external distraction. The eyes remain open and cast downward. The primary instruction is to align the spine, follow the breath, and let thoughts pass without clinging.

Kinhin (Walking)

Walking meditation performed between periods of sitting. Hands are held in a specific mudra at the chest, and steps are synchronized strictly with the breath, maintaining the exact same mental state as Zazen.

Samu (Mindful Work)

In Zen, physical labor is not a chore; it is an extension of meditation. For one hour daily, students engage in Samu—sweeping the temple, tending the gardens, or chopping vegetables.

Bridges the gap between the cushion and daily life.
Teaches complete absorption in a single, simple action.

Zen practice is highly structured and demands discipline. The structure is designed to hold you securely when your mind rebels.

Attire: Please pack modest, loose-fitting clothing in muted, dark, or neutral colors (black, grey, brown). Bright colors and distracting patterns are traditionally avoided in the Zendo.
The Bells & Clappers: The entire schedule is dictated by traditional wooden clappers (han) and temple bells. You must be prepared to follow the schedule promptly without reliance on clocks or phones.

Morning

Dawn Sitting

Wake at 5:00 AM for the first block of Zazen, followed by chanting services (Sutras), formal Oryoki-style breakfast, and an hour of Samu (work practice).

Afternoon

Dokusan & Study

Alternating blocks of sitting and walking meditation. Opportunity for brief, one-on-one private interviews (Dokusan) with the Zen teacher to discuss your practice.

Evening

Dharma Talk

A light dinner is followed by a Teisho (Dharma talk) from the Roshi, ending with a final round of Zazen before lights out at 9:30 PM.

While Zen emphasizes direct experience over intellectual reading, we will chant the Heart Sutra daily and explore traditional Zen Koans (paradoxical riddles like "What is the sound of one hand clapping?") designed to short-circuit logical reasoning and provoke direct insight.

Available Dates

Sesshin (gathering the mind). This spring retreat is perfect for newcomers to Zen. We focus heavily on posture fundamentals, breathing techniques, and establishing the foundational "Beginner's Mind." Includes 6 nights accommodation, all meals, and instruction.

Payment required to book

Refundable up to 14 days prior.

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