Special Events

Precept Study Day

The precepts are an active expression of our awakened nature and are practiced both in our interactions with family, friends, and community, and within our own minds. 
During this day we will examine the Sixteen precepts that define our lives as Buddhist practitioners: the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) the Three Pure Precepts (Not committing evil, doing good, doing good for others), and the ten Grave Precepts. 
This retreat is open to everyone who would like to explore the Buddhist precepts and is a requirement for YZMC students who would like to formally accept the precepts in the ceremony of Jukai. 
Non-members $80, Members $40 (includes workbook) for the day. 
If you would like to stay over Friday and Saturday night and practice with the resident community, please let us know beforehand (add $80/night non-members; 40/night members)

Zen Retreat: Precept Sesshin

This sesshin provides an opportunity to focus on the precepts of Buddhism and the vows that we make when we consciously take this path of wisdom and compassion. On the last day of the sesshin, we will witness a Jukai ceremony, where several YZMC students will formally accept the Buddhist precepts, receive a Dharma name, and a rakusu (lay version of a monk's robe)
Non-members $500, Members $350 for the full seven-day sesshin

Zen Retreat: Rohatsu Sesshin

Sesshin means "to unify the mind."  This retreat is in honor of Buddha's enlightenment.  The daily schedule is full:  pre-dawn wakeup, nine hours of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice, exercise, and rest periods.  Dharma talks given daily and Tenshin Sensei offers face-to-face instruction.
Non-members $560, Members $280 for the full sesshin

Zen Retreat: Wilderness Sesshin

This three-day retreat will take place amid the beautiful and stark landscape of Southern California giving participants the opportunity to realize their innate natural awareness. 
Non-members $80/night; Members $40/night

Zen Retreat: Natural Awareness Retreat

A western approach to momentary awareness led by Tenshin, Roshi. This retreat explores enlightenment and delusion through mind study techniques, voice awareness, yoga and more. Part of this retreat will be outdoors to experience the powerful impact of our natural environment. Guest leaders are Cris Mushin Fletcher, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner and teacher Kate Sirkin, Yoga and Fitness instructor.  
Non-members $265; Members $195

Zen Retreat: New Year Sesshin

Come and celebrate the transition from 2005 to 2006 and renew your vows for the upcoming year. We will follow the regular sesshin format and focus on recommitment to our personal and community vows. Before midnight on New Year's Eve we will participate in a fire ceremony where we ritually offer up the parts of ourselves that we wish to let go of. The following morning we will repeat the ceremony and offer up our new year resolutions to the flames.  This ceremony of death and rebirth can be very powerful and we encourage anyone who would like to enter the New Year with awareness and conviction to join us for any or all of this sesshin. The New Year Sesshin fills up quickly, so please register as soon as possible. Part-time participation is welcome.
Non-members $80/night; Members $40/night

Zen Retreat: Dharma Sesshin

You are invited to this special sesshin put on the Sangha. The practice leader or Head Trainee will lead the sesshin. It is an opportunity to deepen your practice and recommit your intentions in an environment supported by other Sangha members.

Non-members $250, Members $165 for the full sesshin

Dharma Combat with Head Trainee

At the end of every training period, the head trainee (or chief junior), who has been serving as a model of practice during the preceding three months is given a chance to test his or her understanding before the sangha.  The head trainee prepares a talk and answers questions on a koan he or she has been working on over the summer.  This ancient ceremony marks the rite of passage from junior to senior practitioner and is one of the most spirited examples of Zen training open to the community.  The dharma combat begins at 11:00am, but come early if you want a good seat.

Big Mind and Zen

Join the greater YZMC community and Dennis Genpo Merzel, Roshi for a weekend of Big Mind and Zen practice. We will begin on Friday evening with dinner and zazen. Following dawn zazen on Saturday morning, we will spend the day working with the Big Mind process under the guidance of Genpo Roshi. The weekend program will conclude with our regular Sunday morning program. Space is limited, so please register early!
If you are unable to attend for the whole weekend, you are still quite welcome to participate in the workshop on Saturday. More information on Big Mind and Genpo Roshi may be found at http://www.bigmind.org
Weekend: $170 for members of White Plum sanghas, $275 for non-members. Includes all meals and lodging.

Saturday Only: $90 for members of White Plum sanghas, $135 for non-members.
An additional donation is requested for lunch on Saturday.

T'ai Chi, Qi Gong and Zen

An invigorating weekend of energy cultivation, physical training and peace developed through the gentle movements of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qi Gong, accompanied by Zen meditation. During this weekend retreat, Sifu Lana Spraker teaches Traditional Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan forms and principles, complemented with training in Liangong Health Exercises, Zhan Zhuang "Standing" Qi Gong and Tai Chi Ruler. Sifu Spraker has taught internationally for over 33 years. This will be her 34^th retreat given at YZMC. Tenshin Fletcher, Roshi and senior YZMC students give Zen instruction, deepening the retreat experience. Take this opportunity to rediscover serenity, internal energy, balance and harmony of body, spirit and mind.  
For beginning and experienced practitioners. $270 for non-members, $190 for members, includes workshop, meals, and lodging. November 10-12.

For more information on Sifu Lana Spraker and Tai Chi programs click on the following link http://www.alexandertaichi.com

Mountains of the Heart: Zen and Creative Writing

Led by Deanne Larsen; assisted by Jeffrey Laird
This weekend retreat provides a time and place to experience, reflect upon, and give voice to the inner life.  In a supportive setting free of our usual distractions, we will explore creative expression and our capacity for self-renewal through a variety of activities designed to heighten our awareness and deepen appreciation of our lives.  Using a cumulative series of short writing exercises, we will learn "writing practice" as developed by Natalie Goldberg in her books Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind.  Sitting and walking meditation will provide a foundation for our personal explorations and support the creative process.  Guided outdoor activities, mindful movement, and massage will further enhance our awareness and amplify both our writing and meditation experiences.  To focus our energies and to honor the intention of our retreat, we will maintain silence outside of the formal group activities.  This retreat is for experienced writers and non-writers alike, as well as for those experienced with or new to Zen meditation practice.                                                                                    
Total fee of $205 for members, $285 for non-members includes 2 nights lodging in shared accommodations, 6 delicious vegetarian meals, writing and Zen meditation instruction.  Sliding scale and scholarship assistance available (contact Deanne for more information). Optional massage/ bodywork will be available for a small additional fee.  The retreat begins at 5:30 pm Friday and ends at 1:30 pm on Sunday, November 3-5.

DEANNE LARSEN is a writer of poetry and non-fiction. She has participated in writing workshops with Natalie Goldberg  and with the Squaw Valley Community of Writers and studied in the Creative Writing Program at UC Riverside Extension.  Deanne is a member of Zen Mt. Center and has been practicing Zen meditation for five years.  She is a licensed clinical social worker and facilitates groups in her professional work and as a  leader in the national organization No Limits for Women Artists.  She is an experienced outdoor leader, hiker, and backpacker.

JEFFREY LAIRD is a massage therapist in private practice in Riverside and Redlands, CA..   He holds a Masters Degree in Mythological Studies and Depth Psychology and is an experienced wilderness leader.  His work expresses sensitivity to the myriad interrelationships among body, psyche, and nature.

To Register, please contact Deanne Larsen at (626) 390-1844 or e-mail her at dlarsen@gtcinternet.com.

Women's Zen Retreat

The Women's Zen Retreat, now in its fifth year, is an opportunity for women to gather together to deepen and nurture our Zen practice.  It includes time for formal sitting and silence, guided discussion, Dharma talks, ritual and ceremony.  It will begin on Thursday evening, August 3rd and conclude with the Sunday morning program on Sunday, August 6th.  For more information, inquiries can be addressed to the Zen Mountain Center office (951) 659-5272. 
Non-members $80/night, members $40/night

Ino Workshop (YZMC Members only)

A service position training class led by Fletcher, Roshi. This is a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for our morning service and to learn more about the various service positions and traditional Zen temple structure and functioning. If you are interested in learning and taking on a service position, this is a great place to start! will run from 9:30-4 with lunch provided. RSVP (cost is $25).

ZMI (Zen Meditation Instruction) Instructor's Examination (YZMC Members only)

For current ZMI instructors and for members interested in teaching ZMI. Open to anyone who has been a YZMC member for at least one year. The class will be led by Fletcher, Roshi and will start at 9:30am (end time depends on number of participants, probably early afternoon) with lunch provided. RSVP (cost is free but donations appreciated). *PREREQUISITE*: Please read Yasutani Roshi's Introductory Lectures in section one of The Three Pillars of Zen (~pp. 31-73) and be prepared to give a short presentation.

Zen Retreat: Crosby Hall, Liverpool England

"Who needs the confirmation of somebody on the outside? You don't! See into this vast empty life. It's not about being concerned about a reward or appearing in a certain way or having your life be a nice little life. It's about seeing the tremendous depth of one's own existence."

The retreat will be lead by Tenshin Fletcher Sensei and assisted by David Shoji Scott. The schedule will be one of traditional Zen training with sitting and walking meditation, private interviews and dharma talks. Crosby Hall is a purpose built center on the grounds of a stately home in the countryside near Liverpool and Manchester. The owner has kindly given permission to walk in the grounds. Meals will be vegetarian. April 8-15, 2005.

All inclusive for the full week: Waged £230, Unwaged £180 (limited places), Private pension £200. Daily rate: Waged £40, Unwaged £30. Preference will be given to those booking the full week retreat.

To book, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total fee is required in advance to secure your place. Please send a check payable to Dr. D.L. Scott and a self-addressed, stamped envelope marked 'Road' or 'Rail' (depending on how you plan to travel) for the return of registration details to: Jez Lovekin, Llwyndrain, Pontrhydygroes, Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion SY25 6DP. 0194 282686, jez@lovekin.dub24.co.uk