Shasta Abbey Schedule of Retreats

Young Adults Retreat Introductory Retreats Advanced Meditation Retreats
Registration & General Guest Information Ongoing Lay Training at the Abbey

Introductory Retreats 2005 

February 4-6  

March 4-6  

April 15-17 

June 10-12

July 12-17 (Tues-Sunday)

September 23-25 

October 14-16 

November 18-20

 

For anyone interested in finding out about Serene Reflection Meditation, we offer Introductory Retreats which provide instruction in meditation practice, an introduction to the Teachings of Buddhism and their application to daily life, and a general orientation to training at Shasta Abbey. Those coming to train at the Abbey for the first time are asked to begin their stay with an Introductory Retreat. Arrival time is between 1:30 and 3:30 pm on the first day of the retreat.
To apply, please fill out an application form and send it to us by letter, fax or e-mail. You may obtain a form by mail or from the Shasta Abbey website. We ask that you send in your completed application at least ten days before the retreat. If this is not possible or if you have any questions or difficulties you would like to talk with us about, please contact the Guestmaster.

In addition to the weekend Introductory Retreats, there is a weeklong Introductory Retreat, the Introduction to Serene Reflection Meditation Retreat which begins on Tuesday, July 12th and ends on Sunday, July 17th.

Advanced Meditation Retreats 2005 

February 10 - 13

March 27-April 3

May 20 - 22

June 19-26

August 4 - 7

Aug. 14 - 21

Aug. 26 - 28

Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Dec. 28, 2005-Jan. 1, 2006

These retreats are intended for those who have previously attended an Introductory Retreat and have thus gained some experience of life in the monastery. Meditation, Dharma talks, spiritual counseling, and ceremonial are offered to help lay trainees deepen their Buddhist practice and find spiritual refuge in the Sangha.

February 10 - 13 Parinirvana Retreat

This retreat focuses on the Festival of Shakyamuni Buddha's Parinirvana-His entry into Eternal Meditation at death. This festival teaches the cultivation of faith in the constant Light of the Unborn Buddha Nature even at times of great loss and darkness. This is the most solemn occasion of the Buddhist year and includes the reading of The Scripture of the Buddha's Last Teaching.

March 27-April 3 The Keeping of the Ten Precepts Retreat

The Ten Precepts Retreat is an opportunity to formally take refuge in the Precepts of the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition and to become a lay Buddhist. During this retreat the Dharma talks and the five special ceremonies clearly teach the essential aspects of receiving and living the life of the Precepts. We wholeheartedly invite those wishing to take the Precepts for the first time and also warmly welcome our Sangha friends who have already received the Precepts to join us for this important and deeply moving retreat. Those who have attended an introductory retreat at Shasta Abbey or have participated in the training at a priory are welcome to apply; please contact the Guestmaster for information on how to prepare for taking the Precepts.

May 20 - 22 Wesak Celebratory Retreat

In commemorating the birth, life and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha, Buddhists around the world recognize Wesak as the most significant event of the religious calendar, and mark Wesak as beginning the Buddhist New Year. Wesak reminds us of Buddhism's historical origins in the person of Shakyamuni, without whose Teachings sentient beings might never discover the Path that leads to suffering's cessation. Each year we decorate the temple and make preparations for Wesak as we rejoice in the appearance in this world of the Triple Treasure of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. We offer this Wesak retreat which includes Dharma talks, a vigil ceremony and the Eve of Wesak Ceremony on Saturday, as well as the Festival of Wesak on Sunday, followed by the ringing of the great temple bell and a picnic. We invite you to join us for any or all of this celebratory retreat.

June 19 - 26 Wonderful Sitting: Serene Reflection Meditation Retreat

We invite all those who have previously taken the Buddhist Precepts to join us for seven full days of meditation and teaching led by our Abbot, Rev. Master Eko. During this intensive retreat, Rev. Master will offer an in-depth exploration of the practice of Serene Reflection Meditation as taught by the Masters of our tradition. Rev. Master will also offer private formal religious counseling for all participants who wish it and evening Dharma discussions.
Click here for web version of poster (171kb, pdf)

August 4 - 7 Young Adults Retreat (Introductory and Advanced)

This retreat is open to those thirty years of age and under. The retreat addresses spiritual concerns and interests of young people living in today's complex world. It offers an opportunity for young adults to train together in Serene Reflection Meditation. In addition to sitting meditation, daily ceremonies and working meditation, the retreat schedule includes Dharma talks, private religious counseling, and Dharma discussions. We invite young people who have been to the Abbey before, as well as those coming for the first time. (Introductory instruction will be provided.)
Click here for web version of poster (361kb)   or write Guestmaster for Print Version

Aug. 14 - 21 The Buddha's Teaching on Loving Kindness Retreat

This week-long meditation retreat will be led by Rev. Master Phoebe van Woerden of Pine Mountain Buddhist Temple in Ventura County, California. The retreat will focus on the Buddha's Teaching on Loving Kindness as it appears in His Discourses, and how it finds expression in our practice of meditation and the Buddhist Precepts. Rev. Master Phoebe will also offer Dharma discussions and formal spiritual counseling.

Click here to see web version of the Loving-Kindness Retreat poster (58kb)  

Aug. 26 - 28 Working Meditation Retreat

During this retreat we focus on the mindfulness practice of working meditation and how to bring meditation into all aspects of our daily lives. We will have our usual morning meditation, morning service, and evening meditation each day. Instead of other formal meditation periods or Dharma talks during the day, lay trainees and monks have the opportunity to enjoy working together. Dharma discussions will be held each evening.

Oct. 26-Nov. 1 Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts Retreat

This retreat centers on the teaching of the Festival of the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts, which includes looking at how to convert craving within ourselves. During the ceremony we offer the food of the Dharma to all those who are in need, and especially to those who have died under painful or difficult circumstances. We prepare an altar with many kinds of food, representing our offering of unconditional love, kindness, and merit. We end the retreat with the Festival of our Founder, celebrating the life and teaching of the Very Reverend Keido Chisan Koho who, as the Transmission Master of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, is honored as the Founder of Shasta Abbey.

Dec. 28-Jan. 1, 2006 New Year Celebratory Retreat

We warmly invite you to join us for this retreat of meditation, ceremonies and celebration. This retreat is more relaxed than our usual meditation retreats, with a later rising time and with monks and lay trainees spending more time together. On New Year's Eve we hold a Vigil for Maitreya, the Buddha Who is to Come, as well as the midnight New Year's Ceremony, followed by ringing in the New Year with the great bell. During this retreat we reflect on and offer gratitude to the Buddhas and Ancestors for their teaching and help in the past year and we ask for their continued help in the year to come. On New Year's Day we celebrate the Festival of Maitreya Bodhisattva. The retreat ends on January 1 and you are welcome to stay overnight until January 2.