Resident Lay Training

 
 

Shasta Abbey offers lay training throughout most of the year to persons who wish to develop their Buddhist practice within the refuge of the monastery.
Such stays are open to those who have attended an Introductory Retreat at the Abbey and have made arrangements with the Guestmaster.

  Each month during the spring and fall monastic terms, the monastic community has a 5-day meditation retreat (see calendar for dates). Our lay Sangha members and lay trainees already in residence at the Abbey are welcome to join us in meditation during these retreats; however, we do not have our usual lay training program and Dharma talks, nor do we give tours and receive new lay guests during these times.
 
 

There are a few times during the year when we are not open for resident lay training:
January 2 - 31, April 21 - 29 and December 1 - 10.

 
 

General Information for those who plan to attend a retreat or residency

Index: Click a title for more information

Introductory Retreats

Specific Retreats, Dates and Summaries

Mail and Phone
during your stay

Advanced Retreats

Business Hours

Health

Typical Retreat Schedule

Retreat Donations

Books

Guest Application Form

What to Bring

Map

Monastery Rules

Travel Arrangements

 

 
 

Introductory Retreats 2005, 2006  

2005
Oct. 14-16
Nov. 18-20
 
2006
Feb. 3–5
March 3–5
April 14–16
June 2– 4
August 4–6
Sept. 22–24
Oct. 20–22
Nov. 17–19
 

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. Click here to obtain an application form or you may obtain it by mail from Shasta Abbey. Please be sure to have your completed application to us at least ten days before the retreat. We appreciate your consideration in notifying us well in advance of any cancellation.

Advanced Retreats  back to index

2005

Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Dec. 28-Jan. 1

2006
Feb. 3–5
March 3–5
April 14–16
June 2– 4
August 4–6
Sept. 22–24
Oct. 20–22
Nov. 17–19

Dec. 28---Jan. 1

These retreats are intended for those who have previously attended an introductory retreat and have experience with Serene Reflection Meditation and training at Shasta Abbey. Meditation, Dharma talks, spiritual counseling, and ceremonial are offered to help lay trainees deepen their Buddhist practice and find spiritual refuge in the Sangha. Please apply at least ten days before retreat.

Retreat Donations  back to index

Shasta Abbey no longer charges a set fee for attendance at any retreat. We would like to foster the practice of Dana-Buddhist giving or generosity-for all who attend retreats or train as lay residents. Over the centuries, a relationship of mutual support has evolved between the lay and monastic members of the Sangha. This relationship, which arises naturally from the desire to purify our hearts through daily training, has enabled Buddhism to survive and grow. The lay person trains in the world and helps support the monastery materially because he or she is in a better position to do so than those training full-time in the monastery. The monk trains in the monastery, offering spiritual support, encouragement and example. The monastery itself provides a physical focus where teaching and training can be given, received, understood and carried into the world. Both the lay person and the monk mutually contribute to each other's spiritual success. We ask those who join the monastic community, whether for a weekend retreat, a week or a longer period, to make an offering, according to their means, to help support the monastery and the spreading of the Buddhist Dharma. We consider work-study arrangements on an individual basis. If you are coming to Shasta Abbey from outside the United States, please bring U.S. funds (e.g. International Money Order).

Typical Retreat Schedule   back to index

The daily schedule in the monastery varies slightly from winter to summer. Typically during the spring and summer months, retreats follow this schedule:

5:00 am
Rising
5:15 am
Meditation
6:15 am
Morning Service
7:15 am
Spiritual Reading
8:00 am
Breakfast
9:00 am
Community Work
10:00 am
Retreat Lecture
11:10 am
Meditation
12:00 pm
Lunch
12:30 pm
Rest
1:45 pm
Working Meditation
3:00 pm
Service and Meditation
3:35 pm
Retreat Lecture
5:00 pm
Medicine Meal
5:30 pm
Rest
6:15 pm
Question and Answer Period
7:30 pm
Meditation
8:00 pm
Walking Meditation
8:20 pm
Meditation and Evening Office
9:15 pm
Lights Out

Rising time and the morning schedule may be 1/2 hour later in fall and winter.

Business Hours 

Shasta Abbey's business hours are
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and
3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Rather than following the standard work week, the monastery follows a schedule wherein we are closed on the days of the month ending with a 4 or a 9.

Other days we are open for business, however there are occasional exceptions to the above; at times when we are unable to answer the telephone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Mail and Phone during your stay  back to index

To minimize distractions while at the Abbey, please don’t use cell phones and lap top computers.
We suggest that guests bring phone cards for personal calls.
A pay phone is available for outgoing and incoming calls.
The number is 530-926-9953.
Lay trainees are welcome to use this telephone, but we ask that calls be made and received during rest periods whenever possible. Shasta Abbey does not accept collect calls.
Lay trainees at Shasta Abbey may have their mail forwarded or addressed as follows: Your Name, Shasta Abbey c/o Guest Master, 3724 Summit Drive, Mt. Shasta CA 96067-9102.

Health  back to index

We request that guests postpone their visit if they have, or have been in close contact with anyone who has, a contagious disease of any kind. THIS INCLUDES COLDS AND FLU. The Guest Master will be glad to help arrange an alternative time of visiting for anyone who must cancel for this reason. If you have questions as to the possible contagiousness of the illness, please consult your doctor and call the Guest Master. When applying for a retreat or resident stay, please inform us of any physical disabilities, limitations, allergies or other conditions that may require special arrangements.

Shasta Abbey does not have group insurance for lay trainees and is not responsible for any illness or accidents which guests may incur during their stay with the exception of those which are directly due to our own negligence.

What to bring  back to index

Loose-fitting clothing for meditation: For both men and women, please bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for meditation and ceremonial. Slacks, trousers and long skirts are acceptable, preferably of a subdued color; please do not bring denim clothing for meditation. Sweats, athletic clothing, tank tops and T-shirts with slogans are not suitable. We request a respectful attitude of mind in the wearing of clean, modest clothing. The Guest Department has meditation clothing available for those who have nothing suitable.

Work clothes: Please bring a change of clothing for work, including a sturdy pair of shoes.

Incidentals: Sleeping apparel, a watch, indoor slippers, a towel, rubber bath slippers, and toilet or personal items sufficient for your stay.

Winter clothing: During the colder months of the year, which generally run from November to May, we recommend bringing a warm winter jacket, water repellent boots, gloves, a warm hat, warm socks, long underwear and sweaters. Winter temperatures are usually in the 20 degrees and 30 degrees. Regardless of the time of year, it is advisable to bring some warm clothing given that cool or cold days can occur in any month.

Phone Card (optional): If you may need to make phone calls, you may want to bring a phone card.

Not appropriate: Cell phones, Palm Pilots and laptops. If you find that you have these items with you when you visit, they may be stored in the Guest Office.

Books   back to index

Lay trainees coming to Shasta Abbey for the first time can benefit from the writings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. In particular we recommend the books Serene Reflection Meditation and Zen is Eternal Life. The booklet An Introduction to the Tradition of Serene Reflection Meditation is available upon request, and contains material covered during the lectures given at introductory retreats. We request that guests do not bring reading material other than Shasta Abbey Press publications. All the books we recommend may be ordered from Village Books Mt. Shasta.

 

Guest Application Form 

Our complete Guest Application Form is available on this web site for you to print and mail.

MAP  back to index

Shasta Abbey is north of the town of Mt. Shasta, California, as you travel on Interstate 5.
map

For more information on Shasta Abbey and the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives please call, fax, write or email for our guest information:

Travel Arrangements and Transportation  

Transportation by Bus: Greyhound bus connections are to Mt. Shasta and Weed. Please notify the Guestmaster in advance that you will be arriving by bus, the time and place, so that we can arrange to pick you up.

By Train: Amtrack stops in Dunsmuir during the night. Please arrange to stay overnight in Dunsmuir, and notify the Guestmaster of the time and place you can be picked up the following day, after 8 am.

Airline Service: There are airports in Redding, CA and Medford, OR. Please arrange to make bus connections from these towns to either Mt. Shasta or Weed. Car rental service is available at both airports.

By Car: Please refer to the map below, and come to the Shasta Abbey Visitors' gate, which is gate 4, the northern-most of four gates. During winter, a heavy snowfall sometimes closes Interstate 5 temporarily to cars without chains or 4WD. It is advisable to call the CHP or Caltrans for road conditions in the winter.

 
Shasta Abbey, Attn: Guestmaster3724 Summit Drive, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067-9102 USA

Telephone (530) 926-4208; Fax (530) 926-0428
 

Monastery Rules   back to index

Shasta Abbey is a Buddhist monastery and all guests are asked to respect the rules during their stay. The purpose of these rules is to assist trainees in their efforts to meditate by minimizing distractions and promoting harmony within the community. Please read these rules carefully before visiting the Abbey.

  1. The activities of our daily life have a profound spiritual significance and it is an important part of
    Buddhist practice to perform all actions with reverence and gratitude.

    We ask all guests to follow the daily monastic schedule, being punctual and participating fully in each scheduled event. By following the schedule, we learn to drop our opinions of what is important and unimportant, and this helps us live in accordance with the Truth that the Buddha Nature can be found in all places and at all times.

    It is understood that some people will not be able to follow the schedule completely because of poor health or age.
    We will do all we can to accommodate anyone with a sincere desire to train. If necessary, consult the Guest Master about your situation.
  2. During your stay at Shasta Abbey, please refrain from religious practices other than Buddhist training as taught at the Abbey.
  3. Please dress in a respectful manner while at the monastery. For safety, shoes should be worn outdoors. Out of consideration for others, please do not sunbathe or use cosmetics, perfume, or scented lotions.
  4. Please be as silent as possible during your stay at the Abbey. There should be no unnecessary talking during work or other activities. Social conversation during retreats is limited to scheduled evening teas.
  5. Please do not bring the following items to the monastery:
    tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, chewing gum, cell phones, laptop computers, musical instruments, radios, firearms, pets, plants, furniture, or books other than those available from Shasta Abbey.

    Please consult with the Guest Master if you have questions about the advisability of
    bringing any particular book or other item to Shasta Abbey.
  6. Except in an emergency, please do not leave the grounds unless special permission has been given by the Guest Master. Some areas of the Abbey are for the private use of monks; please consult the Guest Master if you are uncertain about which areas are closed to guests.
  7. Due to fire hazard, we ask that guests only offer incense and light candles at the altars specified by the Guest Master. Please do not operate the wood stoves.
  8. Meals are usually held formally and eaten in silence. Meals at the Abbey are vegetarian (including eggs and dairy products). Please take as much food as you need but do not waste any food.
  9. Please do not rise before the wake-up bell has rung unless you need to use the lavatory.
    All trainees must be in bed by the lights-out time in the evening.
  10. Rooms should be kept clean and tidy.
  11. Lay guests should not visit each other's rooms.
  12. A monastery is not an appropriate place to engage in flirtation or to seek a sexual relationship.

    back to index
     
 

A Serene Reflection (Soto Zen) Meditation monastery, Order of Buddhist Contemplatives temple, Shasta Abbey offers monastic and lay retreats, Zen Buddhist meditation, spiritual training, and mindfulness practice; central principles are Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, Buddhist Precepts and Bodhisattva vow, as taught in Shobogenzo by Dogen.