Refuge Retreats
Throughout the year we offer Refuge Retreats that focus on the fundamentals of Buddhism, meditation and contemporary practice. They include periods of seated meditation, working meditation, ceremonies and chanting, silent meals and time for quiet reflection.
Refuge Retreats are open to those who have attended retreats at Shasta Abbey or at a temple of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. We ask that those coming to a Refuge Retreat to arrive between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m.
2012 Refuge Retreats
July 10 – 15, 2012
Introduction to Serene Reflection Meditation Retreat
What is Serene Reflection Meditation? And how is it helpful in meeting the demands of daily life? How important is it in the practice of Buddhism? An Introductory Retreat introduces guests new to Shasta Abbey to the Serene Reflection (Soto Zen) practice in a monastic setting. It provides down-to-earth help for taking this practice back into daily life outside the monastery gates. Within the monastic schedule, and in silence as much as possible, Introductory Retreats offer meditation instruction, short periods of seated meditation, Dharma Talks and informal discussions with time for questions. The retreat concludes with an informal tea for retreat guests, monks and our local congregation.
July 25 – 29, 2012
Serene Reflection Meditation Retreat
“Just sitting” — meditation — is one of the pillars of Soto Zen Buddhism.
It is a powerful means of transforming the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion in order to bring compassion, love, and wisdom to our daily lives. This retreat provides formal meditation periods throughout the day, as well as opportunities to ask questions about your meditation posture and practice.
October 25-28, 2012 Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts Retreat
The importance of offering merit, particularly for those who have died in distressing circumstances or unsettled states of mind, is at the heart of this retreat. Dharma talks examine what it means to offer merit, how we can truly help those who are suffering, and how we can convert our own craving and greed through the practice of the Dharma. In the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts Ceremony, we offer the food of the Dharma to all beings who have died under painful, difficult or despairing circumstances.
Please check the calendar or contact the Guestmaster with any questions you have about future Refuge or Celebratory Retreats.