Practice Schedule

Weekly Practice Schedule

All practice sessions consist of sitting, walking and chanting Zen, and are free and open to all. Morning practice begins with 108 prostrations. Times shown in bold denote practices led by Zen Master Bon Soeng. Wednesdays include a Dharma talk and introduction to Zen meditation. Saturday mornings include private kong-an (koan) interviews.

Retreats

Unless otherwise noted, Yong Maeng Jong Jin ---which means to leap like a tiger while sitting--- retreats are held at Empty Gate Zen Center, run from Friday morning 9:00 am until Sunday noon, and include meals and dormitory-style accommodations. The Friday and Saturday evenings finish at 9:30pm and Saturday and Sunday begin at 6:00am.

Most retreats are held in silence, with the exception of kidos or chanting retreats, and consist of bowing, sitting, walking, and chanting Zen, plus formal interviews with Zen Master Bon Soeng or a visiting Kwan Um teacher. Retreats are open to all, but please contact the Zen center beforehand if you are sitting for the first time.

To sign up for a retreat email director at emptygatezen dot com.

2008 Retreat Dates

Unless otherwise noted, retreats are led by Zen Master Bon Soeng.

January 18 – 20, YMJJ Weekend Retreat
February 23, One-day Retreat in Garberville, CA
March 7 – 15, Annual Spring YMJJ Retreat
April 13, One-day Retreat
May 23 – May 24, YMJJ Weekend Retreat
June 21, One-day Retreat
July 18 - 20, YMJJ Weekend Retreat
August 16 – 17, Work Retreat (come help clean and maintain the Zen Center)
September, tba YMJJ Weekend Retreat
October 18, One-day Retreat
November 21 – 23, YMJJ Weekend Retreat
December 20, One-day Retreat

Retreat Schedules

Click on a day below to expand schedule.

Friday

9:30 am 108 Bows
10:00 - 12:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:40 Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 Break Period
2:00 - 4:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:30 - 5:30 Break Period
5:30 Dinner
6:00 - 6:30 Short Break
6:30 - 7:30 Chanting
7:30 - 9:20 Sitting and Walking Meditation
9:20 - 9:30 Chanting

Saturday

5:45 am Wake-up Bell
6:00 108 Bows
6:30 - 6:50 Morning Bell Chant
6:50 - 8:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
8:10 Breakfast
8:40 - 9:40 Work Period
9:40 - 10:00 Break Period
10:00 - 12:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:40 Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 Break Period
2:00 - 4:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:30 - 5:30 Break Period
5:30 Dinner
6:00 - 6:30 Short Break
6:30 - 7:30 Chanting
7:30 - 9:20 Sitting and Walking Meditation
9:20 - 9:30 Chanting

Sunday

5:45 am Wake-up Bell
6:00 108 Bows
6:30 - 6:50 Morning Bell Chant
6:50 - 8:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
8:10 Breakfast
8:40 - 9:40 Work Period
9:40 - 10:00 Break Period
10:00 - 11:50 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:00 - 12:30 Circle Talk
12:30 Lunch

Single Day Retreat

9:00 am 108 Bows
9:30 - 12:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:00 Lunch
12:40 - 1:20 Work Period
1:30 - 4:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:00 Circle talk

Retreat Fees