8-day zen Retreat

February 27th - march 7th
Begins Friday 9:30am PT


Retreat is a time to look inside and investigate our life. It is an opportunity to clear our mind of habitual thinking and access our wisdom and compassion.

Register Here

Early registration for in-person at our Berkeley location is available to paying members only until February 16th. Everyone may register online now. If possible, please register your first day as a full day. You may register for partial days afterward.

The retreat will be led by Zen Master Bon Soeng and Marshall White JDPSN. Participants are welcome to join us in person at our Berkeley location, and all are welcome to participate online. The retreat will include bowing, sitting meditation, chanting, walking meditation, and one-on-one kong-an interviews. Meals will be provided at the Zen Center.

If you are not a Kwan Um School of Zen member or have never sat with us before, please send an email to Jason Quinn JDPSN before registering at viceabbot@emptygatezen.com

8 day Retreat Schedule

  • 9:30 Orientation/talk
    10:00 Sitting
    10:30 Walking meditation
    10:40 Sitting
    11:10 Walking meditation
    11:20 Sitting
    11:50 Walking meditation
    12:00 Sitting
    12:30 Break
    2:00 Sitting
    2:30 Walking meditation
    2:40 Sitting
    3:10 Walking meditation
    2:20 Sitting
    3:50 Walking
    4:00 Sitting
    4:30 Break
    6:00 Chanting
    7:00 Sitting
    7:30 Walking meditation
    7:40 Sitting
    8:10 Walking meditation
    8:20 Sitting
    8:50 Chanting/4 great vows

  • 6:00 108 Bows
    6:30 Chanting
    6:50 Sitting
    7:20 Walking meditation
    7:30 Sitting meditation
    8:00 Break / Work period
    10:00 Sitting
    10:30 Walking meditation
    10:40 Sitting
    11:10 Walking meditation
    11:20 Sitting
    11:50 Walking meditation
    12:00 Sitting
    12:30 Break
    2:00 Sitting
    2:30 Walking meditation
    2:40 Sitting
    3:10 Walking meditation
    2:20 Sitting
    3:50 Walking
    4:00 Sitting
    4:30 Break
    6:00 Chanting
    7:00 Sitting
    7:30 Walking meditation
    7:40 Sitting
    8:10 Walking meditation
    8:20 Sitting
    8:50 Chanting/4 great vows

  • 6:00 108 Bows
    6:30 Chanting
    6:50 Sitting
    7:20 Walking meditation
    7:30 Sitting meditation
    8:10 Circle Talk

Sickness Prevention Protocol

  • For those who are practicing at the center, we wish to remind everyone that we are going to be in very close quarters for this period and need to take all precautions we can to prevent the spread of infection.

  • For those traveling to the center, please ensure you wear a mask on any public transportation to prevent bringing any sickness into the space. Airborne viruses spread very rapidly during retreat and can have impacts on many people.

  • Please ensure that you have tested negative for COVID within 24 hours of entry. If cost or access to the test is an issue, one will be provided at the door.

  • There will be a COVID test confirmation check list at the front.  Please ensure you have checked your name off prior to entry into the dharma hall. 

  • If you have any cough or cold symptoms prior to the retreat, or start to feel any cough or cold symptoms during this retreat, we ask that you please notify the HDT and remove yourself from participating at the center.  You may continue to participate online if you are able. 

  • If you have flown to the zen center and have to leave the retreat due to illness, your retreat fee can be refunded to help cover the expense of changing your flight. 

  • If you are coughing or blowing your nose continuously, you may be asked to perform an additional COVID test and/or leave the center and participate online. 

Register Here