We welcome those who wish to experience life in a Buddhist temple, joining in the monastic practice at Pine Mountain Buddhist temple as a lay guest.  To apply to come for a visit of any length, please click on the link ‘Retreat Guest Application’, fill in the application and email it to the temple. One of the monks will contact you regarding your application to sort out the details. No previous experience with Buddhism is required.  For shorter stays, we recommend coming for a weekend; however, you may also apply to come during the week if necessary, and you may apply for any length of time that you wish to spend in the temple up to two months (see Long-term Lay Residency below).

Weekend Retreats

Each weekend, our schedule is arranged to focus on lay practice.  A meditation workshop is held Saturday mornings at 10am, and those who attend are welcome to stay through the weekend until Sunday afternoon.  Our lay guests join the monks in their daily schedule of meditation, morning and evening service, meals and working meditation.  Weekend retreats give participants an overall introduction to Zen Buddhism as practiced at Pine Mountain Temple.

Long-term Lay Residency

We offer lay guests the opportunity to experience the quiet, focused life of the temple for more than just a day or two, and settle into the rhythm of monastic daily life as a longer-term lay resident.  The lay resident schedule provides ample time for contemplation, walking meditation and quiet study. As we do not offer private retreats, all are expected to join fully in the daily schedule.  Longer-term stays are limited to two months.