Retreats

Retreats offer the opportunity to set aside our day-to-day cares
and turn within, in order to nourish and renew our spiritual lives. We welcome those who wish to experience life in a Buddhist temple. Lay guests join in the temple practice with the monks of Pine Mountain temple.

A Typical Retreat Day.

Accomodations.

Weekend Retreats.

Three Day Meditation Retreats.

Seven Day Meditation Retreat.

Retreat Application.

A typical retreat day.

        The day begins with morning meditation and morning service (scripture chanting, bows and the offering of merit) and then continues with a mixture of meditation, working meditation, meals, rest, Dharma discussions and Dharma talks. For a detailed look at a typical day, go here .

Accomodations.

    The temple consists of three houses (Buddha House, Dharma House and Sangha House) and activities are devided between the three. Male and female guests stay in seperate houses where possible; bedrooms are dormitory style (women, men) and bedding is provided. Showers are available. We currently have one, one room, retreat cabin (no plumbing) available on request.

Weekend Retreats.

Each weekend, our schedule is arranged to focus on lay practice. Our lay guests join the monks in the 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. For those who are committed lay practitioners, regularly dedicating a weekend to the practice brightens the mind.

Three Day Meditation Retreats.

    We periodically offer three day meditation retreat which begin on Thursday evening. These retreat will have the same elements described above, and will usually focus more intenselly on some aspect of practice or the qualities of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. We recommend that people come to a weekend retreat or other introductory retreat before attend a three day retreat. See our yearly calendar here.

Seven Day Meditation Retreat.

    Once each year, we offer one seven day retreat when we can do a more intensive focus on some aspect of practice. In addition to meditation, Dharma talks in the meditation hall, and Dharma discussions, we will also have formal meals in the meditation hall. Attendance at a previous retreat is required for this retreat and those who wish to participate should plan to attend the whole retreat. See our yearly calendar here .

Retreat Application.

     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. For shorter stays, we recommend coming for a weekend; however, you may also apply to come during the week and you may apply for any length of time that you wish to spend in the temple.

Retreat Guest Application