Dharma Rain - Retreats

Residential Practice & Dharma Studies / Seminary

Residential Practice

Other programs offered at the Center include residential training and a dharma studies / seminary program.

Residential practice is an opportunity for members to live in the Center, part-time or full-time. Dharma Rain Zen Center residents commit to becoming an intimate part of the residential community as well as deepening their relationship to the larger DRZC Sangha. They commit to spending more time and energy doing formal practice within the context of Sangha than is usually possible outside of residency. During their term of residency they seek out and accept guidance from the Center teachers, Soto Zen teachings, and the dharma inherent in the Center's training matrix and traditions. As work outside the temple and personal commitments allow, residents attend daily zazen, communal meals, Wednesday evening and Sunday morning programs, work practice days, monthly Fusatsu and in-town retreats. They have informal sanzen (interview) with the Center teachers at least once a term and participate in the Term Student program if possible. They also hold regular temple jobs and make themselves available for temple work projects.

DRZC members who have been actively involved in the Center for at least a year are eligible for residency. An interview process by the Residency Review Committee (which includes a board member) decides with the applicant whether this is appropriate for them and us at the time. Read the guidelines and see the application.

 

Dharma Studies / Seminary

A Dharma Studies / Seminary program is available for members who have an established practice and an interest in more intensive study. The program offers a series of classes focusing in depth on particular sutras, periods of history and teachings in Zen Buddhism. They are both more academic, requiring homework and committed study, and more personal, requiring involvement in a personal practice of meditation. Seminary requires permission to enroll. For more information, contact the Center.