Dharma Rain - Retreats

Retreats

Periods of focused practice are an ancient and vital part of Buddhist, and especially Zen, tradition. At retreat we have an opportunity to focus on deep meditation and inner reflection. The longer retreats include the opportunity for private interviews with teachers, lectures and special ceremonies, as well as formal meals (oryoki) and longer periods of meditation. Retreats are held in town at the Portland Dharma Center unless specified otherwise. Meals are vegetarian, with a dairy-free option, and other dietary restrictions can generally be accommodated with advance notice.

Watch the schedule and newsletter for information about upcoming retreats. Many are open to the public to drop in for meditation and services, but require people to sign up ahead of time for meals and overnights. Further information about retreats is available by contacting the Center.

Approximately every month, the Center holds a retreat. These range from one-day retreats on Saturdays (Zazenkai), weekend retreats, to a week-long intensive sesshin, a term which means “examine the heart.” Retreats include meditation and services, tea, class, work periods, and some also include an opportunity for discussion and questions.

 

Beginners Retreat

This weekend, residential retreat is designed to provide familiarity with internal and external practices of Soto Zen Buddhism. Instruction is provided for newcomers, and practitioners of all levels are welcome to deepen their practice and hold the container. Currently scheduled three times a year: in February, June, and September.

 

Zazenkai

An all-day intensive practice of sitting, typically 8 hours of sitting in three blocks during a 12-hour period (from 5am to 5pm). Also includes two oryoki meals, brief work practice, and breaks. Currently scheduled about every 6 weeks.

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Segaki Retreat — Fall

Every fall, we hold a weekend Segaki retreat, focused on cleansing karma and releasing attachments to the past, including those who have died. For photos of the 2006 children’s ceremony, click here. Next scheduled for October 25-27, 2013.

 

Rohatsu Sesshin — Early December

In early December, we hold a week-long Rohatsu sesshin, in honor of the Buddha’s enlightenment; this is a deep and profoundly quiet retreat. 2013 dates are December 1-8.

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ordination altar

Jukai — Early Spring

In the early spring, usually mid-March, we have Jukai, the week devoted to giving and receiving the Buddhist Precepts. In 2013 the dates are March 18-24.

 

Daijukai — 2014

Every third year, we do the major ceremonies of Daijukai, which are rarely performed in the United States. The next Daijukai is scheduled for 2014.

 

Denkoe

In May, we do Denkoe, a week-long sesshin devoted to the ancestors, during which we study a chapter of the Denkoroku. In 2013, dates are May 14-19.

 

Summer Sesshin — Genzo-e

This 5-day, in-town retreat, examines a fascicle of Dogen’s Shobogenzo. 2013 dates are August 6-10. See more information (from 2012 sesshin).

 

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