Visit
Visit
Daishu-in West welcomes new and experienced practitioners for retreats of any length. First-time visitors are encouraged to become acquainted with the temple over two or three days. The temple is located about 4 hours north of San Francisco near Benbow, CA.
A retreat provides visitors an introduction to the monastic rhythm of Daishu-in West. Visitors will get a taste of committed meditation and an opportunity to experience the simplicity, clarity and openness that come with training body and mind.
3:30 Wake-up
4:00 Asana practice
5:00 Morning sutra
5:30 Zazen meditation
7:00 Breakfast
7:30 Morning cleaning
9:00 Tea
9:30 Samu (working meditation)
11:30 Lunch (rice, miso soup and vegetables)
1:30 Samu
4:00 Dinner
4:30 Bath
6:00 Zazen
8:30 Rest
During sesshin (intensive retreats) no samu is done and zazen seated meditation is the primary activity.
Because of the location, partial attendance is usually permitted and arrival and departure day and time are flexible. Please call the temple to make arrangements that fit your schedule.
Recommended donation: Donation is sliding scale based on ability to pay. Work-trade is also available.
WHAT TO BRING
- Dark, loose-fitting clothing.
- Flashlight.
- Bathing towel.
- Shoes. One pair you can easily slide on and off. People staying more than a day will require a sturdy pair of shoes as well.
- Rain jacket for winter visitors.