Beginner's Mind Weekend Meditation Retreat

Such a warm and beautiful place to be. Great Vow is overflowing with the kindness, peace, wisdom and genuine friendliness. If you are seeking a place to truly gather your heart and mind look no further.

I’ve wanted to do a silent retreat ever since my philosophy of religion course freshman year of uni 2006. I am so glad I finally got the chance. The zazen sessions were taxing. I had to evacuate a posture the first night, a minute later they chimed the end. I realized I could have persevered but let fear rule my thoughts instead of surrendering to the discomfort. I made it through the rest of the retreat and really learned that my posture is terrible. My back was destroyed, but also VERY strong.

I lived the work practice so much. I’m very drawn to active meditation practices like rock climbing, martial arts, marksmanship, yoga, etc. The sitting was hard, but I learned so much more about my ability to self regulate and maintain stillness. I’m excited to come back and volunteer and attend more retreats. I became a member immediately upon returning.

I enjoyed the food! The residents were all very warm and welcoming. Everyone provides enough space and community at the same time. The teachers are all incredible and I particularly connected with Mioyu’s dharma talks. I loved the way she and Bansho connected their efforts.

The breakout rooms were incredible. After days of near total silence, even the hushed conversation in the library sounded like we were shouting after a concert. I cried multiple times a day from the release of a lot of stress- lots of life changes coming up soon.

I’m looking forward to helping out on Construction projects in the future. I am so glad I discovered this community.

This was a seven-day silent retreat that was challenging both physically and mentally. I learned a lot and my heart was filled with gratitude and joy.

I was surprised and amazed that there are still koans being practiced in modern times. We are initially pushed toward letting go of our carefully guarded egos.

I am very grateful to the three teachers for teaching their own experiences and practice methods with us. Zen Teacher Fuho said: The greatest purpose of being born as a human being is to achieve enlightenment. When practicing, one breath after another, one phrase after another, you should never give up your original intention of achieving enlightenment.

Chozen Rosi emphasizes the use of powerful physical breathing techniques to achieve a state of mindlessness in practice. Rogen Rosi said: You have to love to continue to meditate with practicing breathing techniques like this. On the last night, Zen Teacher Fuho said It is a great gift that Chozen Rosi has given us an opportunity to meditate silently together in the meditation hall.
I must grasp what I have learned and keep practicing.

I appreciated the container that ZCO has built to plunge deeply into practice. Food was astonishingly good. The teachers were incredibly skilled with means of transmitting the dharma, striking the right notes at auspicious times. A most intimate sesshin.

Great Vow’s teachers demonstrate commitment, kindness, and authenticity. Community members and participants show remarkable maturity. Grounds are lovingly maintained.