Love & Spaciousness: A Loving Kindness Weekend Retreat

I was reluctant to sign up for a full day Basic Zen Buddhism offering but the experience was well worth the time. Teachers were excellent and covered all of the basics that aren’t covered anywhere else. It’s like learning a new culture!
I loved the environment and atmosphere and all of the people attending were so pleasant. Beautiful way to spend the day.

This one-day retreat was my first with the Zen Community of Oregon (ZCO) at the Heart of Wisdom temple. I found the treat so peaceful, so calming, in such a beautiful and comfortable space. The retreat was intimate, but not too small---about 25 attendees. I found this to be perfect. I found the dharma talk to be uplifting and personally impactful. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity for extended time with the ZCO!

Chad O.

My heartfelt gratitude to Teacher Edward for his patient guidances, and to Hogen Roshi for openly sharing his realization of freedom.

In this “The Work” retreat, I experienced a simple yet profound truth: the past is gone, the future not yet here—and in the present moment, when awareness turns back upon itself, there can be a glimpse of freedom beyond sorrow and anxiety.

I saw how “The Work” and Zen share the same essence: everyday situations and wandering thoughts are not obstacles, but the very ground of practice. This insight left my heart quiet and grateful, knowing that while constant freedom is not yet mine, the door is already open.

I always appreciate Sesshin immensely for how it challenges my preferences and assumptions about myself - I always come away learning more about how to engage the world and deepen my practice.
The teachers and residents at Great Vow are next level in their compassion and dedication to helping others awaken, not one second went by that I didn’t feel completely safe and at ease and supported. And with the lovely spaces they’ve created and the stunning great earth and trees and grasses of the monastery, it is truly a wondrous vortex of the dharma in every way. Many bows in Gassho to Kisei, Bansho, Myoyu, Onshin, and all the monastics, permanent residents and summer residents who made it so special and alive.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Great Vow and those who made the trek for this wonderful week together. The combination of practicing deep in the forest, watching the evening colors fade, or bonding with a snail crossing a pathway was moving. Being able to camp at this sesshin deepened my connection with the earth, and it was lovely to be lulled asleep to the sound of rain. I highly recommend Great Vow and this particular sesshin.