Great Vow Zen Monastery79640 Quincy-Mayger Road Clatskanie, Oregon 97016
December 19 - 21, 2025
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
The teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism empower us to live our lives wholeheartedly with openness, insight and compassion.
During this weekend retreat we follow a silent retreat schedule, which allows us to temporarily put aside outside concerns and go deeply into inner work.
The silent retreat schedule includes about seven hours of sitting meditation (with breaks), Buddhist chanting services, formal oriyoki meals, and a period of community work practice.
On the first evening the retreat leaders will give thorough instruction on the foundations and methods of Zen meditation.
Opportunities to meet with a teacher or senior practitioner to discuss your practice will be available.
This retreat is ideal for anyone wanting an introduction to intensive Zen practice or simply a day of silent sitting meditation supported by the serene atmosphere of the monastery. There will not be an online option.
Please see our website Attending a Retreat at Great Vow for more basic information about your stay at The Monastery by Clicking Here.
Getting Here
Zen Community of Oregon, Great Vow Zen Monastery79640 Quincy-Mayger Road Clatskanie, Oregon 97016
Accommodation
Event fee
ZCO dues-paying member
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Customer Reviews
4.93 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
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Heart of Wisdom Zazenkai: Sept. 20, 2025
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.
5.0
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Freedom is not in stopping thoughts, but in no longer being captive to them
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.
5.0
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Engaging the world with mountain mind
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.
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Grasses, Trees, and the Great Earth Sesshin
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.
5.0
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Grasses and Trees
I recently attended the Grasses and Trees sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery. It is a six day event, intended to be done outside as much as possible. This was my first sesshin and it was challenging. Everyone at Great Vow was kind, compassionate, and helped me find ways to experience the sesshin that worked best for me. Everything was so well organized, even when it rained and we had to move some things inside. Kisei and Myoyu found ways to make sure we could still have meditation outdoors if we chose. The forest, meadow, and gardens are so beautiful. It was a calming, rejuvenating stay. You participate in chanting, meditation, work practice, and the most delicious vegetarian/vegan food, much of which is grown right at the monastery. If you are looking for a community to practice with and compassionate teachers to support you, I highly recommend Great Vow Zen Monastery in Clatskanie, OR.
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