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Equinox Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

Location icon
6401 Northeast 10th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Date
September 20, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Zazen is going right into the Ocean of Awareness, manifesting the body of all Buddhas. The natural luminosity of mind suddenly reveals itself and the original light is everywhere. -Keizan Zenji

A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk. We close the day with a ceremony to renewing our intention to live an ethical life.

Prerequisite: If you do not have previous retreat experience, please attend an Investigating Zen practice workshop or one of our regular sitting programs to receive face-to-face Zen meditation instruction before signing up for this retreat. Reach out to how@zendust.org if you have any questions.

Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch. No one turned away for lack of funds. Also, these retreats fill with waitlists. if you cancel your registration, please let us know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else.

This retreat is held in silence.

7:30 a.m. Zazen
9:00 a.m. Service
9:30 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Work Circle (work practice includes cleaning, cooking, or gardening.
11:00 a.m. Zazen
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Zazen
2:00 p.m. Dharma Talk / Interviews
3:00 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. Zazen
5:00 p.m. Closing Circle and Temple Cleaning

Please note: This is an approximation; Zazenkai schedules may vary.

This event is in-person only. 

 

Schedule

This retreat is held in silence.

7:30 a.m. Zazen
9:00 a.m. Service
9:30 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Work Circle (work practice includes cleaning, cooking, or gardening.
11:00 a.m. Zazen
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Zazen
2:00 p.m. Dharma Talk / Interviews
3:00 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. Zazen
5:00 p.m. Closing Circle
5:30 p.m. Temple Cleaning

Please note: This is an approximation; Zazenkai schedules may vary.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Zen Community of Oregon, 6401 Northeast 10th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA

Accommodation

Customer Reviews

4.93 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Vancouver WA Zen retreat 08-02-25
This half day retreat was led by Laura Jomon Martin. She is an excellent teacher, and the participants (including me) enjoyed the practice and discussion during the retreat. It was held in the city of Vancouver, WA, where we didn’t have opportunities to do a Zen retreat before this. There will be another one in November, as they hope to do these quarterly from now on.

5.0
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Jizo’s City Refuge
A well-organized and well-facilitated retreat. Food was yummy. The teachings were deep. I liked the schedule. Zendo felt stuffy first two days - AC a little cooler would have helped me a lot.. Thank you!

5.0
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Zazenkai at Heart of Wisdom Temple, Portland, OR, 7/19/25
For experienced retreat-goers, perhaps one day doesn't seem like much. For someone new to practice, new to a particular group or place, and unfamiliar with zen forms, this was of great benefit. The schedule led gracefully from one activity to another so participants didn't have to worry about what to do next. Instructions were gentle and clear. The teachers offered additional meditation instruction and helpful suggestions.

5.0
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Drop of Stillness - 1/2 day retreat
My first time at Heart of Wisdom temple; I will definitely be back. The space, inside and out, is beautiful. The half-day sit was perfect (though I long for the ability to make a full day at some point). And the folks leading the sit held a great container. I used to sit Zen in NYC over a decade ago and this felt like I was right back there, no separation.

5.0
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Retreat and Refuge
Daylong in city zen retreat with chanting, zazen and a great vegetarian meal.

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