Hokyoji Retreat- July 17 – July 23

Summer Retreat at Hokyoji
Monday, July 17, 3pm through Sunday, July 23, 3 pm
Led by Sosan Theresa Flynn
In Person Only

The ten oxherding pictures describe the path of Zen training through images and commentaries. They depict a young oxherder on a journey to subdue the ox, the quest representing taming, training and transforming one’s own heart and mind. The oxherding pictures can be seen in the classroom at Clouds, and at temples all over the world.

During this retreat, we’ll address our own paths of practice, what it means to tame and train our hearts and minds, practicing kindness towards ourselves and others in the process. Sosan will draw on various teachings for each stage of the path.

Weeklong Option:

Begins at 3 pm CT on Monday, July 17 (Check-in 1:30 – 3 pm)
Ends at 3 pm CT on Sunday, July 23 

Four-Day Option:

Begins at 3 pm CT on Monday, July 17  (Check-in 1:30 – 3 pm)
Ends at 2:30 pm CT on Thursday, July 14  

Weekend Option:

Begins at 4 pm CT on Thursday, July 14 (Check in 2 – 3:30 pm)
Ends at 3 pm CT on Sunday, July 17 

This year, the retreat will begin with a somewhat lighter schedule Monday through Thursday, and follow a sesshin schedule Friday through Sunday. The daily schedule will include 6 -10 meditation periods (30 minutes each), chanting services, a dharma discussion, formal oryoki meals, outdoor activities, work practice and service assignments. Dokusan (individual face-to-face meetings with the teachers) will be offered two or three times during the week. Training in the forms will be provided as part of the retreat.

While residential practice can be challenging, Hokyoji’s tranquil meadows, woodlands, and bluffs offer guests a peaceful setting that invites relaxation, inspiration, and renewal. 

Limited seats:

Space is limited, and seats may fill up quickly. If you are interested in attending in-person, please register at your earliest convenience. 

Requirements for in-person participation:

• Previous meditation and sesshin experience.
• Must be fully vaccinated.
• Masks may be required for some indoor activities.

Sample sesshin schedule (subject to change):

Contribution:
Clouds in Water relies on a Gift Economics Model of resource transparency, suggested sliding scale tiers and no set fees in order to balance financial sustainability, the Buddhist practice of generosity, justice and equity. Clouds in Water is a community supported temple, relying primarily on the donations and class fees that our sangha offers.

Sliding Scale (All are welcome. No one will be turned away for lack of funds)

• Level 1: $300/day (covers food, lodging, teacher payments, Clouds admin/staffing, and makes it possible for more people to pay at lower amounts)
• Level 2: $140/day (covers food, lodging, teacher payments, and Clouds admin/staffing)
• Level 3: $75/day (covers food & lodging)
• Your Level: You choose the amount. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Note: If you register at this level, we may need to put you on a waitlist, since we need to make sure we have enough money to at least cover the lodging rental costs for Hokyoji.

“We know in our hearts that there is a different way to be, a different way to live. Our generosity with one another is indeed resistance to the greed and fear that oppresses us. We provide for one another out of love for each other and love for ourselves. When we give, we acknowledge that all beings want to be happy.”
-Jacoby Ballard

Online registration ends 7/12/2023

If you wish to register after 7/12/2023 please contact the sesshin coordinator at info@cloudsinwater.org.  Please note that you may not get an immediate response.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER