Fall 2007 Retreat: Details
Jayce Renner
Kent Zendo Fall 2007 Soto Zen Retreat
at The Hermitage at Beaver Run
October 19-21 2007
Where: Come to The Hermitage at Beaver Run (directions at http://tinyurl.com/2zb4te). Trees (in fall foliage), frogs, turtles, moss, you. Out in the meadow, dewdrops ride grass blades, and wait for your shoes. We will be staying in the renovated barn: a modern facility with bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, showers, a large meditation room and a library. We may also use the Elder House, a separate cabin. If we run out of beds, some of us may sleep in the meditation room.
What: To show our appreciation to Ted and Martyne for many generous years sharing their sacred space, we will be including a bit of work around the property. Bring gloves and clothes you can get dirty. The retreat will feature several hours of Soto Zen-style sitting and walking meditation (zazen and kinhin) per day, dharma talks, tea, and private student-teacher interviews (dokusan). We invite you to gather at the campfire to talk and laugh. Bring poetry to share or spend free time walking in the woods.
Who: Our leader will be the resident teacher of the Kent Zendo, Tim McCarthy, who is a teacher in the lineage of Kobun Chino Otagawa, Roshi. The retreat is open to beginners and experienced practitioners. Those who are new to sitting need not feel obligated to join in all meditations if it is too difficult, but are encouraged to support the group with their presence as much as possible. We ask that participants not differentiate themselves by using Dharma names or ranks, nor by wearing robes or rakasus.
Chow: We eat well. Great vegetarian dishes all weekend. Participants will be asked to share in the responsibility of cooking, table-setting, and clean-up.
What You'll Need: If you have a zafu, mat or bench, please bring it. Zafus, zabutons, benches, and chairs will be provided for those who need them. Also, bring bath towels, toiletries, and linens. There are blankets on each bed. We suggest you plan on arriving in the late afternoon or early evening of Friday, October 19 to get settled and have a good dinner. Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged if possible. The drive is about two hours from Kent or half an hour from Millersburg.
Cost: $50* This includes lodging and vegetarian meals. If money is a problem, we can work something out. All proceeds will be donated to The U.S. Campaign for Burma. For more information, check out http://www.uscampaignforburma.org.
* Two Kitchen Scholarships will be available for those who wish to cook. One will be a full scholarship and the other person will pay half the normal cost.