I am new to meditation. Can I still sign up for a retreat?

Beginners are welcome to all retreats except Kyol-Che. We recommend you attend PZC’s free orientation/meditation class before joining practice or signing up for a retreat. Orientation is offered twice a week on Wednesday evenings (in-person) and Sunday mornings (in-person and on Zoom). If you are unable to attend orientation, review this Introduction to Kwan Um Zen practice forms video.  

Note that first- time retreat participants are required to attend retreat orientation the day of retreat entry even if they’ve previously attended practice orientation, or retreat orientation for a different type of retreat.

Prior retreat experience (in person or online) with a Kwan Um School of Zen sangha is required to join Kyol-Che Long Retreats, except by special permission by the Abbot.

What’s the minimum participation time for retreats?

We recommend joining short retreats for at least one full day to gain maximum benefit. If you need to join or leave a retreat early, please get permission from the retreat teacher prior to registering.  Summer Kyol-che and week-long YMJJ retreats have a 3 day participation minimum. Winter Kyol-che retreats have a one-week attendance minimum – no exceptions.

What’s the retreat cost?

Providence Zen Center has implemented a new pricing structure as of March 2025 to make retreats more accessible to all. Daily retreat rates start at $36 for online retreats and $48 for in-person retreats. View upcoming retreat listings for detailed pricing.

2025 Retreat & Guest Stay Rate Sheet (PDF)

What’s included in retreat fees?

All retreat programming and vegetarian meal(s) are included in retreat fees. Multi-day retreat fees include overnight accommodations with shared bathrooms. Single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional fee.

What’s dāna?

Dāna is the ancient Pali word for “generosity of heart”, or “freely giving.” It is customary to give dāna to the teacher & retreat staff at the end of the retreat. Your generous support truly helps them to continue teaching. Dāna is always voluntary and offered on a ‘give what you can’ basis.

Please keep in mind that guest teachers may be coming from other states or countries; therefore, in-person cash donations are always preferred.

If you leave retreat dāna in the PZC donation box, please clearly label check or cash envelope with dharma teacher and/or staff name(s) (use lay names for checks) and retreat date & type. 

What’s your cancellation policy?

Retreat costs are refundable, minus a 20% deposit. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for international travelers, to cover trip cancellation & potential medical expenses. Refer to the Respiratory Virus Prevention policy for additional information.