I am new to meditation. Can I still sign up for a retreat?
Yes. Beginners are welcome to short retreats! We strongly 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 by Kathy Park, JDPSN.
Note that first- time retreat participants are required to attend retreat orientation the day of retreat entry.
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 for at least one 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 retreats have a 3 day participation minimum with Saturday entry only; Winter Kyol-che retreats have a week attendance minimum – no exceptions.
What’s the retreat cost?
2024 daily retreat costs are as follows:
- $85 for Non-Members
- $60 for Members, Seniors, & Full-time Students with student ID
- $50 for Dharma Teachers & Dharma-Teachers-in-Training (DTtiT)
- Free for Providence Zen Center residents
Retreat scholarships may be available to Kwan Um School of Zen members and on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for more information.
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. Most rooms are assigned to one person – a few may be shared.