Find Authentic Retreats in Oregon

"My heart is finally at peace after participating in the Jizo Ceremony. I've held on to the grief for over 40 years and it has been released. I really appreciated spending time to create a sacred garment to drape over one of the Jizo statues. It kept my mind focused on the love that I felt in my heart for the children I had lost. The pre-ceremony was held in silence so the group could be with their feelings. The actual ceremony was emotional and yet very peaceful beneath the parent tree in the Jizo Garden. What a gift that anyone of any religious background can attend these ceremonies. Thank you, namaste, with gratitude and appreciation 🙏"

"I had never visited Great Vow before attending the week-long summer "Grasses, Trees & The Great Earth" sesshin. I could not be happier that I went. The personality of Great Vow is very warm while also peaceful and quiet. I would highly recommend the outdoor grasses & trees sesshin. It was magical in a different way from an indoor zendo sesshin. We sat in a great big circle and Kisei and Kodo were wonderful as our teachers. Thank you 🙏"

"The feature that distinguishes this sesshin from others is its focus on the natural environment and the fact that all activities take place outside. The facility has stunningly beautiful grounds which include many wildflowers, moss-covered rocks, a bamboo grove, and large blackberry bushes. It also includes walking paths through a lush forest. All this makes the outdoor venue very attractive. We had cool weather, though sitting in direct sun was very uncomfortable and even dangerous for those of us with much skin damage. To be fair, we didn't have to sit in direct sunlight for more than one hour each day, usually in two different periods. The weather is sometimes hotter during this time, which would make the experience more challenging. There are also lots of mosquitos, though the facility does provide bug spray. I suppose these are just part of practice when one signs up for an outdoor sesshin! The buildings are comfortable, including the dorms. Many people slept outside in tents, though I was not one of them. The dorm area includes a "workout" area complete with yoga mats and various tools for massaging sore muscles. Although the shesshin is silent, everyone exhibits kindness and consideration. All meals are vegetarian with vegan options, and I thought they were all very good. The two teachers were very good. They prepared a well thought-out and meaningful program focused on earth awareness in its various aspects. I couldn't accept the more anthropomorphic interpretations of natural beings, but the teachers seemed aware of this possibility and were not dogmatic about the subject. They made sure everyone who wanted to have a one-on-one session with a teacher could be accommodated. Overall, I was content with the sesshin."

"This visit was my second weekend retreat. We are so blessed to have a Buddhist community in Portland not to mention a beautiful zen retreat within driving distance of Portland yet far into the backroads and woods of Oregon. I leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and at peace with myself. Everyone should consider a weekend silent retreat or seminar. "

"THE TEACHER. Adam Jogen Salzberg teaches with authenticity, kindness and knowledge, which I share with you, based on my experience of his teaching, talks and membership in the zen community in Oregon, where I live and practice. If you are a new to zen, I recommend his courses with highly. Even though I have been practicing Buddhism for more than a decade, I still have a beginner's mind, and I learn fresh ideas from every encounter with Jogen. 5/5 THE SETTING. I am asked to offer a review of the Inner Critic workshop held at Great Vow Monastery in Oregon at the end of July 2024, and led by Jogen. I find the Monastery an open and welcoming setting for beginners and long-term practitioners alike. The grounds are peaceful: filled with life, from the nesting of the blue-and-gold barn swallows (who build homes in the Monastery's eaves) to the gangly coyotes who amuse the sangha with their teenage airs and sing lullabies at night-time. 5/5 ACCOMMODATIONS. Residents keep the temple spotless: a former elementary school with sinks and toilets built for small people. Visitors are offered comfortable beds and linens. Meals are thoughtful, with great care on two fronts: creating vegetarian dishes that offer healthy and fresh proteins, grains, vegetables and fruits--many from the Monastery gardens. Allergies and special needs are taken seriously, with accommodations for vegans, folks who are gluten intolerant, and for those with common food allergies. 4/5 WHAT WOULD MAKE IT BETTER. My body is a walking storehouse of allergies--which are year-round: I am allergic to molds, mildew, grasses, dust mites--an endless list. While antihistamine pills help a great deal, the smoke and scent from the incense used constantly at the Monastery cannot be managed by a pill. I find the incense aggravates my asthma--in short, it is difficult for me to breathe in the Zendo: the inner sanctum of the Monastery. Because pieces of my lungs have been removed surgically (to make breathing easier and to remove bacteria caused by tuberculosis' cousins--micobacterium avian) I find that I do better with fresh, clean air, and that--because the incense is hazardous and annoying--I wear a mask to dilute the smoke and scent--and yet--the mask--inhibits my breathing. In summary, I face a hobson's choice: I come to the Monastery--and that is my choice. I come to engage in a fundamentally personal interaction/exchange with the community. That said, it requires taking a risk to my health because of zen traditions beyond my control: use of incense may likely cause me harm. "

"I so appreciate being able to have the option of attending the retreat online. I so appreciate the online option for sesshin and hope it continues. It makes sesshin possible for someone that has physical limitations. Sometimes an aging person or someone with physical limitations require more rest breaks or the option of lying down. The teachers were aware and skillful in stating that sesshin for a householders. will look different than for someone cloistered at the monastery."

"Extremely well run logistics orchestrated with kindness and quality allow the quiet to soothe the soul quickly. Then, the magic ensues. Thank you for creating space that allows me to see that knowing is knowing that I do not know. And what a joy the not knowing is."

"I learned about more formal zen practice in a community session, some clear instruction in zen meditation techniques, some background on chanting service, different types of meditation, and had a great lunch that incorporated mindful eating practice. The attendees were a diverse group. As a non-meditator who was truly "investigating". I didn't feel out of place or intimidated. The hosts were warm, clear, and kept the day unfolding at a nice pace. Appreciated hearing other people's questions about zen practice. The experience was positive and helpful."

"Retreat was great. Really nice, kind, helpful retreat teachers. Appreciated how they walked us through the basics of meditation posture with different physical supports for different folks. Reminded me of how Iyengar yoga uses props to make a practice accessible to all. The meditations themselves were really nice. When doing sitting meditation, I always close my eyes. It was interesting to do guided meditations with eyes open. Just a really nice, valuable day, with really nice people, in a really nice, well-organized, well-structured group. "

"This workshop was excellent. Our guides were attentive, caring, friendly, and humble. The teaching and instruction was super helpful, and the group energy was warm and caring. The day was broken up nicely into manageable/modest stretches of meditation (sitting, walking, eating) and instruction/teaching, and the lunch we were provided was tasty. The space is beautiful. I left feeling inspired to continue to deepen my meditation practice. I am grateful for this experience, and intend to return to this welcoming temple. "

"The sesshin on Tonglen in May 2024 was my second retreat at Great Vow. The first was a Beginners Mind retreat in May 2023. It is a beautiful facility - Who would have thought an elementary school would make such an amazing Zen Monastery? The people here are beautiful as well. And the sesshin on Tonglin will stay with me forever. "

"Overall, the sesshin was very good. The dharma talks and instructions during sitting were extremely beneficial for me. I chose to participate online due to health concerns. Some aspects of online participation could be enhanced. Unless speakers were using a microphone I could not hear the instructions for what was happening. At times it was quite confusing. Also, it would have been preferable to receive individual sanzen just as in person participants do. "

"I understand that this Inner critic retreat/workshop has been recently re-worked/updated and was, I believe, the first time offered in this new iteration. I found the content very good and the co-leaders were committed to supporting the group towards helpful outcomes! It was quite worthwhile and I plan on reviewing/doing further work. It brings a deeper understanding of my mind in new insightful ways. I loved the musical aspects and the different chanting we did. I appreciated hearing from others. I do have a few suggestions: Group exercises: Have a worksheet handout for each exercise listing the given questions w/room to write responses, so people can use this to help prompt their inquiry and also have something to review or use further afterwards. Tools and Resources: have a take-away handout for terms written on the whiteboard during this presentation/discussion, with brief, basic definitions for each, and possibly also 1-3 references to websites or books, or other leads to seek further info post-workshop. The co-leaders sometimes spoke too fast for me in delivering new content. "

"I have gotten so much from practicing with ZCO. It's given me a whole new life. I have come to trust these teachers more and more over time. Not only are their retreats powerful and wonderful, but they're extremely reasonably priced. I think this place is underrated. I highly recommend it."

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"I have attended some retreats in person. I am glad to have the experience. With Zoom I felt included, and it makes it easier for me to carry the meditations over in my daily life. The retreat has of course a zen background but any faith or non faith could follow it. This is a yearly retreat about death and loss in our lives. I benefited from the guided visionary meditation. The talks were easy to follow and many were funny. The teachers read from a couple of books wrote by living practitioners that have struggled with both. I have since downloaded both books and will listen to them again. The teachers would spend 50 min. each day listening to those of us on zoom. And we could ask questions and advise. It felt like our own little community. Plan to attend every year. "

"A wonderful retreat that broadened my perspective on self and non-self. The teachers are well-informed and explain things in easy to understand language."

"Heart of Wisom is a wonderful facility. Everyone is so friendly and helpful--from the check-in person to the two dharma teachers, to the participants. They are very flexible and accomodating for people with special needs to allow an optimal experience. Every session and insturction was very well thought out. They provided really yummy snacks and lunch was fabulous! Yum, (all eaten mindfully)! In the afternoon there was a dharma talk by Kodo and then everyone broke up into small groups (in different parts of the building) to discuss how to bring into our daily life the dharma principles that were shared. It was a delightful and restorative experience. Yeah whooppee Buddha!"

"I have been attending one day retreats at ZCO’s Heart of Wisdom temple for many years. The retreats are always great; they give my practice a real boost. I would recommend the one day retreats to those who want to try out more intense Zen meditation sessions before they commit to a longer retreat. And the lunches can be inspirational, too! "

"The teachers and community here are amazing. I highly recommend it. "

"I was touched deeply spending and evening and a day in community with ZCO. with the guidance of Kodo and Kosho I feel like I have better clarity on my vows and the path I want to take in life. I have been coming to HoW for about 3 months and feel more deeply connected to the people and place after this weekend. Thank you for all you do!"

"My experience was a deep and rich retreat. Resulting in my practice being inspired and nourished. I am unable to attend retreats and sessions in person due to physical limitations. Want to express my gratitude for these online practice opportunities and the connection they offer."

"Was there for a Loving-Kindness weekend retreat. Such a wonderful space for practice. There is a large plot of land that the monastery is on, perfect for walking around during the breaks on a trail or checking out the garden. The residents seemed like one big family and welcomed us retreat participants in with open arms, so thank you! The schedule involved lots of sitting and walking meditation in the zendo, which may seem daunting at first if you haven't been to an intensive retreat, but allowed for you to get deeper into your practice. It was a silent retreat, which also sounds scary but allowed one to focus on loving-kindness even outside of the zendo as opposed to small talk with the others participants during free time. All around 10 out of 10"

"My afternoon at the Great Vow Monastery was marked by kindness and welcome from start to finish. I look forward to returning soon. "

"This was a beautiful experience. We honored our son and spent a peaceful heartwarming afternoon at the monastery. Added plus, the dinner was great! Thank you to all who shared the gift of the Jizo Garden"

"The day flowed nicely. Great food, dharma, and people!"

"This silent meditation retreat was perfect for anyone, including beginners. The Great Vow Zen Monastery is a beautiful, peaceful place. The pace was very good and everyone did a great job observing noble silence. All the helpers and instructors were gracious and mindful. The food and accommodations were excellent. I am trying to find the best time to return, as soon as possible. "

"This retreat was an amazing experience. We met with the teacher every day for questions and it really helped me open up to the practice. They were very accommodating to my food restrictions. The beds were comfy, and the grounds are beautiful. If you are thinking of doing a retreat here I highly recommend it!"

"This was my first meditation retreat and even though it was just for the weekend, it was profound. The residents here are wonderful, the food was delicious, and the grounds are serene. I'll be back :)"

"This was my third silent retreat at Great Vow Zen, and I always feel deeply restored and cared for throughout my time with them. They are attuned to anxieties in the space, offer wonderful tips and pathways for practice, and of course the space and setting is gorgeous and serene. "