A family day is an opportunity for families with children to come and learn a bit about practice in a kid friendly way. The morning usually starts with a little walking meditation and some guided sitting meditation followed by a story and some activity that will allow us to explore practice in daily life. We end the morning with a snack and closing circle. Parents are encouraged to come and practice with their children.

30 minutes of meditation followed by vespers, the last ceremonial of the day. Vespers is the Chanting of The Litany of the Great Compassionate One followed by other short verses.

The Dharma discussion will be on various topics of training in the Soto Zen Tradition.

Meditation, Mid-day Service and Dharma Discussion

Work is a long standing element of practice in the Zen tradition and represents a concrete way to put practice into action in our everyday life. Working Meditation days at the Priory are a way to concentrate on and develop this aspect of practice and they are a way to give expression to generosity by helping take care of the practical elements of the life of the temple.

A retreat is a time to temporarily set aside our day to day concerns to give ourselves an opportunity to recharge and refresh our inner lives; it is a time to strengthen and deepen our spiritual practice. This silent retreat morning is designed to a give an opportunity for retreat in the midst of our busy lives and to help strengthen our practice in a variety of activities.

It is ideal to attend the whole retreat, but feel free to quietly join us at any time during the morning. Beginners are welcome and meditation instruction will be available.

8:30 AM                               Meditation
9:00 AM                               Short Morning Service
9:20 AM                               Temple Cleanup (Working meditation)
10 AM                                  Meditation
10:30 AM                             Walking Meditation
10:40 AM                             Meditation with formal Dharma Talk
11:10 AM                             Walking Meditation
11:20 AM                             Meditation
11:50 AM                             Lunch Prep
12:30 PM                             Informal Lunch with discussion
Clean-up and closing ceremony