2019 Half-Day Meditation Retreat
March 3,  April 14

Lotus Heart Zen will offer a Half-Day retreat led by Do'an Prajna Sabunim.

Retreat location: 
Lotus Heart Zen Abbey
​218 Allen Park Place, Oneida, NY

photo credit: collision.conf Collision Stages - May 4 via photopin (license)

A meditation retreat is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your practice, while participating in a mindful experience, cultivating together action through chanting, sitting, walking, and work meditation. Participants will have the option of sitting in interview with Do'an Prajna Sabunim, where they can ask private questions regarding their practice.

Sample Schedule:
​(may be subject to change)
8:00am - Arrival: Welcome & Retreat Guidelines
8:30am - Chanting Meditation
9:00am - Walking & Sitting Meditation (interviews will begin during this time)
10:30am - Short Break
10:45am - Sitting Meditation & Walking Meditation
12:30pm - Closing Discussion
1:00pm - End Retreat

Pre-register early to ensure there is space for you!

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Please pre-register for the retreat below:

These are suggested donations and go toward covering the costs associated with the retreat, such as food, supplies and reserving the retreat space. Donations also go toward supporting the teacher. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Your generosity, in any amount, is greatly appreciated. If income level is a hindrance, please contact Rev. Do'an for other options to contribute dana.

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What Should You Bring?

• Indoor-only socks or slippers. This helps contribute to the silence and overall cleanliness of the retreat environment.
• Dress for the seasons. If it is excessively warm, there will be air-conditioning.  Please noted, the practice room in winter can be cool, even with heat. Dress accordingly, layers are recommended!

• Your own meditation cushion or bench. We will provide a basic zabuton(mat) for you. Chairs are available for those who cannot sit on a cushion. Please bring any extra meditation props you may need, such as additional cushions, a meditation stool, or shawl.
• All necessary special foods and beverages. We serve strictly gluten-free and vegetarian meals at retreats. Please inform us of any dietary allergies.
• Plastic containers for special foods.
• Medicines, vitamins, supplements, etc. If you have an existing medical condition, bring enough of all prescription medicines to last throughout the retreat.  
• Please do not wear any perfume or cologne throughout the retreat.
• If you have ever been to an emergency room because of a medical condition, bring your doctor's telephone number in case the condition comes up while you're on retreat.

For Overnight Guests:

• For those who would like to begin the retreat on Friday evening, please contact Rev. Do'an Prajna.
• There is very limited overnight sleeping space at Do'an Sabunim's residence, most of which will be reserved for monk, abbots and guiding teachers from Five Mountain Zen on a first come first served basis. If you are coming from out of town, be prepared to rent a room in the area. You can contact Do'an Sabunim for some possible accommodations nearby.

What Else Should I Know About the Retreat?

• There is no smoking permitted inside. To minimize odors we ask that you wash your hands after smoking and not to wear smoke-filled clothing during practice.  
• The retreat is for establishing a space and period of time away from worldly ties and to allow oneself to focus on complete concentration, therefore, all cellphones, computers and other electronic devices are strictly forbidden during retreat practice hours. If so desired, participants can access such devices during break periods, but it is not recommended, as doing so has the potential to interrupt the quality of focus and contemplative space that participants have established and for which the retreat is designed for.
• PLEASE NOTE: there are two small dogs on the premises (one hairless and the other virtually hairless). They are very friendly, but can be loud when first greeting you.If you have allergies, please be aware!
• We ask that you uphold the ethical guidelines as outlined in the Five Precepts, which are:

                -- To support all living creatures and refrain from harming any living being, not to kill or intentionally hurt any person or creature. 
                -- To respect the property of others and refrain stealing or taking what is not freely given.
                -- To regard all beings with respect and dignity, and not objectify others and, while at the retreat, abstain from sexual activity.
                -- To be truthful, refrain from lying, and refrain from harming by one's speech through gossip or harsh or hurtful language.
                -- To maintain a clear mind and refrain from harming myself or others with intoxication.

• We have the right to refuse acceptance to or request individuals to leave the retreat if they do not uphold the conditions as outlined above or demonstrate a sincerity and respect for practice and toward others attending the retreat.

Cancellations
If you need to cancel your Retreat, please contact us as soon as possible. Retreat fees are 100% refunded if you cancel at minimum a week before a retreat begins. There are no refunds if the cancellation takes place within one week of a retreat.