Regular Activities

The basis of spiritual practice at the Vermont Zen Center is zazen, or meditation. In addition to daily zazen, the Zen Center offers private instruction in Zen Buddhism, chanting services, study groups, ceremonies, all-day sittings, Zen talks by the teacher (teisho), and talks by senior members of the community (Sangha).

Sesshins & Retreats

Sesshins are extended periods of intensive, silent zazen for experienced meditators. They are held in seclusion, follow a rigorous schedule, and last from two to seven days.

Retreats are ideal for those who want to have unstructured time for meditation. Anyone, even those with no prior sesshin experience, may apply to a meditation retreat.

Training Programs

Training Programs at the Zen Center offer the discipline of Zen training through total immersion. Though the Zen Center is not a monastery, trainees are in a monastic-like environment. Training Programs help anyone learn more about Zen practice.

Garden Practice

Working in the garden is central to spiritual practice at the Vermont Zen Center. In cultivating the land, uprooting weeds, and planting flowers and trees we are cultivating our lives. Through the years of dedicated efforts of members and friends, our gardens are now a place of beauty.

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Group Visits

We welcome visits to and from schools, colleges, churches and other groups. There are several options including short orientations at the Vermont Zen Center, several-day residential retreats, and several-day residential retreats for groups who wish to use the facilities as a site for their own purposes not related to Zen Buddhism and more.

Personal Retreats

Personal Retreats at the Vermont Zen Center are a wonderful way to combine quiet time and spiritual inspiration. Retreats are an opportunity to enjoy your own natural rhythms in an extraordinary setting. A retreat might include time for writing, meditation, yoga, study, reading, or simply quiet time away from the normal routines of your everyday life.

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