Weekly Practice Schedule
All practice sessions consist of sitting, walking and chanting Zen, and are free and open to all. Morning practice begins with 108 prostrations. Wednesdays include a Dharma talk and introduction to Zen meditation. Saturday mornings include private kong-an (koan) interviews.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 6:15 – 7:30am
11:00 – 12:00pm |
6:15 – 7:30am | 6:15 – 7:30am | 6:15 – 7:30am | 6:15 – 7:30am | 7 – 9am (Interviews w/ Zen Master Bon Seong) | 7-9am |
| 7:00 – 8:10 pm | 7:00 – 8:10 pm | 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Beginner’s Night) | 7:00 – 8:10 pm | 7:00 – 8:10 pm | 7:00 – 8:10 pm | No Evening Practice |
Retreats
Unless otherwise noted, Yong Maeng Jong Jin —which means to leap like a tiger while sitting— retreats are held at Empty Gate Zen Center, run from Friday morning 9:00 am until Sunday noon, and include meals and dormitory-style accommodations. The Friday and Saturday evenings finish at 9:30pm and Saturday and Sunday begin at 6:00am.
Most retreats are held in silence, with the exception of kidos or chanting retreats, and consist of bowing, sitting, walking, and chanting Zen, plus formal interviews with Zen Master Bon Soeng or a visiting Kwan Um teacher. Retreats are open to all, but please contact the Zen center beforehand if you are sitting for the first time.
To sign up for a retreat email our Head Dharma Teacher.
2010 Retreat Dates
Unless otherwise noted, retreats are led by Zen Master Bon Soeng.
January 22 – 24 YMJJ
February 26 – March 6 Annual 8-day YMJJ
April 17 1 Day Retreat
May 21 – 23 YMJJ (Led by Zen Master Dae Kwang)
June 19 1 Day Retreat
July 16-18 YMJJ
August 21 – 22 Work retreat
September 17 – 19 YMJJ (Led by Tim Lerch JDPSN)
October 16 1 Day Retreat
November 19 – 21 YMJJ
December 18 1 Day Retreat
Retreat Fees
| Membership Level | Per Day | Per 1/2 Day (or less) | 2-1/2 day Yong Maeng Jong Jin (Friday-Sunday) |
| Non-member | $45 | $25 | $115 |
| Member | $35 | $20 | $90 |
| Dharma Teacher In Training | $25 | $15 | $65 |
Retreat Schedules
- Friday
- 9:30 am 108 Bows
10:00 – 12:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:40 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Break Period
2:00 – 4:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:30 – 5:30 Break Period
5:30 Dinner
6:00 – 6:30 Short Break
6:30 – 7:30 Chanting
7:30 – 9:20 Sitting and Walking Meditation
9:20 – 9:30 Chanting
- Saturday
- 5:45 am Wake-up Bell
6:00 108 Bows
6:30 – 6:50 Morning Bell Chant
6:50 – 8:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
8:10 Breakfast
8:40 – 9:40 Work Period
9:40 – 10:00 Break Period
10:00 – 12:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:40 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Break Period
2:00 – 4:30 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:30 – 5:30 Break Period
5:30 Dinner
6:00 – 6:30 Short Break
6:30 – 7:30 Chanting
7:30 – 9:20 Sitting and Walking Meditation
9:20 – 9:30 Chanting
- Sunday
- 5:45 am Wake-up Bell
6:00 108 Bows
6:30 – 6:50 Morning Bell Chant
6:50 – 8:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
8:10 Breakfast
8:40 – 9:40 Work Period
9:40 – 10:00 Break Period
10:00 – 11:50 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:00 – 12:30 Circle Talk
12:30 Lunch
- Single Day Retreat
- 9:00 am 108 Bows
9:30 – 12:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
12:00 Lunch
12:40 – 1:20 Work Period
1:30 – 4:00 Sitting and Walking Meditation
4:00 Circle talk