Group Visits & Retreats

We welcome visits to and from school, college, church and other groups. There are several options for such visits:

• Short orientations at the Vermont Zen Center, lasting about one hour, with an introduction to Zen practice and brief tour of the Center.
  
  
• Several-day residential retreats with guided instruction, meditation, work periods, meals, and other planned activities.
  
  
• Several-day residential retreats for groups who wish to use the facilities as a site for their own purposes not necessarily related to Zen Buddhism.
  
  
• Visits to local schools, colleges, and places of worship for talks, discussions, and presentations by senior members of the Center.
  
  
  

Zen Center Member Visit to a Group

If you would like to have a senior member of our community visit your school, college, or church group, please contact Dharman Rice to make arrangements. He will let you know what times are available.

• Visits usually include a short introduction to Zen Buddhism with time for questions and answers. A brief period of Zen meditation might also be part of the visit.
  
  
• Donation: While there is no set fee, it is appropriate and appreciated to make a donation as you see fit.

Group Visits to the Center

• Small groups—up to 10 individuals—can make an appointment to meet with a senior member at set times. We ask that people wear modest, loose-fitting clothing. Out of respect for the atmosphere of the Center, please do not wear tank tops, shorts, or short skirts. Visit Request Form.
  
  
• Larger groups—up to 40 individuals—can come to the Center during weekdays for a short orientation to Zen Buddhism. This includes questions and answers, a 15–20-minute period of Zen meditation, and a tour of the buildings and grounds, weather permitting. We ask that people wear modest, loose-fitting clothing. Out of respect for the atmosphere of the Center, please ask members of your group not to wear tank tops, shorts, or short skirts. Please contact Dharman Rice for more information.
  
  
• Donation: While there is no set fee for such visits, it is appropriate and appreciated to make a donation as you see fit.
  
  

Overnight Group Visits to the Center

If your school, college, church or other group would like to visit the Center for a several-day introduction to Zen Buddhism, please contact Dharman Rice to make arrangements. He will let you know what times are available.

• Please Note that opportunities for such stays are extremely limited by schedule and space constraints.
  
  
• Advance Notice: Because retreats require extensive planning, advance notice of several months is requested. The earlier you let us know you would like to come, the more likely we can accommodate your group.
  
  
• Cost: $55/day/participant. This includes all meals, which are prepared by experienced cooks in the Zen Center’s kitchen.
  
  
• Meals are lacto-ovo vegetarian with vegan options. No meat, fish, or poultry is served at the Center or allowed on premises. No alcohol is served or permitted on site.

Things to Know About Extended Visits

• Quiet time—From 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays; 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday are times when our members are using the meditation room. Out of respect for house residents we ask that noise be kept to a minimum after 9 p.m.
  
  
• Vegetarian food only—We do not serve meat, fish, or poultry at the Center and ask that no one bring such foods into the Center or onto the Center’s grounds.
  
  
• Alcohol & drugs—The consumption of any type of alcoholic beverage and the use of recreational drugs is prohibited at the Center.
  
  
• Smoking—Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings or on the grounds.
  
  
• Shoes—We do not wear shoes in Zen Center’s buildings, however visitors are welcome to wear house slippers.
  
  
• Pets—Pets are not allowed at the Zen Center.
  
  
• Fire precautions—Due to the danger of fire, candles can only be used in the meditation areas.
  
  
• Strong smells—We ask that visitors not use strong perfumes, shampoos, or cosmetics because their smells can permeate fabrics and linger.

 

Accommodations

All rooms are single or double occupancy, although depending on the number of people in a retreat, some rooms may have up to four people. Bathrooms are dormitory style; there are no rooms with private bathrooms. Because the Zen Center is a place of spiritual practice with a focus of silent meditation and introspection, couples do not share bedrooms.

 

Rates

All rooms are $55/day per person for stays of up to one week, including three vegetarian meals a day. Sorry, but we are unable to accept credit card payments for retreats. Payment must be made at the time of your visit by check, cash or money order.

 

Requesting a Visit

Please complete the Visit Request Form for small-group visits of approximately an hour. For longer group visits, large group visits, and overnight stays, please contact Dharman Rice.

 

Other Information

Building Use Policy—For large group extended visits.

Retreat Calendar—This will give you an idea of what days are available for extended visits/retreats.

Mouse over the photos for larger image.

Doing Zazen

Students at Work…

…and at Play

Delicious Vegetarian Meals

In the Dining Room

Meeting in Common Room

Taiko Drumming Lesson

Community Service at the Renaissance School

 

From Students and Teachers

I came about two weeks ago to a sitting. On behalf of my entire group, thank you so much for everything. It was so kind of you to open up to us and let us explore Buddhism. —College Student
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Thank you for being with us today. I spoke with some students this afternoon, and they were talking about the Buddhist figures as well as some of the stories you told. In all honesty, it was refreshing to have someone speak from a tradition instead of about it. Thank you for sharing your time and your experience. —Middle School Teacher
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I had a great time! Thanks for opening our minds to your practice. —High School Student
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What an amazing experience! You are so welcoming and loving. We brought those elements back with us. Thank you!—High school teacher
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What a wonderful introduction to Zen Buddhism. The idea of ‘attention’ will always stick with me. —High school teacher
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Thank you for this experience: the beautiful flower arrangements, the cleanliness & orderliness, the delicious meals, the warm welcome. I cannot thank you enough! —College student