Beginner’s Mind One-Day Retreats

The beginner is often the most naturally adept at meditation: open-minded and free of expectations. Yet it is difficult to build confidence and resolve questions by yourself. Our one-day retreats combine the essential elements of our full retreats with the ease of casual instruction, informal dialogue and short, 20-minute meditation periods.

The Sunday retreats are especially popular with people who practice independently or cannot yet integrate a longer retreat into their weekly schedule. Participants will come away with a complete taste of the Zen tradition: seated and walking meditation, services, mindful work and dharma talks. A delicious vegetarian buffet lunch and refreshments are provided along with an informal introduction to the meditative oryoki style of eating that is practiced in our longer retreats.

The Beginner’s Mind Retreat is a perfect next step for anyone who has taken a class at the Hazy Moon; however, there is no prerequisite to attend. Complete meditation instruction is given at the start of the day, and helpful tips repeated throughout.

At the end of the day, participants feel they have made a remarkable investment in themselves in only six hours. Cost for non-members is $40; and members, $20.

The next Beginner’s Mind retreats are scheduled for Feb. 9, 2025 and June 29, 2025