This is the Monastery’s most popular retreat. Designed for those new to Zen, the weekend introduces the most important aspects of traditional Zen training within the context of the unique Eight Gates program. You will experience zazen, liturgy, art and body practice, and other areas of training, while also having ample opportunity to ask questions about Zen practice. Many of us have read books on Zen, been doing zazen on our own, or have been looking for a teacher. In this retreat you will have the opportunity to experience for yourself that which you’ve been reading about, to find strength in practicing alongside other like-minded people, and to directly explore the student-teacher relationship. Each weekend is led by Mountains and Rivers Order teachers, senior monastics and lay students, and offers the opportunity for private interview with a teacher. Offered each month (see dates below), this retreat is a prerequisite for attending a sesshin or becoming an MRO student.