Zen Mountain Monastery is a monastic training center providing traditional yet distinctly Western Zen training to people of all ages and religious backgrounds. Many of us have read books on Zen, have been doing zazen on our own, or have been looking for a teacher. This introductory weekend, the most popular retreat we offer at the Monastery, gives beginners a direct experience of zazen, liturgy, art and body practice as well as ample opportunity to ask questions about Zen practice.