Personal Retreats

Personal Retreats at the Vermont Zen Center are a wonderful way to combine quiet time and spiritual inspiration. Retreats are an opportunity to enjoy your own natural rhythms in an extraordinary setting. A retreat might include time for writing, meditation, yoga, study, reading, or simply quiet time away from the normal routines of your everyday life.

At the Zen Center, you will find a natural and contemplative environment conducive to rest and renewal. On your retreat, you are free to schedule your own time or, if you wish, we can provide suggestions for retreat schedules. You are always welcome to join our daily meditation sessions and seasonal gardening.

Those on personal retreat provide their own food and prepare their own vegetarian meals. Bedding is supplied. Retreatants may use the library, meditation room and other areas. We have a fine collection of books on Buddhism and Eastern spirituality as well as many audio tapes.

If you are interested in combining your retreat with a vacation in tropical paradise, you might consider a stay at our sister Center in Costa Rica, the Casa Zen.

Things to Know

• 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 you not 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 you 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 you not use strong perfumes, shampoos, or cosmetics because their smells can permeate fabrics and linger beyond your stay.
  
  
• Cleaning up—The Zen Center has no housekeeping service and retreatants are asked to leave Center as it is found: clean and ready for the next person. There is a very simple clean-up procedure and cleaning materials are furnished.
  

 

Rooms

All rooms are single occupancy, although if you wish to share a room with a friend, you are welcome to do so. Bathrooms are dormitory style; there are no rooms with private bathrooms.

 

Rates

All rooms are $50/day per person for stays of up to one week. 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.

 

Visit Request Form

If you are interested in staying at the Center, please complete a Visit Request Form. You can also call the Center at (802) 985-9746 or send an e-mail to inquire about room availability. The Center is closed periodically due to sesshin and ceremonies. Please check our retreat calendars (see side-bar) for black-out dates and available days.

Sample Schedule

5:00	Wake up
5:30	Meditation
7:00	Exercise
8:00	Breakfast
9:30	Study
11:00	Meditation
12:00	Lunch
1:30	Study
2:30	Meditation
4:00	Rest
5:00	Dinner
6:00	Meditation
9:00	End of day

 

Visit Request

Please submit your request to stay at the Center by completing a VISIT REQUEST FORM.

 

Retreat Calendar

2012 Retreat Calendar showing days available for personal retreats