Beginner's Mind Weekend Meditation Retreat
With Darah Shonin Ashton and Onshin Landry
February 27 - March 1, 2026
The teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism empower us to live our lives wholeheartedly with openness, insight and compassion.
During this weekend retreat we follow a silent retreat schedule, which allows us to temporarily put aside outside concerns and go deeply into inner work.
The silent retreat schedule includes about seven hours of sitting meditation (with breaks), Buddhist chanting services, formal oryoki meals, and a period of community work practice.
On the first evening the retreat leaders will give thorough instruction on the foundations and methods of Zen meditation.
Opportunities to meet with a teacher or senior practitioner to discuss your practice will be available.
This retreat is ideal for anyone wanting an introduction to intensive Zen practice or simply a day of silent sitting meditation supported by the serene atmosphere of the monastery. There will not be an online option.
Please see our website Attending a Retreat at Great Vow for more basic information about your stay at The Monastery by Clicking Here.
About the Leaders
Darah Shonin Ashton
Darah Shonin Ashton has practiced with the Zen Community of Oregon since 2009 and was made a Dharma holder in 2019. She currently co-leads Thursday evening meditation at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple. Since 2019 she has served as treasurer for ZCO. Shonin recently retired from a 30 year chiropractic career and enjoys spending more […]
Learn more about Darah Shonin Ashton
Onshin Landry
Onshin started practicing Zen in 2012 during the Summer Program at Great Vow. He entered the monastery as a full-time trainee in 2014, and received Tokudo (Zen priest ordination) in 2019. Onshin has served as the in-house bookkeeper of Zen Community of Oregon for over six years, and has deeply enjoyed how simple and loving […]
Learn more about Onshin LandryCategories : Great Vow Zen Monastery, Weekend Retreat