Seeing Through Obstacles - Inner Critic Weekend Retreat
With Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi and Patrick Bansho Green
August 1 - 3, 2025
“Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.” – W. Whitman
Transformation of our hearts and minds has never been more vital. The very possibility for future humans to experience Truth, Beauty and Goodness is up in the air! And yet, most of us have significant challenges following through with our aspirations and continuing through the ups and downs that come with committed Dharma work.
This retreat will bring together inner critic work with Buddhist meditation practices to amplify understanding and dis-identify from ‘voices’ or ‘selves’ that hinder our unfolding. We will also practice tapping forces that are our allies in Awakening. Through this we develop choice with the different parts of us that arise on the path, finding space around and translucence within them.
Sessions will be a mix of silent and guided sitting meditation and group facilitations where participants directly explore parts of themselves such as those listed above.
This is for anyone with aspirations around liberation of the heart, bringing to light and integrating shadow elements, finding empathy for difficult to embrace parts of oneself, addressing obstacles to Dharma practice and deepening self-understanding. First time and experienced meditators are welcome and will find insight and nourishment.
This retreat begins at 5:00 pm Friday evening and ends on Sunday at around 1:00. Please plan on staying for the whole thing.
In-person only.
About the Leaders

Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi
Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi has studied and practiced Zen Buddhism since 1973. She received Jukai (lay precepts) in 1975 and Tokudo, Priest's Ordination, in 1979 from Taizan Maezumi, Roshi. From 1978 to 1983 she lived at Zen Center of Los Angeles, studying with Maezumi, Roshi and directing the Zen Center's non-profit Medical Clinic. She finished […]
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Patrick Bansho Green
Patrick Bansho Green has practiced with the Zen Community of Oregon since 2004 and received Lay Transmission from Chozen Bays and Hogen Bays in 2019, priest ordination in 2021, and completed Preceptor Authorization and Dharma Transmission in 2023. As board president, he led the effort to found Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple, a lay practice […]
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