OVERVIEW: Thank you for your interest in our 2025 Fall Sesshin, "Inside Vasubhandu's Yogacara." Together we will explore Vasubandhu's "Mind Only" teachings. Through sitting practice, study and reflection we’ll look deeply into how mind shapes experience and how practice can transform it. The retreat includes periods of zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), Dharma talks, and explores our theme through presentation, discussion groups and other creative formats.
SCHEDULE: The retreat begins at 7:45 a.m. Friday morning with an introductory teaching, followed by zazen and kinhin. Please arrive by 7:20 a.m. to allow for check-in and to get settled on your cushion by 7:30 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, periods of meditation and study will be scheduled throughout the day from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, following morning practice and lunch, the retreat will formally end with a closing circle at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to remain, if possible, to assist with final gate (dismantling the Zendo and leaving no trace) at 2:20 p.m., ending at approximately 4:00 p.m.
FEE: The fee for the in-person retreat, including dinner on Friday and Saturday, is on a sliding scale, from $200 to $325. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. A limited amount of financial assistance may be available. For financial assistance, please contact our Registrar, Shawn Venne at sszc.registrar@gmail.com. Please note that retreat fees are not tax deductible.
DANA: In addition to the retreat fee, which we deliberately keep low, participants are asked to offer a donation (dana) to our lay entrusted teachers, Judy Daylen and Simon Rompre, who, in keeping with Zen tradition, serve at our retreat without remuneration. This donation is part of the traditional practice of a mutual exchange of generosity, since it nourishes all who are involved. In that spirit, donations are offered during the retreat in an amount each participant finds appropriate. Anonymous donations may be offered in cash via a donation box. E-transfers can be made to Judy at jdaylen@gmail.com and to Simon at simonrompre@gmail.com.
MEALS: Two vegetarian dinners will be provided by the sangha on Friday and Saturday evening, the cost of which is included in your registration fee. The schedule makes it possible for participants to eat breakfast before arriving for the morning session. Please bring a bagged lunch with you each morning.
ACCOMMODATIONS: A limited number of off-site billets will be offered gratis by our on-island sangha members; please let us know right away if you need billeting, which will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
PAYMENT OF FEES: Retreat fee payment may be completed via PayPal by inserting a payment amount at the bottom of this form, or by e-transfer to the saltspringzencircle@gmail.com address. Please Note: If paying by e-transfer, You will need to submit this form, and then pay the fee by going to your on-line banking portal. Only Canadian citizens can use the e-transfer option at this time.
YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE CONFIRMED UPON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT
CANCELLATION POLICY: If your plans change and you are not able to attend the retreat, your payment will be returned in full, provided we hear from you by September 19, 2025.
If you cancel between Septemer 20 and October 2, we will retain a $30 cancellation fee.
In case of illness, please do not attend and contact the registrar regarding a refund.
QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION OR THE RETREAT:
Please direct questions regarding registration to our Registrar, Shawn Venne, at sszc.registrar@gmail.com.
Please direct questions regarding the retreat itself to Retreat Steward, Sheila Dobie, at ssidobie584@gmail.com.