Residential Training

We encourage all students of the dharma to look into the benefits of residential training.  A full immersion in the daily life and on-going program of the Zen Center is an excellent way to deepen your understanding and integrate your practice in your life.

For each of us, the experience of living together, sitting together, serving together and studying together offers something very valuable, something we can bring back into our everyday life. Our commitment is to support each other’s individual practice and to live in harmony.

New and experienced students are equally welcome.  As a training resident of the Big Mind Western Zen Center you will be expected to attend the full schedule of meditation, classes, and work practice as directed by the Abbot Genpo Merzel, Roshi. Contact the guestmaster for informatiion about the cost of residential training. This will be worked out in advance of your stay and may vary according to space availability and other considerations.

Application for residence may be made by e-mail to: guestmaster@bigmind.org. Let us know a little about yourself and include a brief outline of your reasons for applying. The Abbot and the residence committee will consider your application and respond to you forthwith.