Coming to a Big Mind Event at Kanzeon Zen Center?

Here’s some helpful information.

Workshops

Our one or two day workshops typically run from 12 noon to 5:30 pm with a couple of short breaks. The room is arranged with chairs in a semi circle so that everyone has a good view and can communicate easily with Genpo Roshi during the session. Big Mind is a very interactive process where everyone has a chance to express their experience of the various “voices” that Genpo Roshi asks us to speak from. You don’t have to say anything, you can learn a lot by just watching and listening, but the real transformation happens when you identify as and speak from these voices yourself.

Retreats

Week long retreats held at Kanzeon Zen Center in Salt Lake CIty typically follow the schedule below. The dress and atmosphere is casual and open, with plenty of time to meet others and share your experiences. The Kanzeon Zen Center staff (about 14 mostly resident monks) is always around to answer any questions you have and make you feel at home.

Meals

We work hard to prepare and serve the best organic vegetarian food we can buy or grow ourselves. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also go out to one of the several restaurants nearby if you choose. For some of our more traditional Zen retreats we eat two meals a day “oryoki style”. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried it before, we have classes on how to eat a meal in this beautiful and traditional zen way. For details on your particular event, give us a call at 801-328-8414.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

9:00 –11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

3:30 – 5:45 p.m.

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

7:30 – 9:15 p.m.

Housing

We have room for about 35 people to stay here at Kanzeon Zen Center. Rooms are dormitory style with two to four people per room. If you would prefer a room by yourself there are two Bed & Breakfast establishments nearby and all the usual hotels downtown. Kanzeon Zen Center is twelve blocks east of downtown, so you may like to have a car to use to go back and forth. We have Wireless Internet in all of our buildings and there are places to set up your laptop. Our offices have print and FAX facilities if you need them.

Weather, etc.

The weather is always a factor to plan for in Salt Lake City. It can be quite cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. Spring and fall can be hot in the day and cold at night. Because of the altitude (5000 ft) the sun is very bright year around so sunglasses and sunscreen are good to have if you plan on being outside much. We’re very close to the mountains and there are several good trails within walking distance so bring some good shoes also. It’s quite dry here, so be sure to drink lots of water and use lotion on your skin while you are with us.

We keep the Zendo (meditation hall) cool all the time so bring warm socks. For meditation, we recommend comfortable dark clothes (sweats or yoga clothes are fine). We’re well stocked with meditation cushions and provide chairs for anyone who likes to meditate sitting up.

Please feel free to contact us if you have special needs or any questions about your stay here.