Retreat in United States

[Rich]

what I can to help, starting with this advice:

DON'T come to Arizona. It's not that I don't want you here, it's just that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. And anyway I would love an excuse to be elsewhere.

Julia

I didn't stay long in arizona because if the electrc went off I would have roasted.
there is a Kwan um zen center in vegas that might have accomodations.

[Rich]

Tom pastor is the teacher/abbot

[Jishin]

I vote for Vegas.

[Dosho]

I believe an east coast locale would be best, since it is more geographically centered for the majority of our membership. West coasters can come a few times zones east while Europeans would come a few time zones west. I really do think it makes the most sense.

Gassho,
Dosho

[McGettigan]

Dosho,

Hofstra University is a really beautiful college in New York on Long Island, and they often loan out their dorms to different groups in the summer. It's a train ride from JFK airport, and only an hour by train into Manhattan. The campus is actually an arboretum, so it's quite pretty. There's also the Long Island Zen center not far from it as well. It would help alleviate the travel time and expense (meaning from the airport to the retreat), and it would eliminate the biggest problem with New York which is the cost of hotels. I'm an alumni, so I could call and ask if there is an interest.

Gassho,
Mc.

[McGettigan]

Not to belabor the point, but when I think about it, Hofstra does also have a nice computer lab and several quiet conference areas with equipment for both broadcasting and receiving over the internet. We could broadcast over google plus or skype, and everyone who couldn't attend could join us via a large projector screen. There's also an on campus radio station that's very well stocked were there an interest in recording a podcast. All we would need to bring is a laptop. I imagine both the connectivity, and the loaning/cheap rental of dorms are common on campuses in the summer.

Something to consider. These are just the things that spring to mind when I think of affordability.

Gassho,
Mc.

[Amelia]

I know that East Coast works best for everyone, and that would be great.

(But I'm secretly rooting for Vegas because I won't be able to make it unless I can drive to it. )

[Heisoku]

Wow, Vegas or the Big Apple for a Zen retreat! Now that says something about Treeleaf.

[arnold]

Dosho, if the Sesshin is to be on the East Coast, have you considered the Garrison institute? It is a retreat center that already hosts Weekend Sesshin for several Zen center's that lack residential facilities. It is an former Cupuchin monastery that overlooks the Hudson river. It is a very beautiful place and hosting retreats is their mission. May very well be worth checking out. They also advertise the retreats on their web site which may bolster attendance.

Their site is http://www.garrisoninstitute.org/.

[Yugen]

I must agree with Dosho that the East coast seems to be a strong and logical choice.

While it is true that the Buddha is everywhere, the shortage of holy fig trees under which to sit in Vegas I think rules out that location..... :-(

Besides, if what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, any breakthroughs experienced there will be restricted to city limits!

So I am thinking East coast or Eastern US?

BTW Carnival cruise lines is offering cheap group packages right now (kidding)

Gassho
Yugen

[Shujin]

One common theme that keeps arising is air fare. It would be beneficial to look at some of the less expensive airports and, if facilities are available, lean towards those.

I don't have a vested interest in one location over another, especially since I don't know what my commitments will be in 2014. I share the goal of making this retreat accessible for the greatest number, however.

Gassho,
Shujin

[Yugen]

Hi everyone:

On Taigu's behalf we'd like to announce the dates for the US 2014 retreat he will be leading - August 9-14 2014 - the retreat will be held at Dokan's home, which is near Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, DC. The closest major airports for travel are Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI). While the retreat is still a year out and many airlines do not accept reservations more than 8 or 9 months in advance, we did want to provide plenty of notice so folks could arrange their schedules, vacation time, etc. The retreat starts early on August ninth - so please arrange to arrive on the eighth. A retreat schedule, logistics, and retreat roles (Tenzo, Doan, etc.) will be distributed closer to the retreat date. We do plan that a contribution for food / meals during the retreat will be requested, as well as a contribution towards an appropriate expression of gratitude to Dokan and his family for hosting the retreat.

Deep bows
Yugen

[Neika]

While I am on the west coast, so would love to have it here, Dosho is right, the east coast makes the most sense. Count me in for attending and helping how I can.

[Nengyo]

Once I find out my complete school schedule later next month I will be able to give an answer. Right now, judging by the dates, it looks like there is at least a chance I will be able to make it.

[Shugen]

Looks doable for me as well.


Shugen