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"Discover Zen" Week
19–25 May 2026
Our modern lives often lack calm and serenity.
The “Discover Zen Week” invites you to a full immersion into the daily life of a Buddhist monastery, to reconnect deeply with the present moment.
Throughout your stay, you will be guided in learning the essential principles of Zen meditation, including meditation in action, integrated into the heart of every activity.
Master Wang-Genh, abbot of the monastery, will share his teachings on the foundations of Zen and the specifics of meditative practice. You will also have the opportunity to ask him questions during individual interviews (dokusan) or group Q&A sessions (mondo).
The meditation sessions will be specially adapted for beginners, with a gradual and compassionate approach.
Each day, a preparatory physical practice for zazen will be offered: stretching, fascia work, yoga postures (asanas) — all means to tame the body and facilitate a stable and comfortable seated posture.
Why participate?
- To discover a two-thousand-year-old spirituality, whose teachings and practice deeply resonate with the challenges of our time.
- To find peace, inner stability, and a space of silence amid the daily hustle and bustle.
- To better know yourself, ground yourself in the body, and fully live in the present moment.
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Who is it for?
This program is especially designed for beginners and anyone curious to discover Zen meditation.
It is also suitable for those who wish to experience communal living infused with values such as kindness, generosity, and respect for life.
The teachings are offered in French and German.
PROGRAMME
- The full retreat takes place from Tuesday, May 19 to Monday, May 25, 2026.
- Arrival: Monday, May 18 between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Welcome talk at 7:00 pm.
The week is divided into two parts (see detailed programs below):
From Monday evening to Friday midday: preparation
You will share the daily life of the residents of the Zen temple. Two zazen (Zen meditation) sessions are scheduled each day. Adapted teachings will support you to facilitate your immersion and help you integrate smoothly into monastic life.
From Friday evening to Monday midday: My first Zen retreat
Arrival for the sesshin: Friday, May 22 between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Welcome talk at 7:00 pm.
My first Zen retreat – Sesshin: a more intensive period, focused on the practice of zazen and silence. Four meditation sessions are offered each day, shorter than in a traditional sesshin. Most sessions will be guided, to support your practice as effectively as possible.
Departure: Monday, May 25 after lunch around 2:00 pm.
Program from Tuesday to Friday: The Gyoji, Daily Life
Typical daily schedule (indicative, subject to change)
| 6:30 | Shinrei - Wake-up |
|---|---|
| 7:00 - 8:30 | Zazen in two parts of 25 minutes / kinhin 10 mn + Cérémony |
| 8:45 | Genmai - Traditional breakfast in silence |
| 9:15 | Tea & coffee break - rest |
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Samu - voluntary community service |
| 11:15 - 12:15 | teaching |
| 12:30 - 13:00 | Lunch in silence |
| 13:00 - 14:45 | Tea & coffee break - rest |
| 14:45 - 16:00 | Samu - voluntary community service |
| 16:15 - 17:00 | Workshops |
| 17:00 - 18:00 | Body practice |
| 18:45 - 19:45 | Zazen - Two 25 min's session |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
“MY FIRST ZEN RETREAT” PROGRAM
From Friday evening to Monday at 2:00 pm
| 6:30 | Shinrei - Wake-up |
|---|---|
| 7:00 - 8:30 | Zazen in two parts of 30 minutes / kinhin 10 mn + Cérémony |
| 8:45 | Genmai - Traditional breakfast in silence |
| 9:15 | Tea & coffee break - rest |
| 11:00 - 12:30 | Zazen in two parts of 30 min each + teaching |
| 12:30 | Lunch in silence |
| 13:00 | Tea & coffee break - rest |
| 14:45 - 17:00 | Samu - voluntary community service |
| 17:30 - 18:45 | Two zazen session of 30 minutes + possibility of individual interviews (dokusan) or question-and-answer sessions with participants (mondo) |
| 18:45 | Dinner in silence |
| 20:30 | Zazen et evening ceremony |
| 22:15 | Bed time |
RATES
(Teachings, accommodation, and meals included)
- Full week “Discover Zen” (May 19–25, 2026) – Standard rate: €566
- Full week “Discover Zen” (May 19–25, 2026) – Student and jobseeker rate: €425
- Preparation (May 19–22, 2026) – Standard rate: €449
- Preparation (May 19–22, 2026) – Student and jobseeker rate: €337
- Sesshin “My first Zen retreat” only (May 22–25, 2026) – Standard rate: €337
- Sesshin “My first Zen retreat” only (May 22–25, 2026) – Student and jobseeker rate: €253
SPECIAL NOTICE – Long-time and regular participants, please contact us directly by email.
Participation in Activities
To take part in the monastery’s activities, it is necessary to be a member of the Weiterswiller Zen Temple Association. The annual membership fee is €15.
*The Communauté de Communes Hanau La Petite Pierre has introduced a tourist tax throughout its entire territory to support the development of tourism initiatives. It has been in effect since May 1, 2022, and for the year 2026 amounts to €0.85 per person per night (to be paid in addition).
or I send an e-mail to info@meditation-zen.org
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT – Please take note of:
- the association membership conditions
- the list of items to bring
- access details to the temple (by train or car)
- the possibility of coming by carpooling
By visiting the page:
SHALL WE TRAVEL TOGETHER?
To attend this retreat, we offer a carpooling option to share travel expenses while reducing your carbon footprint. It is also a great opportunity to get to know other retreat participants even before arriving at the temple.
