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MONASTIC GARDEN CARE - Samu Week
19–25 May 2026
The samu week dedicated to caring for the monastery garden is organized by the Zen nun Anette Myorei Thiel. While sharing in the daily life of the monks and nuns, participants are invited to help care for the monastery gardens while also discovering some ecological gardening techniques.
The program for the week includes gardening work, tending the vegetable garden, working the soil, landscaping around the new ponds, and other landscape design projects.
This week is open to everyone, whether beginners or experienced practitioners. It offers an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the practice of Sôtô Zen by experiencing zazen, the Zen meditation transmitted through the centuries, which permeates every aspect of daily life.
During this period, there will be two zazen sessions each day, in the morning and in the evening.
Master Wang-Genh, the abbot of the monastery, will give teachings on the specifics of Zen meditation and Zen Buddhism. There will also be opportunities to ask him questions during individual interviews (dokusan) or in a group setting (mondo).
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PROGRAM
- It is possible to take part for a duration of your choice, starting from a minimum of two nights on site.
- If you are coming for the first time, your arrival must be either on Monday between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. or on Friday between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
RATES
- 2 days: €109 (€81 for students or unemployed persons)
- 3 days: €136 (€101 for students or unemployed persons)
- 4 days: €163 (€121 for students or unemployed persons)
- 5 days: €190 (€141 for students or unemployed persons)
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 Association of the Zen Temple of Weiterswiller. 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 :
- membership conditions
- what to bring with you
- access to the temple (by train or car)
- the possibility of car pooling
By logging on to the :
SHALL WE TRAVEL TOGETHER?
As a participant, we offer you the opportunity to organise car pooling so that you can share the cost while reducing your carbon footprint. And all this while sharing a moment of conviviality with other retreatants :)
