SUMMER RETREATS 2026

1 – THE COMMON PROGRAM FOR ALL RETREATS

Within this framework, you will deeply experience community life in a Zen temple:

- Zen meditation, zazen, and walking meditation, kinhin – between two and four sessions per day depending on the period.

- Buddhist teachings and the possibility of having an interview with Master Wang-Genh or with experienced monks and nuns.

- Selfless participation in activities for the community: periods of samou (kitchen, garden care, cleaning, tidying, woodwork, maintenance work, shop, etc.).

- Rituals and ceremonies that structure the day and bring us back to the present moment (bells, drums, chants, etc.).
A healthy and balanced diet (vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free).

- A precise and effective framework, drawn from the tradition of Zen monasteries, to rediscover concentration and inner discipline.

2 – ZEN CAMPUS RYUMONJI: EXPERIENCING AND DEEPENING THE PRACTICE AND TEACHING OF ZEN”

Four “Zen Campus Ryumonji” sessions are planned between June and September, each lasting two weeks. They all share the same theme:

“Experiencing and deepening the practice and teaching of Zen.”

The 4 sessions:

• Session 1: from Tuesday June 16 to Sunday June 28. Arrival takes place on Monday June 15 between 5 pm and 6 pm.
• Session 2: from Tuesday July 7 to Sunday July 19 – Arrival takes place on Monday July 6 between 5 pm and 6 pm.
• Session 3: from Sunday August 9 to Sunday August 23. Arrival takes place on Saturday August 8 between 5 pm and 6 pm.
• Session 4: from Tuesday September 1 to Sunday September 13. Arrival takes place on Monday August 31 between 5 pm and 6 pm.

These complete training periods follow a common format:

- The mornings are dedicated to “Gyoji”, meaning that participants follow the daily life of the nuns and monks: Zazen (Zen meditation), ceremonies, meals taken in silence using Oryoki, samou, and voluntary participation for the community.

- In the afternoons, teachings and workshops will be led either directly by Master Olivier Reigen Wang-Genh or by senior practitioners, all of whom have teacher status.

Throughout the two weeks, the following themes will be studied and explored in depth:

• Zen meditation, zazen
• The main principles of Zen Buddhism
• Ethics and daily life
• Integrating Zen practice into everyday life

Depending on the session, the program may vary according to the retreats taking place at the same time.

Target audience: EVERYONE!

The teachings of Zen can be applied at different levels in a practitioner’s life. Therefore this program is intended both for people discovering Zen and for nuns and monks who have many years of experience in the practice.

The strength of these "Zen Campus" lies above all in the spirit of the sangha, the monastic community, where the more experienced practitioners support, with humility and compassion, those who are discovering Zen practice.

PRICE PER SESSION – Zen Campus Ryumonji (2 full weeks – all inclusive)

• Standard price: 595 euros
• Reduced price (students or unemployed): 446 euros

3/ THE SUMMER SESSIONS (JULY / AUGUST)

Lasting eight days, the summer sessions are a good way to immerse yourself in the heart of the Zen Buddhist tradition. The retreat is divided into two parts:

• 3.5 days of preparation: a simple retreat with three zazen sessions per day, particularly suitable for beginners.
• 1 day of rest on Wednesday with a friendly evening on Tuesday night.
• 3.5 days of sesshin: an intensive retreat with four zazen sessions per day.

Here is all the information about:

• The July session
• The August session 

4/ SESSHINS OR INTENSIVE RETREATS

“Sesshin” means in Japanese “to touch the mind.” These sessions place emphasis on Zen meditation (zazen) and silence. There are four zazen sessions per day.

These retreats are quite intensive; please consult the schedule before registering. All sesshins are open to everyone. Beginners are welcome and receive special explanations intended for them.

During the special “first sesshin” retreats, meditation sessions are slightly shorter and include more basic teachings.

Here is the calendar of our sesshins this summer: 

• From June 12 to June 14: Sesshin in silence
• From June 26 to June 28: 2.5-day sesshin
• From July 16 to July 19: 3.5-day Jukai sesshin
• From August 13 to August 16: 3.5-day sesshin
• From August 21 to August 23: First sesshin, 2.5 days (especially suitable for beginners)
• From September 4 to September 6: 2.5-day sesshin in silence

5/ THEMATIC RETREATS

• Zen and Creativity – July 7 to July 10
• Jukai Retreat – Receiving the Precepts – July 12 to July 19
• Discover Zen – August 18 to August 23
• Family Retreat (for children) – August 21 to August 23
• Kesa Sewing – August 21 to August 23

6/ GYOJI OR “DAILY LIFE” RETREATS (Short or long stay)

These Gyoji retreats, of short or medium duration, follow the rhythm of the “daily life” of the nuns and monks, outside of sesshin or thematic retreats.

There are two meditation sessions per day as well as samou (garden work, kitchen, maintenance work, cleaning, biodiversity care, etc.).

Periods for Gyoji retreats: in June, July, August, and September.

Please note:

- No arrivals on Saturdays or Sundays

- You may extend your Gyoji retreat with the following activity (sesshin or thematic retreat) upon simple request.

- Minimum stay: two days, to be scheduled within the following periods:

• From June 15 to June 25
• From June 29 to July 11
• From August 31 to September 3
• From September 7 to September 18

Practical information about “daily life” retreats:

You can find all the PRICES and the PROGRAM OF A TYPICAL DAY by clicking HERE.

7/ SPECIAL “DAILY LIFE” RETREATS FOR UNDER 25s OR PEOPLE WITHOUT EMPLOYMENT

These retreats offer a very accessible rate for people under 25 or without employment.

Alongside the other programs (Zen Campus Ryumonji, summer camps, thematic retreats, etc.), you will follow the rhythm of the Gyoji retreats, that is, the daily life of the nuns and monks.

The emphasis will be on samou, voluntary participation for the community (garden work, kitchen, maintenance work, cleaning, biodiversity care, etc.).

PLEASE NOTE: arrival must take place on Monday evening between 5 pm and 6 pm, regardless of how many days you stay.

POSSIBLE PERIODS:

• Between 2 and 6 weeks, from June 8 to July 19 (arrival on Monday June 8)
• 2 weeks, from August 9 to August 23 (exceptional arrival on Saturday August 8)
• 2 weeks, from September 1 to September 13 (arrival on Monday August 31)

SPECIAL RATES:

• 2 weeks: 290 euros
• 3 weeks: 366 euros
• 4 weeks: 435 euros
• 5 weeks: 544 euros
• 6 weeks: 653 euros