The Sound of Zen Retreat
Sound of Zen, Sound of Joy
Wednesday, February 19th to Sunday, February 23, 2025.
“Listen! Listen! This wonderful sound brings me back to my true home.”
– Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Listening deeply to ourselves and listening deeply to others is an art we can all cultivate. Listening to the bell, listening to the birds, and listening to the sounds of nature help us listen to our inner voice. With the practice of deep listening, we can touch what is real and true within us, and we can be more fully present for others, and for life.
All Zen traditions include the practices of silence, deep listening, art, music, poetry, and singing or chanting. In the Plum Village tradition, singing practice songs, playing music and making space for creative expression is an integral part of our community life.
Music speaks to the heart and is a Dharma door that can unlock our inner world and our capacity to experience life and joy. The embodied practice of chanting, singing practice songs, and listening to or playing music can heal and empower us. We encounter not only ourselves but also our interconnectedness with others and the world around us.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
– Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
We invite you to join us in cultivating peace, joy and happiness as a community. We will deepen our basic practice of mindfulness, hone our listening skills, and explore ways to integrate practice songs and music. Music helps us come home to our bodies and notice what is there in the present moment. And when we are fully present, fully embodied, we can tap into our vital energy.
This is a mindfulness retreat with a focus on deep listening, cultivating joy, with some optional opportunities for singing and music. No prior experience with music or mindfulness is needed to take part in this retreat. It is open to all, including those who do not want to sing or make music. You do not need to be able to sing or play a musical instrument. As we come home to the present moment and develop the mind of non-discrimination, we free ourselves from self-limiting beliefs and open the door to the joy of self-expression within a safe and collective experience.
“When we are in touch with the present moment, all the wonders of life are available to us. ”
– Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Aside from our regular practices of mindfulness – mindful sitting, mindful walking, mindful eating, deep relaxation, and listening to live Dharma talks – we will have opportunities to participate in optional workshops, exploring the world of singing and music – the Zen of Sound – to touch the present moment deeply and the deep well of joy and creativity which lies within us.
“Enlightenment, peace, and joy will not be granted by someone else. The well is within us.”
– Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
In this 5-day retreat, we will deepen our practice of mindfulness and cultivate the art of joy. We will practice the art of looking and listening deeply. We will discover how presence can unlock our dormant creativity and explore ways to express what is within us.
If you are a musician, you are invited to bring your musical instrument/s with you, but you do not need to be a musician to attend this retreat. Just bring your Beginner’s Mind.
We hope to see you!
–Magnolia Grove Monastics
Some important information that might be helpful:
– Camping (bring your own tent/camper van): $ 240.00
– Commuter (staying in nearby accommodation): $ 240.00
– Bed in shared room (dorm/cabin): $ 400.00
A 20% discount for seniors (over 64) and young adults (under 27) is automatically included when you register. For students who require financial assistance, please mention this in the Notes section at the bottom of the registration form. For anyone else who requires financial assistance, please contact our office.
Please note that, due to the ongoing renovation of our kitchen and dining hall, all meals will take place at the brothers’ dining hall. At this time, we can only accommodate a maximum of 120 people on a first come first served basis.
Due to the cap of 120 retreatants, the intimacy of the retreat will allow for a more personal experience with the monastics and other practitioners.
If you would like to donate to this important project, please click below.
We are grateful for your support!
The retreat opens on February 19th with onsite arrival between 2 and 5 pm CT, and the retreat ends on February 23rd after lunch.
The retreat will include:
- Guided and silent sitting meditation.
- Outdoor walking meditation in a beautiful natural environment.
- Mindful meals in silence. Enjoy delicious vegan meals in community.
- Live Dharma talks, presentations, and Q&A.
- Dharma sharing circles in small groups. Time to listen deeply to others and share what is in our heart.
- Guided Deep Relaxation.
- Optional music/sound workshops. Listen, experiment, improvise, explore.
- The practice of Noble Silence.
To ensure your safety: Please be aware that we currently have an open construction site for the renovation of the main dining hall and kitchen. We ask that you maintain a respectful distance from the construction zone to ensure both your safety and that of our construction workers.
To register, please click on the button below.
Offer funds to support Magnolia Grove Monastery
Donations are processed on our behalf through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.