A retreat offers an opportunity for you to deepen your awareness of this precious life, and to experience the support of other sincere practitioners within the structure of a traditional Zen retreat atmosphere.
Retreats are held in silence at 12035 Mountcrest Rd SE, Huntsville, AL. Practice periods include 30 minute sitting periods interspersed with 15 minute walking periods.
In-person attendees should be symptom free, given close proximity of seats in the zendo.
Retreat Dates for 2025
| Retreat Dates | Retreat Description | Register By |
| Feb 7-9 | 2-Day Retreat | Feb 1 |
| May 1-4 | 3-Day Retreat | Apr 25 |
| Late Summer (TBD) | 2-Day Retreat | TBD |
| Nov 6-9 | 3-Day Retreat | Oct 31 |
1-Day Retreats
Retreats specified as “1-Day Retreats” start promptly on Saturday at 9am and close on Saturday at 5:30pm (in-person only).
Lunch is provided. Suggested donation $20*.
2-Day Retreats
Retreats specified as “2-Day Retreats” open at 7:00pm on Friday, and close at Noon on Sunday (in-person only).
Meals are provided Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast. Suggested donation $60-$80*. The practice schedule is as follows:
7pm to 9pm on Friday
6am to 9pm on Saturday (3 meals)
6am to Noon on Sunday (1 meal)
You may download the daily schedule here.
3-Day Retreats
Retreats specified as “3-Day Retreats” open at 7:00pm on Thursday, and close at Noon on Sunday (in-person only).
Meals are provided Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Suggested donation $120-$160*. The practice schedule is as follows:
7pm to 9pm on Thursday
6am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday (3 meals/day)
6am to Noon on Sunday (2 meals)
You may download the daily schedule here.
“Hybrid” Retreats
Retreats specified as “Hybrid Retreats” consist of Main Practice Periods (in-person only), and optional Extended Practice Periods (in-person or virtual).
“Hybrid” Main Practice Period
A main practice period starts promptly at 9am and closes at 5:30pm. Lunch is provided. Suggested donation is $20*.
Participation during this period is in-person only. There is no virtual option.
“Hybrid” Extended Practice Periods
Extended practice periods expand the retreat day to approximate the traditional retreat schedule. This is to encourage participation by providing flexibility for those whose schedules preclude commitment for the entire retreat. Optional periods may be attended either in person or virtually via Google Meet. A virtual event invitation will be sent to registrants by separate email the week prior to the retreat. You must register by email in advance to receive any optional period invitations.
You may download the daily schedule here.
*Donations
Suggested donations for retreats use a simple rule-of-thumb based on meals taken (on the order of $15-$20 per meal). Your donation depends upon your own finances and volition. A separate donation may be offered in the tradition of direct support of a visiting teacher, if applicable (and should be specified as such).
We are all encouraged to practice Dana Paramita (perfection of generosity). Offering periodic retreats would not be possible without the generous support of friends. 100% of all donations (Dana) are used for GMZC expenses and visiting teacher support. GMZC is operated at zero profit. A brief description of GMZC expenses can be found at the bottom of the Weekly Practice page.
You will not be turned away due to finances; your attendance is what is most valued. There are always opportunities to help in the kitchen or in preparing for the retreat. Please coordinate this ahead of time.
A donation box is located on a table upon entry. Cash or checks. Checks to “Green Mountain Zen Center”.
Registration
If you would like to participate in a retreat, please email Gary at greenmountainzenhsv@gmail.com by the “Register By” date specified for the retreat. Please include details of your desired arrival, departure, and meals to assist our meal planning.
Please note that attendance is space-limited to the first 12 people who register. If a retreat fills up, new registration requests will be added to a stand-by list in the order received.
Past Retreats (2024)
| Retreat Dates | Retreat Description | Register By |
| Feb 24 | 1-Day Retreat | Completed |
| Mar 28-31 | 3-Day Single Flower Sangha Retreat | Completed |
| Jun 29 | 1-Day Retreat | Completed |
| Oct 10-13 | 3-Day Single Flower Sangha Retreat | Completed |
| Dec 7-8 | Buddha’s Enlightenment Observance* (Sat 7pm-10pm; Sun 9am-Noon) | Completed |