The tradition of the intensive practice period goes back to the time of the Buddha when, during the rainy season, the Buddha and his disciples gathered in one place to meditate and study together. As our own rainy season approaches here in the Pacific Northwest, we will hold our 26th annual Mountain Rain practice period from October-December.

The old stories and dialogues of the Zen koan literature grapple with the paradox of knowing and not-knowing, and give us clues as to how to navigate through uncertainty in our daily lives. During this practice period we will draw on several koan collections, as well as contemporary perspectives to help us to live with uncertainty without being paralyzed and overwhelmed, to expand our capacity to respond to the ever-changing world around us.

For more information, to set your intentions by registering, or to sign up for a practice period peer group, please see the Practice Period Guide HERE.

During practice period you will receive a weekly newsletter with updates, resources and suggestions for discussion. Participants are invited to send in reflections, questions, photos, or poems to share with other participants, and we’ll post them in the newsletter. Please send contributions to admin@mountainrainzen.org.

Practice period is a wonderful way to strengthen and nourish your practice, supported by the sangha. We hope you’ll be able to participate in whatever way is best for you.