Once a month, a 3 day intensive Zen practice takes place in the berliner location of the Inter- national Zen-Temple.The daily schedule is based on a tradition, that, in its origin, leads back to Shakyamuni Buddha and is especially suitable for the practice of Zen. Periods of sitting Zen and walking meditation are embedded within rituals of worship to the Buddha. There is the practice of the 108 bows, working meditation and formal eating. This eating ritual, which is done in our temple with the traditional Baru bowls, is an expression of awareness and contemplating the mind. Very helpful for a strong practice is the common silence which is kept during the whole retreat.The participants will be fully guided and assisted by the Zen Master Y.S. Seong Do Snim.

Daily routine

During the 3 day intensive meditation, the day begins at four o’clock, when the participants are awakened by the beating of the Moktak. After washing, they gather in the Dharma Room. At five o’clock the morning ritual of worship to the Buddha takes place, which includes the practice of the 108 bows. These bows stand for the overcoming of the 108 kinds of suffering, which are distinguished in the Buddhist canon.

From 5 o’clock on and throughout the day, a well structured course begins, which includes periods of sitting meditation for 40 minutes and walking meditation for 10 minutes (personal interviews about the Gongan practice are sometimes scheduled as part of this periods). Embedded in the daily routine are three ritual meals. At 11 a.m. the one hour working meditation begins, in which we clean the temple.

After the midday break the Zen master is giving a Dharma speech. This Dharma speeches of the Zen master can also take place at any other time of the day, if deemed necessary. At 5 p.m. there is a short ritual of worship to the Buddha. The last meditation period starts at 8 p.m. Night rest begins at 10 p.m.