Finding True Refuge
Where do we find refuge in a world on fire? How does Buddhist practice support us in living together well?
For thousands of years, Buddhist communities around the globe have gathered on the darkest and brightest nights of the lunar cycle to reflect on our actions, consider our intentions and recommit to a life of integrity, compassion and awakening. In Zen, we carry on this ancient tradition through the monthly Full Moon Ceremony, Ryaku Fusatsu.
During this Intensive, we will use the framework of the Full Moon Ceremony to walk with all beings through the heart of our wide, aching world. Together we will explore themes illuminated in the Ceremony, including:
- Finding True Refuge
- Untangling Karma
- Honoring Our Ancestors
- Bodhisattva Vows
- Embodying the Precepts
The Intensive is open to both online and in-person participants. The schedule will include weekly classes, Dharma Talks and “tea” with the teacher. There will be a day-long sesshin to open and a three-day sesshin to close. All are welcome to join in-person or on Zoom for the full Intensive schedule, or for the class or sesshins only.
About the May 2025 Intensive at City Center
This page is for residential participation. To participate as a commuter or online, please visit this page.
Residential participation includes (and requires a commitment to) all practice offerings. These include:
- May 19th: Orientation and first class at 7:30pm - 9pm PT
- May 24th: Opening One-Day Sit
- Dharma talks every Wednesday evening at 7:45pm PT and Saturday morning at 10:15am PT
- Class every Tuesday evening at 7:30pm - 9pm PT
- June 12-14th: Closing Three-Day Sesshin
- Following the City Center daily schedule of zazen, service and other practice activities
- Small weekly discussion groups
- Residential participation will also include community responsibilities such as a dish shift and a house job.
For more detailed scheduling please see the residential application form (coming up soon). Access to the online portal for curricula and recordings of all classes and Dharma talks is also included.
These fees include residency, meals, and all practice offerings.
Full Schedule Resident / WPA: Includes full-time work practice at City Center
- $1,152
Limited Schedule Resident: Not working at City Center
- $1,680
Please review:
Residential Application
—The residential application link will be available starting February 23rd.—
A $30 application fee is required. Applications are due by May 9th 2025.
Please plan to move in on May 18
Please plan to move out on or before June 15