Reviews of Zen Mountain Monastery, USA

Last Updated: September 23, 2024

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Credit: Zen Mountain Monastery Insta

Zen Mountain Monastery is a Zen Buddhist monastery and training center located on a 220-acre forest property in the Catskill Mountains of Mount Tremper, New York. Founded in 1980 by the late John Daido Loori Roshi, it is dedicated to passing down the teachings of the Buddha, following a lineage that traces back to Shakyamuni Buddha.

You can join their practice either at the main locations, Zen Mountain Monastery and Zen Center of New York City, or through affiliated groups. They offer in-person and online programs, including regular meditation (Zazen), liturgies, study groups, and other sessions like Sangha Practice and Affinity Groups.

No. of Reviews: Google (83), Apple (273), Glassdoor (3), Total: 359
Ratings: Google (4.6),Apple (4.6), Glassdoor (4.3) out of 5 stars, Avg:4.5
Served years: 44 years
Specialty:  holistic, disciplined,  training, blending meditation, work, and community life.

What are people saying about Zen Mountain Monastery ?

Zen Mountain Monastery is a great place to learn about Zen Buddhism. It's a beautiful and peaceful place with a supportive community of people. The monks and teachers are friendly, and the food is delicious.

The monastery is a special place where you can learn about Zen Buddhism and find peace and support. It's a great place to visit if you're interested in learning more about Zen Buddhism.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided, with gender-segregated rooms. Private rooms are reserved for long-term residents. Meals, bedding, and basic necessities are provided.

Food

Meals are vegetarian, and the menu usually accommodates vegan and gluten-free diets.

Meditation learning

1. Zazen (Seated Meditation): The main practice where participants sit quietly, focusing on their breath and posture to develop mindfulness and inner calm.
2. Walking Meditation (Kinhin): This practice involves walking mindfully between zazen sessions, helping participants maintain awareness while moving.
3. Work Practice (Samu): Everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning are performed mindfully, extending the meditation into action.
4. Private Interviews (Dokusan): One-on-one sessions with a teacher for personalized advice on meditation and Zen practices.
5. Liturgy and Chanting: Participants take part in group chanting and religious services, which are viewed as a form of meditation.

Yoga Classes

The monastery doesn't focus on yoga, but it does offer body-based practices like sitting meditation and walking meditation.

Other Activities

1. Zen Mountain Monastery provides online and in-person programs, including Zazen & Liturgy Online, Sangha Practice Groups, and Teachers & Seniors Online.
2. The monastery offers weekend retreats, month-long residencies, and intensive meditation retreats (Sesshin).
3. Retreats feature a busy schedule with zazen, work practice (like kitchen or housekeeping tasks), and liturgical services.
4. For program details, webcasts, online retreats, and live stream feeds for daily zazen and Sunday services, check the Programs Page on the Zen Mountain Monastery website.
5. Information about in-person services and weekday visits is also available on the Programs Page.

Cost

The cost for retreats varies depending on the length. For weekend retreats, expect prices around $200–$400, while month-long residencies cost more.

Internet/communication

The monastery encourages disconnecting from devices to focus on practice. Limited internet access is available in certain areas during free time, but communication with the outside world is restricted.

Features

Zen Mountain Monastery emphasizes a holistic, disciplined approach to Zen training, blending meditation, work, and community life.

1. Teacher and Community Support: Private interviews with senior teachers, group liturgies, and community support help deepen personal practice
2. limited Communication: There’s minimal access to the internet, encouraging participants to focus on spiritual practice without distractions
3. Structured Retreats: Work practice integrates meditation into daily routines. These include daily meditation, liturgical services, and teachings.

FAQs

What kind of meditation is practiced at the monastery?

Zazen (seated meditation) and walking meditation are the main practices, alongside work practice and liturgical services.

What are the accommodation options?

Dormitory-style, gender-segregated rooms are available, with private rooms for long-term residents.

Is there internet access?

Limited internet is available, but the monastery encourages disconnecting from devices to focus on practice.

Are yoga classes offered?

Yoga isn’t a focus, but body-based practices like sitting and walking meditation are emphasized.