Prajapati’s Path

           Women in Buddhism

May 30 – June 21, 2012

Zen Meditation Residential Retreat for Young  Adults (with College Credit option)

In this three-week experiential course we will live in an intentional community of mindfulness while exploring the teachings of key Buddhist women throughout history.

Pajapati, the first woman ordained by the Buddha, as well as poets, nuns of east Asia and contemporary Buddhist teachers will guide the path of the women and men taking this course. Students work, study and meditate together in a retreat setting with the Rev. Teijo Munnich, an American born priest of the Soto Zen tradition. A one week  silent meditation (sesshin) retreat is included in the course.

Three academic credits at either the 200 or 400 level are available
through nearby Mars Hill College’s Religion and Philosophy Department for undergraduates.

• Sesshin Schedule - Link to daily schedule during retreat
• Guidelines -  for your stay at Great Tree
• More information
  

Tuition:

$2300 covers room, lodging, and tuition for three weeks.

Undergraduate credit is $263 per credit hour through Mars Hill College

Students have the option of earning up to 3 credit hours or taking the
course without credit

Admission Process:

• Submit applications to Great Tree Zen Temple (see links below)
• Review Fee Options below
• Include $50. application fee
• Complete a telephone interview.
• Complete a Mars Hill application
• Age 18-26

Click here for Summer 2012 Brochure with more information

About Great Tree

Great Tree was found five years ago on six acres of land outside Asheville, NC  for the purpose of providing a residential practice  of Soto Zen Buddhism for women. Retreats and workshops are offered throughout the year for all.  Both women and men are welcome at retreats as student practitioners.

The practice at Great Tree  is modeled after a Japanese Soto Zen monastery with some western modifications. The diet is macrobiotic – vegetarian,  and accommodations are shared rooms or tent camping on Temple grounds.  The temple has a membership of approximately 600 and is open to the public on a regular basis. Some weekly community, Thursday morning Sangha,  events may be concurrent during your stay. You may view the calendar to see what events coincide with your stay.

At this time Rev. Teijo Munnich is the primary resident and Abbess;  Ms. Chimyo Atkinson joined the residential practice in fall of 2010 following her study in Japan.

Great Tree Zen Temple’s Internship retreat is for students to explore mindfulness through Zen practice. Participants will be asked to take a break from the busy world, clear the mind and develop a daily meditation practice. This opportunity for deep inner exploration and an experience of mindful community living is open to all undergraduates and appropriate for both experienced with meditation and those who are new to the practice.  Students will share cooking, indoor and outdoor responsibilities,  work-as-practice (samu) as part of the daily schedule. Kihin (walking meditation) is also part of the practice.

We are happy to send you an Application for Summer Internship by mail, or you may use the PDF form below.

Application Information

Application for Summer Internship (PDF)  To be complete we must receive your Application Form by mail with payment of your application fee.

Fees and Payment Options:

Early Enrollment  – Please apply as early as possible – space is limited. Early Enrollment allows for 3 pay payment plan of 750. per month. 

• Application for early enrollment and payment plan: FEBRUARY 15, 2012
• Confirmation and Acceptance – March 1, 2012
• Three  equal partial payment  due   March 15,  April 15,  May 15
• You may make payments here beginning as early as March 10, 2012. We cannot accept credit card payments on site.
• Complete application for credit separately to Mars Hill College due by May 15 (if taking the course for credit); fees for credit are paid to MARS HILL COLLEGE following acceptance.

Regular  Enrollment

• DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:  April 15
• Confirmation & Acceptance no later than May 1
• Total tuition due: $2300. no later than May 15th
• Tuition fees are payable to Great Tree Zen Temple
• Course credit fees are payable to Mars Hill College and arrangements for credit made through their admissions office.

Click here to submit an application fee ($50) on line. Be sure to send in your Application Form if you elect to pay on-line.

Great Tree Zen Temple is not responsible for travel expenses.  You are expected to arrive by 4pm on May 30th.