Practicing at Hokyoji

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Practicing at Hokyoji

Hokyoji is a place for experienced practitioners to engage in a more intensive schedule of zazen, work and study. Hokyoji is not a "monastery," with a large group of long-term resident practitioners that engages in a daily round of formal observances or clerical training. Our teacher, Dokai Georgesen, is our only permanent resident, though he currently has three other individuals now living and practicing with him at Hokyoji for an extended period, making the total number of residents four. A student may explore making an arrangement with him to engage in open practice at Hokyoji for some period of time during the times when Hokyoji is open for practice. Some of our practice program is made up of events conducted by visiting sanghas, in additional to events led by Dokai that draw practitioners from a variety of sanghas. Most practitioners come to Hokyoji as part of one of these scheduled events.

While we welcome everyone to practice at Hokyoji, the resources we can offer to new practitioners are necessarily limited. If you are looking for instruction in Zen meditation you can make an appointment with Dokai or Ekyo Susan Nelson for one-to-one practice instruction during times when open practice (non-retreat time) is happening, as we do not hold Introductory classes or retreats at this time. We suggest doing these classes with your local sangha. To find a local teacher or temple, you might visit the Soto Zen Buddhist Association's directories. If you are interested in a tour of Hokyoji for your group we would be glad to accomodate you if your request is made well in advance. The best months for such a tour are May through November during non-retreat times as the road into the property is easily navigated by everyone at those times. Please check the schedule to find non-retreat times.

Guidelines for practice at Hokyoji

Our practice behavior is aimed at creating an environment that is conducive to communal, contemplative practice. The ability to be open and flexible while living in very close quarters with other people is paramount to one’s appreciation of the experience of retreat. We aim to always communicate in ways that are honest, gentle, intimate and respectful. In the spirit of encouraging ourselves to enter as deeply as possible into the contemplation and realization that Buddha’s life is our very own life, we maintain precept practice, not diverting our energy by using alcohol or other recreational drugs or by engaging in sexual activity while practicing together at Hokyoji. So as not to distract others or draw attention to ourselves, we wear clothing that reflects the virtue of modesty and keep our bodies covered appropriately. The clothing we wear during meditation should be quiet and cool.

Accommodations are very simple, ranging from dormitory-style beds to the zendo floor to personal camping equipment. Please pack as lightly as possible, as facilities are limited. If you bring a tent, bring a ground cloth for it. Each person has a small space in the men's or women's shower room for clothing, toiletries, etc.; please keep personal gear compact. A tent is useful for storing gear on longer stays even if you don't sleep in it.

The climate is very changeable; it can be quite cold in the mornings and very warm by afternoon. The weather is often cool and dry, but there will be some hot, humid days from June through September and some cold, wet days. Morning lows can be below freezing in May and October. It rains often; bring good rain gear.

You need not bring sitting cushions, but if you have a bench or cushions you particularly like, you are welcome to bring them. Chairs are available for practitioners who would like them.

Packing suggestions

Bedding: Bring a good sleeping bag, with a liner or blanket if you wish. If you are sleeping in a tent, you may want an air mattress or pad; in the zendo you may use cushions.

Zazen clothing: Robes are not required for laypeople; if you have them, you are welcome to wear them. Bring loose pants or skirts, shirts and a wool shirt or sweater. Dark or quiet colors are preferred; please don't wear revealing or skimpy clothing at Hokyōji.

A bathrobe may be useful for going between sleeping area and shower room at rising and bedtime.

Good long underwear is strongly recommended.

Work clothes: bring pants, shirts (long and short sleeved), work gloves and sturdy shoes.

Rain gear: You may want a wool jacket or light insulated jacket or vest, sun hat and wool hat.

Please bring a flashlight and spare batteries. An alarm clock and an umbrella are highly recommended.

Miscellanea: towel, washcloth, unscented soaps and deodorants, biodegradable shampoo and soap, insect repellant, sunscreen, medications (especially for hay fever and allergies), shaving equipment (an outlet is available for recharging but not for daily plug-in use), toiletries, writing supplies such as envelopes and stamps.

Note:

Practitioners have occasionally been known to contract Lyme Disease while at Hokyoji. The facility is rustic, and there are deer ticks on the site, especially in early summer. However, with a few precautions, the vast majority of practitioners enjoy a safe and disease-free stay. To learn what you can do to protect yourself, see our brochure.

Brochure: Ticks Live Here Too