led by Chodo Robert Campbell Sensei and Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei (founders and guiding teachers of the New York Zen Center), with guest teachers

 

The annual Contemplative Care Retreat is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, with others.

Rooted in Zen teachings and the Bodhisattva path, this retreat offers a space to deepen your meditation practice,engage in meaningful dialogue, and cultivate compassionate presence in all aspects of life. The practice of contemplative care offers an exploration of relationship, courage, and connection—a way of meeting ourselves and each other with openness and kindness.

Together, we will reflect on how to nurture resilience, awaken to the fullness of our experience, and serve with greater wisdom and compassion.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

Through meditation, dharma talks, experiential learning exercises, personal meetings with teachers, shared meals, periods of noble silence, and more, we will create a space of practice, rest, and renewal.

 

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

 

This annual retreat is open to all, whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner seeking to refresh your practice! We welcome anyone who wishes to explore the intersection of contemplative practice and compassionate care.

For alumni of our Foundations in Contemplative Care program or our Contemplative Medicine Fellowship, this retreat serves as an annual reunion—an opportunity to reconnect, meet other practitioners, and nourish your practice within a like-minded community.

 

Join us for this transformative retreat, where we will cultivate presence, deepen our care, and walk the path of practice, together.

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SESSHIN TEACHERS

 

Chodo Robert Campbell Sensei, GC-C, NYZC Co-Founder, Vice President, & Guiding Teacher is a Zen teacher, bereavement specialist, grief counselor and a recognized leader for those suffering with the complexities of death & dying, aging, and sobriety. The educational non-profit he co-founded, the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, touches thousands of lives every year through its numerous educational programs, contemplative retreats, and Soto Zen Buddhist practices. Chodo has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning and other media outlets.

 

Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei, MFA, LMSW, DMIN, NYZC Co-Founder, President & Guiding Teacher author, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, leader in contemplative care, and co-founder of an educational non-profit called the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. His books, grounded in Buddhist wisdom and practice, have gained national attention. Through its numerous educational programs, contemplative retreats, and Soto Zen Buddhist practices, the New York Zen Center touches thousands of lives every year. Koshin has appeared on dozens of podcasts and his work has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning and other media outlets. He is the author of Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity, Courage, and Compassion (Balance/Hachette, 2022); Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up (Wisdom Publications, 2019). And the co-editor of Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End of Life Care (Wisdom Publications, 2016).

 

 

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Please Click here to REGISTER

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

There are Single, Double and Dorm rooms available. Please note, there is no available guest elevator and all rooms are accessible by stairs—except for those reserved for the mobility-impaired on the first floor. There are two communal bathrooms on each residential floor as well as a comfortable lounge with sofas and easy chairs, where tea and instant coffee are available. The lounges also are equipped with wireless, high-speed internet connection. There are several local hotels within driving distance from the Institute, for those who wish to stay off-site, as commuters. Onsite meals are included with commuter registrations.

COVID-19

The health and safety of our guests and staff is a top priority for the Garrison Institute. To attend a retreat or event all guests, teachers, and staff are strongly encouraged to self-test (at home antigen test is acceptable) within the 48-hour window prior to arriving for a retreat on site, and to bring a 2nd self-test kit when coming on site. We encourage everyone to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and other illnesses before your visit. If you experience symptoms or have a positive diagnosis, please notify us immediately at events@garrisoninstitute.org We will continue to follow any COVID-19 guidelines set forth by our local officials, New York State and the CDC.