Residential Training

Panther Branch Zendo, Residents and Training Program

Training Program Application

   Together, Lawson-sensei and Sunya-sensei lead a residential training program at the property in Alexander. Some residents work full time at the Center, and some part-time. Other members of the larger sangha attend sittings here and/or at the zendo in Asheville - a more accessible location for those who work and live closer to town. Non-residents are also welcome to participate in the training program at Panther Branch, and may spend periods of time living, working, and sitting zazen with residents according to the daily schedule.

   This schedule includes morning and evening zazen and chanting, dokusan (private meetings with a teacher) several times a week, formal vegetarian meals, circle practice, and samu, or work practice - a way to deepen ones practice and integrate it into daily life. Work activities include everything from housekeeping and meal preparation to organic gardening and building.

   Windhorse Zen Community has a strong commitment to examining our environmental impact on the planet, and to exploring alternative, more sustainable ways of living together with all beings. Recognizing the law of interdependence, we've made this area of research a high priority, and are grappling with concrete ways to reduce consumption and lighten our ecological footprint.