This time of practice and entry into great silence does not entail closing our ears from sounds and shutting our eyes from what is happening in the world, but is rather an opportunity to open ourselves at the core of our being to the sounds and sights of the world, and to cultivate a heart of compassion.

Full time participation is encouraged to truly savor the practice, but part time attendance may be allowed for sufficient reason upon approval of the teacher. Participants must at least have a background zen meditation or contemplative practice and must have been accepted as a student by the head teacher. Guest participants, members of other zen communities, or independent practitioners, may also apply, and may be admitted upon approval of the teacher.