Multi-day retreat (sesshin): Dogen's Great Realization

Retreat at Hokyoji with Flying Fish Barbara Murphy.
DOGEN’S GREAT REALIZATION
Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 p.m. (arrive between 1 - 4 pm) - Sunday, June 22, Noon

[Register here]
In-person only.

Please join us as we examine the questions, “What is awakening? What is enlightenment? What is this experience that we are having?” We will examine Eihei Dogen’s fascicle, “Daigo”, translated as “Great Realization” to guide us. Dogen is considered the founder of Soto Zen. His writings are beloved by many and have inspired practitioners throughout the centuries. Great Realization is a question that is central to Dogen’s teachings. There has also been a good deal of controversy over this topic. I hope you can join us as we allow ourselves to sit with Dogen’s teachings and ask questions about what he has to offer on Great Realization. Carefully exploring the farthest reaches of its meaning while settling into our practice. Held in the beautiful countryside of southeast Minnesota at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community, this retreat is structured to give us time to enjoy nature while giving support for meditation. Meals will be informal, with an emphasis on silence and fewer Zen forms than in a traditional sesshin.
Contribution:
Clouds in Water relies on a Gift Economics Model of resource transparency, suggested sliding scale tiers, and no set fees to balance financial sustainability, the Buddhist practice of generosity, justice, and equity. Clouds in Water is a community-supported temple, relying primarily on the donations and class fees that our sangha offers. Teachers are paid a percentage of the net for all classes and retreats. We want you to know that your attendance is valued and important, no matter how much you contribute, and that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Level 1: $900 (makes it possible for more people to attend who cannot afford the full amount)
Level 2: $620 (full cost)
Level 3: $340 (reduced cost)
Your Level: You choose the amount. No one is turned away due to inability to pay and teachers receive a portion of whatever you give. If you need to attend with a zero contribution, please email info@cloudsinwater.org and we will get you on the list.
Registration ends 6/11/2025.

Note: Anything over $620 is considered a tax-deductible donation.

Teacher: Flying Fish Barbara Murphy
Currently living in Portland, Oregon, Flying Fish rejoins Clouds in Water from Dharma Rain Zen Center. She was ordained in 2005 by Diane Martin at Udumbara Zen Center in Evanston, Illinois, and transmitted by Byakuren Judith Ragir at Clouds in Water Zen Center in 2015. From 2005-2018 Flying Fish was a teacher at Clouds in Water Zen Center, where she helped advance the youth and family program. She completed her certified pastoral education in 2006 and worked as a hospital chaplain at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and as a hospice chaplain at Allina Hospice. Since 2019 she has been practicing with Dharma Rain Zen Center, where she now serves as a transmitted teacher. Her background includes a BA in art history and M.Arch in architecture. She lives with her husband and enjoys family life.