Great Vow Zen Monastery Clatskanie, OR 97016

"Not recommended. I had a very poor experience last weekend."

"My experience was life-changing and transformative. I highly recommend to all."

"I've been there and will go again. My wife has been there. This is the real deal, real fully qualified Zen teachers, authentic Sanga, a genuine Zen experience. If you're interested in full immersion in Zen practice, come here."

"Words cannot explain how grateful I am to this magical place! Great Vow Zen monastery taught me innumerable valuable lessons. Dharma truly resonates in the walls, rooms and forest of this monastery. The teachers have enormous compassion and wisdom, their guided meditations were so helpful to my practice. The residents and Priests are beautiful people that I had the pleasure to share valuable time with. Many days were calm and some were difficult, to sit quietly for so long with the most intimate person; ourselves. Silence spoke louder than words some days. I was able to reflect on many things and start a path on learning a true nature of being; awareness. This monastery shared the lineages of both Rinzai and Soto Zen. The food was delicious, though more delicious it became as we mindfully ate during Ōryōki. I also learned the meaning of sangha at GVZM. To anyone who is thinking of visiting this place or doing a retreat, I shall say that you would truly thank yourself later for having made that decision. Awareness of who we are and our connection to everything is essential to a harmonious life. Forever in gratitude Great Vow Monastery !"

"There is something for everyone here. For those who are long time practitioners, for those who wish to be priests, for those who have no experience at all, for those who would like to come and stay for a week or a month or six. Vegetarian organic with accommodations for vegan and gluten-free with much of the vegetables and fruits grown in the organic farm on the Monastery Grounds. There is a lovely wood with several paths and spots carved out for sacred reflection or ceremony. The teaching is good here and ethical moral container is maintained and keeps it safe. There are retreats for those who have never meditated and retreats for those who have. In addition to the spiritual practice, residents have an enriched life with marimba band, choir, Ceramics, yoga. Retreats during good weather have lots of outdoor meditation. There are many different kinds of meditation here, sound, breath, loving kindness, etc. The priests and teachers are guides for residents and those on retreat."