Great Vow Zen Monastery, Clatskanie OR

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!