Samu -Retreat
Zen for each day

Samu Retreat
Samu Retreat © Zenklausen
"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine." ~
​Shunryu Suzuki
Samu (作務) is a dynamic and practical meditation exercise and expression of Zen practice. Put simply, it is "zazen" in daily activities. The Samu retreat in the Zenklausen offers this opportunity to apply, test and deepen the mindfulness practiced in the zendo (meditation hall) and in zazen (sitting meditation) in everyday life, for afterwards implement this in everyday life after the retreat.

A Samu can be compared to being the fruit of formal ZEN practice. A Samu Retreat also shows us the way to an essential part of life, to practice mindfulness in all things and to live and enjoy the present moment with peace.

Description

​During the Samu Retreats, we offer our guests the opportunity to help with the daily chores at the Zenklausen for four (4) hours a day and to practice the above mentioned philosophy. Therefore, simple exercises were selected for this practice. These Samu activities are e.g.: gardening, cleaning, repairs, meditation assistant, helping in the zen shop, zengarden help, simple housework, etc.

In order to achieve a certain deepening of the meditative knowledge and to practice it in everyday life, a stay of at least 6 nights (7 days) up to 14 nights (15 days), is planned for an Samu retreat.

The Samu practice takes place in the Zenklausen only in the mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This gives our guests the opportunity to use the afternoon for personal contemplation and individual meditation.
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During the Samu Retreat you live in a cozy hermitage (tiny house) with a living space of approx. 45 m2. Here is a small kitchen with a dining area, a meditation area, a very comfortable bedroom and living room, a fireplace and a bathroom with shower and toilet. In addition, each hermitage has its own small garden with seating.

At the same time, you can use our wonderful Zen facility and Zendo (meditation hall) individually for your time-out. You can find more information under the link: "Stay".

Please note that the Samu Retreat does not include a guided meditation. You meditate for yourself or with guests who have also booked the individual retreat. According to your wishes. ​

However, if you are interested in a individual guided meditation and/or a one-to-one conversation during your retreat, we offer this from Monday to Friday. Please let us know your wishes during your booking inquiry.