TWO-DAY YMJJ ZEN RETREAT 2025
LED BYMatt Keeler, JDPSN
SATURDAY-SUNDAY JULY 12 & 13
Matt Keeler, JDPSN began practicing Zen meditation in the late 80’s and was a resident of the Chogye International Zen Center in New York for 7 years. He received inka from Zen Master Wu Kwang at the Providence Zen Center in April 2017. Matt directed the Family Program at the Redding Center for Mindfulness and Insight Meditation in CT for 7 years. He currently teaches at Kwan Um Zen Centers in the Northeast US and is the Guiding Teacher of the Pittsburgh Zen Center. Matt is a Special Ed paraprofessional at Staples High School in Westport CT and a musician in the Greater NYC area. He previously worked as a math and science teacher. His interests include Yoga, Chi-gung, Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication, and building community. Matt lives in Ridgefield, CT with his 21 year old son.
Yong Maeng Jong Jin (YMJJ) means “To leap like a tiger while sitting.” Retreats are an opportunity to strengthen our practice, to perceive more clearly and act from our natural compassion and wisdom.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The retreat is held in person, however Zoom is also available for those who are unable to participate otherwise. Retreat will include bowing, sitting and walking meditation, kong-an interviews, chanting, and a formal vegetarian meal. The retreat will start at 8:00 AM Saturday and conclude at 3:00 PM Sunday with a circle talk and optional social time. You can register for either day or both. Saturday ends at 9:30PM. Partial days are not available.
If you do not intend to sit in person, please notify us that you will be online via Zoom in the bottom section entitled; "Anything else you wish us to know?" Please fill out a separate form for each person who wishes to attend the retreat.
RETREAT REGISTRATION
Parking is limited, but available in the Zen Center parking lot. Please tell us your make, model and license number if you need to park in our lot.
Orientation is required for newcomers and available for those who would like a refresher. Please arrive at 8:00 AM; all others, please arrive at 8:15 AM for together action with other experienced students.
Online registration for this retreat closes on Thursday, July 10 at 9:00 PM. More detailed information will be sent on Friday which includes the Zoom link. You are welcome to attend the circle talk at 3:00PM Sunday even if you sat just Saturday and use the Zoom link if you can’t attend in person.
RETREAT FEES
$75.00 for the general public.
$55 for members in good standing in the Kwan Um School of Zen and seniors
$45 for students with valid ID and KUSZ dharma teachers
NOTE: We can offer a reduction in retreat fees for those who need financial assistance. Please contact our Director at director@cambridgezen.org before you use the form to register.
DANA
Dana is the ancient Pali word for “generosity of heart”, or “freely giving”. Traditionally, dana is offered by the students to the teacher at the end of a retreat to help support their teaching efforts. While CZC does give a minimum of dana to its teachers, your generous support truly helps them to continue their teaching.
Please feel free to choose a level of support that best works for you. All dana is tax-deductible.
You can donate using Venmo@cambridgezencenter”, leave a cash donation, or donate by check to “Cambridge Zen Center”. Kindly indicate in the memo section “Dana for Retreat Teacher”
Questions? Please send an email to the Director at director@cambridgezen.org. Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE: This is a two-day retreat, please note the number of days in Quantity