

Spring 2025

MAY 30- JUN 1
You are cordially invited to the Taste of Zen Retreat
A weekend wellness retreat in a lovely natural forest setting and rustic accommodations. A wholesome schedule designed to give your mind, body, and soul a respite and recharge. Steep in the sounds of nature during the periods of Sacred Silence then let your soul reverberate with the soothing vibrations of the Sound Bath. Still the mind with meditation and rejuvenate your body with Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Health Exercises. Restore your entire being while forest "bathing" and enrich your understanding and wisdom with lectures. All within a span of a weekend retreat in New Hope, PA.
All are welcome.
Venue: Deer Park Camp & Retreat Center
6290 Lower Mountain Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
SACRED SILENCE
YOGA
SOUND BATH
QI-GONG
MEDITATION
FOREST BATHING
TAI-CHI
LECTURES
Friday, May 30
Arrival check-in and light snacks
DinnerWelcome address & lecture (1)
Meditation session
Fireside mingle
Lights out / Quiet hours
Saturday, May 31
Wake up
Meditation (bell chant)
Tong-gong health exercise
Breakfast
Personal reflection time/meditation session
Lecture (2)
Forest bathing
Tai-chi
Lunch
Free time / Personal reflection time
Yoga
Dinner
Sound bath meditation
Fireside Q&A
Lights out / Quiet hours
Sunday, Jun 1
Wake up
Meditation (bell chant)
108 Bows
Breakfast
Personal reflection time/meditation session
Lecture (3)
Forest bathing
Buddhist prayer service/private prayer/reflection
Lecture (4)
Lunch
Check-out
RETREAT SCHEDULE
4:00 - 5:30 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00- 7:45 pm
8:00 - 9:00 pm 9:30 pm
5:00 am
5:30 - 6:00 am 6:00 - 6:45 am
7:00 - 7:45 am
8:00 - 8:45 am 9:00 - 9:45 am 10:00-11:45 am 12:00-12:45 pm 1:00-2:00 pm 2:00-3:15 pm
3:30-4:15 pm
5:00-6:00 pm 6:30-7:30 pm
8:00-9:00 pm
9:30 pm
5:00 am
5:30 - 6:00 am 6:00 - 6:45 am
7:00 - 7:45 am
8:00 - 8:45 am 9:00 - 9:45 am 10:00-10:45 am 11:00-12:00 pm 12:00-12:45 pm 1:00-2:00 pm 2:00-3:00 pm
5 am - 11 am: Sacred Silence Period
Schedule and other details of the retreat are subject to change.

Jyoni
Not only did I thoroughly, deeply feel at peace afterwards, but I came to many invaluable insights that I am still pondering today. I feel immense gratitude for the services you & the entire Soshimsa team provided us retreatants, and greatly look forward to attending future events through the Zen Center.
Van
It was an honor and a blessing to be able to attend.
I am still processing much of what was offered and know that my true appreciation will be expressed in how I apply pieces of what was given in my daily life
Wendy
I cannot remember EVER being away for a weekend or even a day for that matter where my mind was so clear and focused on the event at hand. My journey towards new found freedom allowed me to embrace the time without a care or worry about anything else. I never once missed my phone or email or work or anything outside of the retreat itself.
Lori Ann
The retreat was wonderful! It was very inspiring and insightful. Thank you for providing me with tools to improve my well-being and to help me continue on this journey with an open, peaceful mind
Ed
Beyond my wildest. I felt welcome, nurtured and refreshed throughout the 3 days. All the other participants were friendly and helpful. Everyone I've spoken to about my experience are asking when will the Zen Center be having another one.
Lectures
Tong-Gong Healing Arts
by:
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Venerable
Myong-Ahn Sunim
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Abbot
Soshimsa Zen Center
Lectures
108 Bows
by:

Doctor
Ruben Mooh-Sang Lambert
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President
Wisdom Spring Wellness
Meditation
Tai-chi
by:
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Venerable
Duhk-Song Sunim
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Director of Outreach
Soshimsa Zen Center
Yoga
by:

Sarah Hannah
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Certified Yoga Instructor
Qi-Gong "Tea Cups"
by:

Uschi Donnelly
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Qi-Gong Instructor
Sound Bath Meditation
by:

Nicolas Jin-Seong
Sotomayor
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Certified in Singing Bowl Sound Therapy
Event Coordinator
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Su-Wol
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Certified Meditation Instructor
Forest Bathing
by:
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Dawn Seon-Ji Viczai
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Certified Meditation Instructor
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are two lodging options:
(1) Rustic log cabins strewn around the property (require a 4-minute walk to the bathrooms and showers)
(2) Rooms in the lodge (with bathrooms and showers inside the lodge)
See pictures below.
Retreat organizers reserve the right to assign lodgings if neccessary
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS RETREATS (Fall '24 retreat at this location)
I want to join the retreat, Sign me up!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE RETREAT?
Each participant is responsible for bringing their own BEDDING, toiletries, and clothing appropriate for the activities and the setting. Please bring any medication you use on a regular basis.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of items to pack for this Taste of Zen Retreat to ensure comfort and preparedness:
Clothing
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Comfortable clothing for meditation and exercise.
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Warm layers for early mornings and evenings (e.g., sweaters, jackets) !!!
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Socks
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Comfortable walking shoes for nature walks and or Forest "Bathing"
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Rain gear (if applicable, such as a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella) !!!
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Sleepwear
Bedding and Comfort
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Sleeping bag or bedding !!!
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Pillow and pillowcase !!!
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Blanket or shawl for extra warmth during meditation
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The Retreat will provide a Yoga mat and a meditation cushion, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Toiletries and Personal Care
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
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Towel and washcloth
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Hairbrush or comb
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Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
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Insect repellent
Essential Items
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Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries !!!
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Personal medications (enough for the duration of the retreat) !!!
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Alarm clock or watch
WHAT ARE THE LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
There are two options:
1. Rustic camp log cabin (requires a brief 4-minute walk to the bathrooms and shower).
2. A room in the Lodge building (bathrooms and showers located in the building)
Each option (cabin or the lodge) offers either a shared room (shared with one other person) or a single (private room).
If you are registering as a group/ friends/ family we will try to ensure that you are lodging together. However, we cannot guarantee the same room lodging.
WHAT IS THE ALCOHOL & RECREATIONAL DRUG POLICY?
A strict no alcohol or recreational drug policy. Retreat organizers will remove anyone using or under the influence of such.
IS THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES PERMITTED?
In keeping with the spirit of the retreat, the use of electronic devices is limited to emergencies. Please take care of any pressing business before arriving at the retreat.
WHAT ARE THE FOOD ACCOMMODATIONS?
Meals are vegetarian. We are unable to accommodate other food preferences. (As a precaution, bring any food allergy/sensitivity medication you may have)
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ACTIVITIES?
Although strongly encouraged that you do, you do not have to participate in all of the scheduled activities. If you choose not to, make sure that you do not interrupt the harmony of the retreat.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Please note that by registering for the retreat you agree to abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by the venue and the retreat organizers, and are bound by the Terms and Conditions.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE ORGANIZERS AT:
CALL 908 377-9803
TEXT 908 591-1754
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. By registering for the retreat the participant agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the retreat and the venue.
2. It is further agreed that the organizer (Soshimsa Zen Center, Inc.) obligates itself to furnish competent instructors and facilities, but it is understood and agreed that the organizer is under no obligation to provide any specific instructor, food, or lodging accommodation desired or selected by the participant.
3. Participant further understands that if they should bring discredit to themselves, the venue, or the organizer, by means of improper conduct, any and all terms of their registration may be withdrawn and that no refund for any amount paid will be made.
4. At all classes, workshops, and seminars conducted at the retreat reasonable care is taken to prevent serious injuries and minimize accidents, and it is required that participants obey the rules and regulations of the retreat. Participant agrees to hold the venue, the organizer, its officers, instructors, volunteers, guests, and members free and harmless of any liability or damages.
5. It is expressly agreed that all exercises and use of all facilities shall be undertaken by the participant at the participant’s sole risk.
6. Facilities, class locations, instructors, presenters, service regulations, and policies are subject to change, without notice, at the sole discretion of the organizer and the participant agrees to accept such changes as a condition to retreat registration.
7. Participant hereby represents that they have no knowledge of any physical condition which would render them unable to participate in the retreat. Participant further represents and promises that, in the event that they become physically unable to participate herein, they will immediately notify the staff in writing of the same.
8. If the participant is injured while involved in the retreat activities and requires medical attention, your health insurance will be the primary source responsible for payment of the cost of treatment.