Embark on a Journey of Healing, Wisdom, and Inner Transformation
In troubled times, there is an urgency to understand ourselves and our world. We have so many thoughts, and they tug at us night and day, consciously and unconsciously. In this important retreat, we explore the art of living in mindfulness without bypassing or pushing away emotions and trauma that are arising as we traverse the spiritual path. We set intention these 4 days together will help us answer life’s deepest questions and experience the happiness and freedom we long for.
This Art of Living retreat is a healing experience while providing a spiritual dimension to our lives. This is not an effort to escape life or to dwell in a place of bliss or avoidance outside of our feelings. Instead, this path will allow us to discover where we come from and where we are going. And most of all, it will generate happiness, understanding, and love, so we can live deeply in each moment of our life, right where we are.
Integral Zen is a contemporary approach to Zen practice that integrates traditional Zen teachings with modern psychological and philosophical frameworks, including the works of Carl Jung and Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of healing and awakening, recognizing that one cannot fully awaken without addressing emotional and psychological wounds, nor fully heal without cultivating spiritual insight. Integral Zen provides a holistic path that addresses the complexities of modern life while staying rooted in the simplicity and clarity of Zen, offering tools for personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation.
In our fast-paced and overwhelming current world, this retreat invites you to look within. We will explore profound teachings from Tibetan Buddhism and Integral Zen that illuminate the art of living with authenticity, clarity, and compassion. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage with the core principles of spiritual growth, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary practices. Together, we will explore topics such as:
The nature of mind and the Buddhist view of reality.
Healing modalities to embrace our wounds and negative emotions, turning them into gifts from which we can advance on the path.
The transformative power of love, compassion, and selflessness.
Practical tools for navigating the challenges of personal growth in the modern world where we encounter suffering of others, with grace and resilience
Insights and practices into continued healing of emotional wounds and fostering lasting happiness.
Our Teachers
Our retreat is guided by three extraordinary teachers whose expertise
spans Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, and integrative healing:
Janel (Rev. Shikyo)
Ordained as a minister in Integral Zen in 2023, Janel combines a deep understanding of traditional Tibetan Medicine with modern integrative practices. Having completed the Sowa Rigpa Institute for Tibetan Medicine Counseling Program under the guidance of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Dr. Caroline Van Damme, she integrates Zen, Integral Theory, Carl Jung, Yuthok Nyinthig, and energy healing into her teachings. With experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist and her studies in Eastern Five Element Theory, Janel’s work brings an individualized approach to healing and personal growth, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary needs.
“Freeing up stuck energy can open up uncharted territories of the internal world, bringing unconsciouses to consciousness, increasing embodiment, vibrancy, and vitality. Starting with an understanding that we are not “problems to be fixed”, I provide contexts of indicators, signs and markers of balance and imbalance using the chakras. From there we consider directions that can support your healing, leading to organic, energetic homeostasis.“ (Janel)
Doshin Roshi
A poet, teacher, and Zen Master of no rank, Doshin Roshi is the founder of Integral Zen. With a unique approach that blends the works of Carl Jung, Ken Wilber, and the simplicity of Zen teachings, Doshin's teachings focus on both healing and awakening. He began his journey in the late 60s and, through the guidance of Zen Master Jun Po Kelly Roshi, discovered the transformative power of disciplined practice. Doshin’s Integral Zen framework emphasizes that healing and awakening are deeply interconnected—neither can be fully realized without the other. Learn more about Doshin Roshi’s work here.
Ani Lodro
Ani Lodro, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, is known for her compassionate teaching style and depth of “Dakini Heart” direct experience and wisdom. With years of monastic training and teaching experience, she brings ‘nature of mind ’teachings combined with practices to arise bodhicitta, helping students apply practice on and off the cushion to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and insight.
Retreat Highlights
Teachings & Meditations:
Daily teachings from Ani Lodro on nature of mind teachings, integrative healing sessions with Janel and Zen practices and discussion with Doshin Roshi.Group Practices & Silent Sitting:
Meaningful group practices and silent meditation are woven into the schedule each day to ground your experience.Reflection & Connection:
Time for personal journaling, self-reflection, and intimate discussions to integrate what you’ve learned.
For more information, please email us at vajravidyacrestone@gmail.com.