Plan your stay

At certain times in our lives, taking a break and withdrawing from the world can be very beneficial.
Throughout the year, La Gendronnière invites you to come and stay at the temple; from a few days to a few months, you are welcome.
Practitioners can:
- discover or deepen the practice of zazen, zen meditation (morning and evening)
- live a monastic life, following the schedule (see below)
- receive teachings from various zen teachers from the International Zen Association
- contribute to the daily samu, service for the community (cooking, gardening, cleaning...)
- take part in Zen Buddhist rituals, such as morning ceremonies, oryoki (a traditional zen bowl set) or chosan (questions and answers with the teacher).
The Gendronnière: a meeting place for the sanghas
Several times a year, sanghas (Zen communities) from all over Europe gather for retreats, commemorative ceremonies and symposia.
At least once per month, a zen teacher from the International Zen Association leads a sesshin (intensive meditation retreat). For those who are staying long-term, it's an opportunity to meet various teachers and hear different perspectives on the Way of Zen.
The Gendronnière: an international temple
French is the most commonly used language, but many nationalities are represented, giving rise to enriching intercultural exchanges. We do our best to always translate what is said into languages of those present.
Learning to live together
In Zen tradition, community life is very important. It pushes us to act for the common good, and enables us to go beyond our limits and preconceived ideas.
A typical day
(tentative schedule; may vary, in exceptional circumstances)
6:00 am wake-up
6:30 - 7:05 am zazen
7:05 - 7:15 am kinhin
7:15 - 7:40 am zazen, kaijo (traditional sounds)
7:45 - 8:15 am ceremony
8:20 am procession
8:30 am genmai (breakfast) + coffee
9:45 am - 12:30 pm samu (collective or individual)
1:00 pm meal taken in silence
2:45 - 5:00 pm samu, teachings, initiations
6:00 pm zazen + kaijo
7:30 pm informal meal
9:30 pm lights out or individual study time
Register now
To register, please contact the officet by e-mail: lagendronniere@zen-azi.org
Telephone answering service from Tuesday to Saturday, 3pm-5pm
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 44 04 86
Rates
- One day (with accommodation): €25 / night
- One week (excluding sesshin or other activities): €125 / €100 (low budget)
- One month (including sesshin or other activities): €395
IMPORTANT :
+ To stay at La Gendronnière temple, you need to join the AZI association: 45 €
+ Lodging and meals are included in the price.
Working outside the temple
If you don't have a regular income (salary, pension, family support, other... ) and wish to stay at the temple for a long period, you can consider taking on a small salaried job outside the temple, for 1 or 2 days a week, or going away for a few weeks for a one-off job before coming back.
Practical Iinformations
Please click on this page for all the practical information.
Download the Welcome Booklet
Please download the Welcome booklet for new employees (in French and English) : ICI
