Staying at the Gendronnière
All year round, the residents at the temple live and practice the daily gyoji of the Gendronnière: zazen practice, rituals, and doing the daily activities necessary for temple life. They maintain the buildings and the property, and work in the vegetable garden. They also prepare the temple to accommodate large Zen sessions that bring the sangha together many times in the year.
It is possible to stay at the temple outside of sessions, for a weekend, or a week or longer (for a contribution towards one's expenses). Contact the head of the temple, Emmanuel Risacher, at the Gendronnière's reception on 33 (0)2 54 44 04 86.
Schedule of a typical day:
6:30 am: zazen, ceremony
8:30 am: genmai (traditional breakfast)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm: samu (work around the temple)
12:30 pm: lunch
2:45 pm to 5:45 pm: samu
6:30 pm: zazen
8:00 pm: dinner
It is also possible to stay as a “guest”, following the temple timetable in a more flexible way.