Bamboo-In

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Al playing Shika no Tone in the garden.

Bamboo-In

Shakuhachi Retreat Centre

The Bamboo-In Shakuhachi Retreat Centre is owned and operated by Alcvin and Sandra Ramos. Situated on the stunning Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada in the picturesque outreaches of Pender Harbour, Bamboo-In Retreat Centre is a place focusing on the practice of shakuhachi. Nestled amidst the landscape of islands, coves, lakes and reefs, and reflecting the great beauty and diversity of the Sunshine Coast, the retreat center grounds are alive with plants and animals, including a rich and varied bird population. Bamboo-In features a karesansui (dry rock garden), manicured garden, and shakuhachi meditation room. We are located approximately 40 km from downtown Sechelt, and 2 hours from the Vancouver International airport. Within the Bamboo-In grounds is also the pottery studio and workshop of ceramic artist, Sandra Ramos, featuring a salt-wood fired kiln. Just 10 minutes drive from the Sunshine (Zen) Monastery and 10 minutes walk from the ocean on quiet country roads, Bamboo-In is ideal for growing and deepening shakuhachi practice and meditation.

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Jinashi Shakuhachi Making Day

After the bamboo has dried for several months, Bamboo-In organizes a day for making hocchiku (jinashi shakuhachi) in the spring or early summer on the Sunshine Coast, Madeira Park, BC. This past September 6-7, 2008 the fourth annual workshop was successfully lead once again by Yamaguchi Shugestsu. Read about it here.) Yamaguchi will return next year to lead another exciting and energizaing workshop.

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Intensive Shakuhachi Retreats at Bamboo-In

Tuition Cost: CA$400.00 (2 days) $850.00 (5 days)

During the summer and fall months, Bamboo-In offers an Intensive Retreat Program for all levels of shakuhachi students. The Intensive Retreat Program enables students to stay and practice/study shakuhachi at Bamboo-In. The maximum number of retreat participants is 2.

The Intensive Retreat Program offers the opportunity for an intensive period of practice/study with Shakuhachi Dai Shihan, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. At a retreat we separate ourselves from our daily affairs in order to sink deeply into

shakuhachi practice, free to transcend the background chatter of our busy, superficial mind. Combined with daily meditation and misogi, we can feel a union with nature and ourselves through our practice of learning koten shakuhachi.

Intensive Retreat Program Tuition

Tuition includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner, all instructional fees, and participation in cultural events. There are grocery stores within driving distance from the dojo and kitchen and laundry facilities on the premises. A deposit of $100 (personal cheque or money order) is due at least two weeks before your term begins. This deposit is applied to your tuition. The balance of your tuition is due upon your arrival. Tuition is non-refundable once the student term begins. We do not accept credit cards.

Refunds/cancellations:

Refunds for the $100 deposit are given only if you cancel 2 weeks in advance.

How to apply…

Occupancy varies throughout the year as individual terms do not begin at the same time. It is best to apply early for the time you wish to participate in the program. It is suggested to include a first- and second-choice of when you would like to begin your first term.

For first time retreaters please send a letter of request to enter the program that includes background information about your shakuhachi studies, what you would like to study, and dates you would like to have your retreat. Your letter will be responded to promptly.

To apply, please email ramos@dccnet.com

or.............

send your application request letter, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to:

Intensive Shakuhachi Retreat at Bamboo-In

c/o Alcvin Ramos

S9-C3Madeira Park, B.C.,V0N 2H0

Canada

Guidelines

The Intensive consists of 4 blocks of shakuhachi training: early morning shugyou and meditation, late morning lesson, afternoon hocchiku construction (optional), and evening lesson and meditations. If you would like to purchase a stalk of raw madake bamboo please specify length and size of bamboo blank. (Please inquire for availability of bamboo stock.)

Bring clothing suitable for meditation and exercise. Bring solid, dark or muted, comfortable clothing. If you have a samue (Japanese monk's work clothes) please wear that. Spend your free time enjoying the surrounding area by walking, hiking, resting and of course practicing shakuhachi.

Meditation and spiritual practice (shugyou) are important parts of the retreat and each person is expected to participate fully in all facets of the Training Period.

Silence/sounds

The retreat will largely be held in silence. During shakuhachi lessons words will be used, aswell, perhaps at the Monastery during Dharma talks. Otherwise, speaking will only be used if there is a pressing issue. 10 minutes before meditation, hocchiku lessons, and meals, there will be the sound of a gong-bell.

Playing at the Monastery

There will be opportunity to offer honkyoku at the Sunshine Ch'an Buddhist Monastery after silent meditation. The purpose of this practice is to help everyone develop an equanimousmind while listening to a sound. There is no need to feel the pressure to perform as no one is there to judge your playing. Use this great opportunity to deepen your own practice.

Takuhatsu

Takuhatsu is one of the practices of Zen monks who are in training, to beg for their food. We will practice takuhatsu once during the retreat. In the past, shakuhachi playing monks would play their flutes at street corners and in front of houses and places of business. We will play in front of a designated place of business in town. This is our offering of the Dharma and our lives of expressions of the Dharma to the people. Cultivation of gratitude, equanimity, and un-selfconsiousness is very important.

Sample Retreat Daily Schedule

5:30 am

Rise

6:00 am

Walking meditation/Shugyou

7:25 am

Zazen

8:00 am

Breakfast, rest, free time

9:00 amMeditation at Sunshine Ch’an Monastery (Sunday morning

only; opportunity for offering honkyoku)

9:30 am