Zen Retreat 2027, Poland

See Your True Self Through Doubting Meditation

The 2027 Poland Retreat marks the beginning of our five-year Zen retreat series. The retreat will be held at the Seminary of the Divine Word Missionaries in Pieniężno, Poland, from July 17 to 24, 2027.

Join us for this 8-Day Zen Retreat, an intensive meditation training experience designed to help you know yourself more deeply and see your true self!

—- Sign up now to secure your spot: https://forms.gle/mhqY22nbmzieYiu2A

—- Email friend@nonezencenter.org if you have any inquiries.

Zen Retreat: A Journey to Break Through Your Patterns and Uncover Your True Self

A Zen retreat is an intensive training experience designed to help practitioners deepen their Zen practice, break through habitual patterns and forms of duality, and uncover their true self within a dedicated period of practice. During this retreat, we will practice the traditional Zen method of doubting meditation (Chinese: huatou; Japanese: wato; Korean: gwanhwa), a time-tested method practiced by generations of Zen practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

This retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn and practice the traditional Zen method of doubting meditation, taught in clear, accessible English. You will be introduced to the history and techniques of doubting meditation, explore fundamental Zen concepts through stories and teachings from ancient Zen masters and their disciples, engage in intensive meditation practice, and share your Zen experiences with fellow practitioners.

Beyond the meditation hall, you will also take a Zen tour to visit various locations and explore the local culture (and FOOD!) of northern Poland. Along the way, you will practice outdoor sitting meditation and, above all, continue practicing doubting meditation throughout the tour. This experience will help you learn how to integrate Zen meditation into your daily life, wherever you are!

Unfamiliar with the Method of Doubting Meditation?

None Zen Center specializes in teaching and practicing doubting meditation (huatou). If you are unfamiliar with this method, you are welcome to review the videos from Beginner’s Class 3 Series in our Online Zen School on YouTube, or join our in-person Beginner’s Class or Tuesday’s Zoom Sitting Sessions.

Retreat Site: Seminary of Divine Word Missionaries, Pieniężno, Poland

Pieniężno Pierwsze 19,
14-520 Pieniężno Pierwsze,
Poland

Our 2027 Zen Retreat will be held at the Seminary of Divine Word Missionaries in Pieniężno, a small town in the beautiful Warmia region of northern Poland.

Established in 1920, the seminary has a long tradition of spiritual education and missionary training. Its historic monastery, peaceful grounds, and surrounding natural landscape provide a welcoming environment for intensive Zen meditation, reflection, and self-inquiry.

The seminary also houses a Missionary and Ethnographic Museum featuring cultural collections from around the world. Nearby, the scenic Wałsza River Valley offers opportunities to enjoy nature beyond the meditation hall.

The retreat facilities include dedicated spaces for a meditation hall and dining hall, as well as hotel-style double rooms, each furnished with two twin beds and a private bathroom, providing comfortable accommodations for retreat participants.

Meals

The food service is provided by the Seminary and is vegetarian—no meat, fish, or fowl. Foods containing dairy will be clearly marked.

The breakfast is at 7:30 am, lunch is at 1:00 pm, and dinner, at 6:20 pm. Water, tea, instant coffee, and snacks will be available during morning and afternoon snack times or when needed.

Retreat Schedule

No need to worry—there’s no need to feel overwhelmed.

Each 2-hour block will be divided into several 20–40 minute sessions. You may even choose to sit on a meditation cushion or in a chair.

If you have any questions or requests regarding the retreat schedule, please email us at friend@nonezencenter.org.

Please note that the retreat schedule is subject to change.

Daily Schedule 8-Day Zen Retreat Poland, July 17-24, 2027
Saturday, July 17		Sunday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 21		Thursday, July 22 – 23		Saturday, July 24
2:30 pm	Group Gathering at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport	6 – 6:30 am	Wake Up and Refresh The Zen Hall opens at 6 am	6 – 6:30 am	Wake Up and Refresh The Zen Hall opens at 6 am	6 – 6:30 am	Wake Up and Refresh
2:30 – 7:30 pm	Depart for the Seminary of Divine Word Missionaries in Pieniężno (Tour Bus)- Retreat Check-In on the Tour Bus – Retreat Orientation	6:30 – 7:30 am	Session 1	6:30 – 7:30 am	Session 1	6:30 – 11:30 am	Depart for Warsaw (Tour Bus) – Breakfast on the Tour Bus – Retreat Conclusion – Retreat Check-Out
7:30 – 9 pm	Dinner and Shower	7:30 – 8:30 am	Breakfast Session	7:30 – 8:30 am	Breakfast Session	11:30	Group Dismissal at Warsaw Central Station
9 – 9:40 pm	Session 1	8:30 – 10:30 am	Session 2	8:30 am- 6:30 pm	Zen Tour
9:40 – 10 pm	Preparation for Bedtime	10:30 – 11 am	Snack Time
10 pm	Light out	11 am – 1 pm	Session 3
		1- 2 pm	Lunch Session
		2 – 4 pm	Session 4
		4 – 4:20 pm	Session Break
		4:20 – 6:20 pm	Session 5
		6:20 – 8 pm	Dinner and Shower	6:20 – 8 pm	Dinner and Shower
		8 – 9 pm	The Most Successful Session	8 – 9 pm	The Most Successful Session
		9 – 9:40 pm	Session 6	9 – 9:40 pm	Session 2
		9:40 – 10 pm	Preparaion for Bedtime	9:40 – 10 pm	Preparaion for Bedtime
		10 pm	Light out	10 pm	Light out

Retreat Donation

None Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides tuition-free meditation classes and operates entirely through donations.

All of our Zen masters and instructors are not only volunteers but also primary donors.

We suggest a sliding-scale donation of $1,200–$1,800 USD to make the retreat financially possible, sustain the tuition-free Zen environment, and grow the Zen community.

Two-Step Application Procedure

1. You are required to submit the completed retreat application below.

2. Once your application is accepted, you will be invited to complete the retreat donation.

3. Please note that your retreat seat will not be confirmed until both the retreat application form and the retreat donation have been received.

Due to the lack of resources, we will provide you with an annual receipt between January 10th to 31st for the gifts we receive from you the previous year. If you need to receive the receipts earlier, please email us at friend@nonezencenter.org.

Cancellation Policy

The None Zen Center reserves the right to either hold or cancel the retreat, to accept or reject applications, and to change the retreat venues and dates.

Note that the retreat fees and donations are non-refundable. In the event that None Zen Center cancels the retreat, you will receive a refund, minus the retreat deposit that None Zen Center has paid to the retreat venues and vendors.

Retreat Rules

Practitioners are required to follow the Shifus’ (Zen Masters’) instructions, the retreat rules, and the retreat site regulations in order to help create an intensive communal training environment, benefit from the teachers, fellow practitioners, and the retreat site, and deepen their Zen practice.
We observe a code of silence during the Zen retreat. Please refrain from unnecessary conversation with others, as well as from internal dialogue as much as possible.
To maintain a focused meditation environment, you will be asked to turn in your mobile phones and other electronic devices upon check-in. Each day during dinner, you may collect your devices from Shifu (Zen Master) Linda, but please return them by the end of dinner. At the conclusion of the retreat, please remember to collect your devices from Shifu Linda.
Practitioners are required to follow the daily schedule and arrive on time for all sessions, meetings, and meals. The retreat schedule may be adjusted in accordance with Shifus’ instructions.
We provide vegetarian meals, and foods containing dairy will be clearly labeled. Water, tea, coffee, and snacks will be available as needed. If you have any special dietary requests or food allergies, please indicate them on the application form.
Illegal drugs, smoking, vaping, alcohol, pets, incense, and candles are not permitted at the retreat site.
Please wear clean socks, as shoes are not permitted in the Zen meditation hall.
For the benefit of the community, anyone who does not follow the Shifus’ instructions, retreat rules, or retreat site regulations may be asked to leave without a refund.

What to Bring

Bring your own meditation gear, including a meditation cushion, at least one blanket to use as a mat, and additional blankets or towels for padding if needed. For personal hygiene reasons, None Zen Center does not provide shared meditation equipment.
Bring your mug and/or water bottle.
Don’t forget your tooth brush and other personal items.
Bring any necessary medications.
You will not have time to do your laundry. Remember to bring ENOUGH clothes for your daily change.

What to Wear

Wear loose-fitting clothes for comfortable sitting meditation, and comfortable shoes for possible outdoor walking meditation.
Wear or bring warm clothing for chilly mornings and evenings. Windproof and waterproof hoodies or jackets, along with a hat, are recommended for possible outdoor meditation. July is one of the warmest months in Pieniężno, with generally pleasant summer weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from 72°F–75°F (22°C to 24°C), while mornings and evenings can be cooler, around 57°F–59°F (14°C–15°C). Expect a mixture of sunshine and clouds, with occasional rain showers.
Wear clean socks, as shoes are not permitted in the Zen hall.
Please use unscented personal care products to support an allergy-free meditation environment.

Spending Money

You will need some spending money during the Zen tour. A budget of around US$200 should be sufficient to cover admission fees to tourist attractions, meals at local restaurants, and souvenirs, as long as you do not plan to do much shopping.

Transportation from the Airport to the Retreat Site

All participants must gather at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Arrivals Gate 2, on July 17, 2027, at 2:30 p.m. A chartered bus will transport everyone from the airport to the retreat site.

Please note that the bus will depart promptly as scheduled. Make sure to arrive at the meeting point no later than 2:30 p.m.

Important Travel Reminders

Please arrange and book your own flights to Warsaw, Poland.

Schengen Visa: Check well in advance whether you need a Schengen visa based on your nationality and travel circumstances. If required, obtain the appropriate visa before your trip.
Schengen Entry Procedures: Allow sufficient time for passport control and other entry procedures when entering the Schengen Area.
Entry/Exit System (EES): The Schengen Area has introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travelers entering for short stays. The system electronically records entry and exit information and may require facial-image capture and fingerprint collection. Processing times may vary.
Connecting Flights within the Schengen Area: If you connect through a Schengen airport, such as Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, or Vienna, please allow at least 2 hours between flights to complete the necessary entry procedures and reach your connecting gate.
Direct Arrival in Warsaw: If Warsaw is your first point of entry into the Schengen Area, please schedule your flight to arrive at least 3 hours before our 2:30 p.m. meeting time on July 17, 2027—that is, no later than 11:30 a.m. This allows approximately 2 hours for entry procedures and an additional hour for baggage claim, customs, and reaching the meeting point.

Transportation from the Retreat Site to Warsa Central Station

On the morning of July 24, 2027, a chartered bus will transport participants from the retreat site to Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna), with an expected arrival time of around noon.

Thank You for Joining the Intense Zen Training

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2027 8-Day Zen Retreat in Poland. If you have any questions, please email us at friend@nonezencenter.org.