Sleeping

1. Sleeping Bag or blankets and pillows
2. Sleeping clothes
3. Personal towel, and toiletries such as comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, etc.
4. There are several areas available for camping and sleeping outside as well as the veranda.

Clothing

1. A set of work clothes to include gloves and shoes.
2. One or two sets of sitting clothes. (Should be loose fitting without advertising and a subdued color. Please do not bring short shorts or tight fitting clothing. This is to minimize "dependent origination" of the mind.)
3. A Sweater or heavy shirt in case it gets cold (it would also be good to have a heavy pair of socks)
4. Dharma teachers and members of the Kwan Um School of Zen will sit in appropriate robes.
5. Socks and long trousers are required for wear during sittings. This is to help keep the mats and cushions clean.
6. During periods of cold weather a couple of pairs of heavy socks are recommended.

Medicine

Please advise the HDT if there are any special considerations you may need during the retreat. Among the Dharma teachers there is a wide range of retreat experiences, in many cases they can make recommendations that will minimize unpleasant situations relating to medical problems. Insure that you bring whatever prescription medicines you are required to take.

Telephone Messages

There is no one near the phone but the phone has an answering machine. The HDT or Housemaster will periodically take the messages. Emergency messages can be left at (352) 222-0006. The Housemaster will check for messages prior to and after each major segment of meditation. Otherwise the ringer on all phones will be turned off. If you have a pending emergency, please advise the HDT so that he can arrange special provisions to check the answering machine more often.

Food

All meals will be vegetarian. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time so that we can accommodate them. You are encouraged to eat as much as you want at meal times, but eat everything you take. Food is available only at mealtimes. Tea and cups are available for your use. There will be shelf space with your name to keep your bowls and cup.

Bathrooms

There are two full bathrooms in the house. Be very considerate when using the facilities. Leave no trace when you leave a bathroom as someone will be in behind you. If you find something dirty, clean it or notify the Housemaster. Hot water will be limited, use it sparingly in showers to soap down and then rinse so that everyone can have a shower. Be free to take a shower any time of the day so as to eliminate the traditional crunch times.

Eye contact

Avoid eye contact whenever possible. If you have to communicate, there will be a message board with paper and pencils.

Be considerate

A retreat can be very demanding for some people. You never know what problems or situations others are dealing with at any given time. Do not intrude on the privacy of another. If you see a problem let one of the Dharma Teachers know about it. There will be several Dharma teachers there, these are people who have been practicing Zen or meditation for at least six years and most over 10 years. At the end of the retreat there will be a Zen Circle and dinner where there will be open discussion and socializing, save your questions and comments for then.

Timeliness

Please be on time for all events. If you stay on the property, you will be able to hear the Moktak which means you have 5 minutes to get to the Dharma room for any event. If an event has started and you are late, sit on the designated late cushion until the first break and then join the event in progress. The retreat schedule will be posted in several strategic locations.

Parking

Park your car in the lot between 1130 and 1208 NW 4th Street. If you will not need to move your car until after the retreat ends, you can tandem park in the driveway at 1208 NW 4th Street. Please use your vehicle for storage of personal clothing and sleeping equipment. This will insure its safekeeping and make housecleaning easier. As soon as you wake up, fold up your sleeping equipment and move it to your auto prior to going to the Dharma room. Tents can remain up, but personal items inside should be stored in your vehicle.

No Smoking

There is no smoking in any buildings on the property. Smoking is permitted outside and away from the structures. Be considerate of others and smoke away from the structures as the smoke may drift into open windows and doors. We never know what breathing conditions others may have.

Misc. #1

Please stay on the property. We need to be good neighbors with as little intrusion into their lives as possible.

Misc. #2