Sittings & One Day Retreats

In order to protect our members and the general public during this time of COVID-19, until further notice all Seven Thunders in-person events at Trappist Abbey are canceled. Events at the Stones and Clouds Zendo are now hybrid with both in-person and Zoom offerings available. Limited seating is available, please inquire using the link for the Portland-area Sittings below.

Monday Zazen at Stones & Clouds are offered via Zoom. Click here to join, and for instructions. 

A contemplative sitting in the style of a “First Saturday” will be offered via Zoom each month. Check the calendar on the sidebar for the upcoming date. Click here to join, and for instructions.

Please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date about future offerings, both virtual and in-person.

Sittings & One Day Retreats

To see a calendar of upcoming sittings and retreats in the Portland area, click here. 


First Saturday at Bethany House at the Trappist Abbey

Seven Thunders organizes first Saturday retreats in Bethany House at the Trappist Abbey in Lafayette, Oregon, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. (Please arrive no later than 8:45 am)

These gatherings usually occur on the first Saturday of each month, but dates can vary. The format is Christian contemplative prayer. The monks of the Trappist Abbey of Guadalupe graciously provide the space and sitting cushions (zabutons and zafus).

An orientation to sitting will be offered by our teachers before each Saturday retreat. Designed for those who are new to the practice of sitting prayer or meditation, these 20-30 minute informal sessions will begin at 8:15 A.M. at Bethany House.

See our event calendar or this page of the most recent newsletter for upcoming dates and teachers.


Zazenkai at Stones and Clouds

Zazenkai, followed by a study group, is conducted at the Stones and Clouds zendo on scheduled Saturdays, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. They usually occur on the third Saturday of a month.

In addition to formal zazen there will be a sutra service, teisho, and dokusan. Participants are asked to bring their own lunches. Tea and water will be provided. There is no charge for zazenkai, but, if affordable, a $15-20 tax-deductable contribution will help defray the cost of the event.

Please contact Leonard Marcel at 503-636-9009 or via email if you are planning to attend and for more information both on the zazenkai and study group.


Weekly Sittings

Evening or morning sittings in the zazen or contemplative Christian traditions. There are opportunities for private interviews at these sittings when a teacher is present.

Portland-area Sittings

Monday evening zazen from 7:00 pm. to 8:30 pm at the Stones and Clouds Zendo in Lake Oswego. Dokusan/interviews will be offered. Cushions, benches, and stools are available.

Please contact Leonard Marcel at 503.636.9009 or via email for more information.

Redmond Sittings

Monday evenings, 6:30-7:30 pm at 529 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR. 

Contact: Richard or Leanne Latterell at 541-923-7607.


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