Summer Retreat Jun 27-28, 2025
The Wisdom that Transforms Suffering:
Practicing The Buddha’s Four Noble Truths
Amid the serenity and beauty of nature, explore the inner life with its emotional unrest and confusions, and how to foster clarity and equanimity. With presentations, discussions, and meditations, we will address the Truth of Suffering, the Truth of the Arising of Suffering, the Truth of the Cessation of Suffering, and the Path that transforms suffering.
Retreat Times
Saturday June 27th, 9AM-5:30PM
Sunday June 28th, 9AM-4PM
Retreat Format: alternating periods of quiet sitting and walking meditation, engaging pre-sentations, and interactive discussions. This retreat is appropriate for less experienced meditators and seasoned practitioners. Meditation cushions, benches, and chairs are provided.
Register Early: Space is limited to 14 retreatants and 6 overnight accommodations.
Registration Fee: $160; some financial assistance available.
Accommodations (Shared Room): $120 for two nights in shared rooms; includes two continental breakfasts.
Some local Airbnb accommodations are also available
The retreat includes 2 vegetarian lunches and a Retreat Dinner, 7pm Saturday, at a local restaurant.
Reserve Your Spot
Featured Presenter
Taishin Michael Augustin
Taishin started practicing Zen with the Santa Barbara Zen Group in 2012. He received the Bodhisattva precepts during a Jukai ceremony in 2015 at the Santa Barbara Zen Center, and again during a Shukke Tokudo ceremony in 2023 at O-An Zendo. He is a student of Ōshin Jennings Sensei, Guiding Teacher of No Barriers Zen.
Taishin studies Nyoho-e style sewing in the tradition of Tomoe Katagiri; organizes and leads a Recovery Dharma meeting to support those in recovery from addictions of all kinds; and writes about the Dharma, recovery, and the intersection of the two for his Substack, “A Phoenix’s Hut.” Prior to training and serving as a Zen Priest, he earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, then taught at Purdue and Penn State.
In January 2026, Taishin entered residency at Jikoji Zen Center, where he currently serves as Ino (Temple Manager)