Rituals of Care: Buddhist Chant and Culture (CH1D26)

Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on November 7, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. Please read Important Notes below.*

Program to be held on the land only

Description:
What is the role of chant in Buddhist practice? How does it shape communities of belonging and cultures of care?

During this daylong, we will engage in a variety of chanting practices from across the Buddhist world, with a special emphasis on the Theravāda tradition as transmitted in mainland Southeast Asia. We’ll explore the musical and textual dimensions of chant, as well as its ritual possibilities. Our charge as a group will be to embody chant as an expression of care for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world.

There will be time to reflect on questions of voice, language, and lineage. Nearly every Buddhist throughout history has engaged in recitation and other practices of aspiration, concentration, and devotion. Our day together invites us into kinship with them as we, too, experience the healing resonances of these practices.

All are warmly welcome to participate; no previous chanting experience is required.

Sliding Scale Rates: Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity enables us to offer scholarships and support teachers.**

Benefactor – $310
Sustainer – $235
Basic – $140
Scholarship (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, Young Adult) – $70
**Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, which include full or partial scholarships, may be available for in-person programs. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org.

*Important Notes:
On-Land Attendance

• The on-land day program will take place in the Community Meditation Center in the Great Hall.
• Bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Lunch will not be provided.
• This is NOT a residential retreat. Overnight accommodations are not provided.

Cancellation Policy for On-Land Day Programs:

• NO REFUNDS.
• Open Credit or Donation to Spirit Rock = cancel 2 or more business days prior to program (Pacific Time)
• No Open Credit = cancel less than 2 business days prior