Registration Process:
- Download the registration form here.
- You will need a pdf reader to read and print this document. If you do not have one on your computer you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html?ogn=EN_US-gntray_dl_get_reader
- Print the registration form.
- Read it carefully and sign. There will be several pages and two places to sign the form. Please call and speak with us before making any airline reservations.
- Send it by mail along with your registration fee to:
P.O. Box 14048
Houston, TX 77221-4048
USA
We would like to receive all registration forms by July 21. Space is limited and registration forms will be on a first come first served basis.
If you have further questions about the retreat or registration please call Rev. Myokei at 713-429-1274 ,email her at 
nbstx@sbcglobal.net or Rev. Ryuoh at 617-314-7782, email him at ryuoh@comcast.net.
- Conformation of your registration and further information will be sent to you once your registration is processed.
- The pdf registration form includes some of the retreat guidelines.
- Fees, payments and scholarships are on the registration form.
- There is a $25 charge for returned checks.
We have put a paypal button on this site for those who would like to use their credit card. There will be a $10 additional fee for using this method of payment. You will still need to follow the above registration process. Please put on your regestration form "paid by paypal".
The following items are required for the retreat:
-Sleeping bag or sheets, pillow and blanket (buildings are air conditioned)
-Comfortable clothing (you will be sitting on sieza benches or the floor)
simple is better. slip on shoes are helpful. loose clothing is desirable. Samue are good. enough for one week.
NO bright colors, shorts, tight clothing, political statements, obscene T-shirts, strong perfumes or colognes. Avoid clothing with words or pictures.
-Swimsuit for water purification ceremony
-A towel
-Toiletries
-Juzu, Gyo-e, Wagesa and hand Taiko (these items are optional)
-Notebook and pencil (pen)
-Books:
"Liturgy of Nichiren Shu"
"Yohon (Selected Chapters of the Lotus Sutra)"
"Lotus Sutra"
These are all available on line at the Nichiren Buddhist International Center. A few copies will be available for sale at the retreat.
What not to Bring
Please remember that this is a retreat. It is for your spiritual development. The items listed can cause stress and suffering to yourself and the other participants. This time is for you. You can separate yourself form the big world for a week, you really can.
-No Cell Phones ( We require that all cell phones be turned off during the retreat)
Emergency numbers will be available.
-No Mp3 players (We require that all Electronic entertainment devices be turned off and packed away for the duration of the retreat)
-No Computers (The idea is to get away from daily activities and work)
-No Camera (We will have people taking pictures. Anyone who wishes can get copies at the end of the retreat.)
-No watches or timers with chimes, beep or alarms.
Can I come late or leave early from the retreat?
We are requesting that everyone who attends, attend the full retreat. If you have a special situation please call the teachers before registering for the retreat. No discounts will be given for missed days. Priority will be given to those who can attend the whole retreat.
Can I arrive late to the retreat?
If you must, you may arrive after the normal check in time of 12:00 - 16:00 p.m. on the first of August. Please make sure you notify the registrar of the time you will be arriving. If you need to arrive any later than 08:30 am on the 2nd of August, you will need teacher approval and will need to arrange your own transportation. However, the price of the retreat will not be discounted for missed days or nights.
What kind of practices will be happening at this retreat?
We are a school founded on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin. We chant the title of the Sutra and also its chapters. This retreat will be structured in a monastery style. We will practicing our daily devotions along with other practices outlined in the Lotus Sutra. These will include Suigyo (Water purification practice), Shodaigyo (meditation practice), Shakyo (copying practice) and others. There will also be time for discussion, study and developing friendship. Please visit Nichiren Shu websites, visit your local Sangha or Temple or call one of the teachers to learn more about our practices.
Are there any scholarship opportunities?
The only scholarship opportunities are a couple of work retreatant positions. These are reduced fee scholarships. We have two work retreatants per retreat - one for the kitchen and one for housekeeping. You should have at least average physical stamina, with no physical limitations. We also ask that you have the flexibility to work a variety of different tasks. Work retreatants are required to do 5 hours of work ( not necessarily consecutive hours) per day in exchange for the cost of the retreat. Please talk to a teacher to apply for one of these positions.
What should I bring to the retreat?
A list of what to bring and what not to bring is above on this web page.
When do I need to pay my balance for the retreat?
The information about payments is included on the registration form. Final payments will be due 10 days before the start of the retreat.
What is included in the price of the retreat?
The price of the retreat includes accommodations and meals. Transportation to and from the airport is a separate fee and is not included in the retreat cost. The teachers and retreat staff are supported by donations, which you will have an opportunity to give at the end of the retreat. (See Teacher and Staff Dana below)
What is Dana and how much do I give?
Generosity, the first of the six paramitas. The concept of giving from the heart. It is the practice of dana that has kept the Buddhist tradition alive for more than 2500 years, where committed supporters have given generously to establish networks of monasteries and retreat centers providing for teachers and practitioners. The Teachers and staff for this retreat are completely funded by dana. Your registration fee only covers the price of the facility and meals. The teachings and preparing of meals are possible through the efforts of the teachers here. If you feel you have had a positive experience and would like to make a donation to the teachers or staff, a donation basket will be available at the end of the retreat. The amount is up to you. The Dana given will help us continue with future retreats and conferences.
What happens if I need to Cancel?
Send an email to nbstx@sbcglobal.net (showing "Retreat" in the subject line) or call (877)803-6647 as soon as you know you'll have to cancel. There is a non-refundable cancellation fee, which goes to support the retreat. Unfortunately, cancellation fees are not tax-deductible as contributions. Cancellation fees can be found on the registration forms as well as the confirmation letters. The earlier you cancel, the lower your cancellation fee. There are no refunds as of opening day.
What if I decide to leave a retreat early? Can I get a refund?
There will be no refunds for early departures.