Fierce Compassion: A Tender Heart, a Courageous Spirit

A Zen Buddhist Retreat
Camp Bratton Green
1530 Way Rd, Canton, MS 39046

Residential Retreat • November 6-8, 2026

Arrival & Registration 3:30-5:30 pm
Retreat Concludes 11:30 am

Rev. Reimoku G. Smith is a Sōtō Zen priest in the lineage of Shunryū Suzuki Roshi. His life and practice are devoted to upholding the Buddhadharma and cultivating wisdom, compassion, and a courageous tenderness for the benefit of all beings.

Step away from the noise and momentum of daily life and enter the quiet refuge of the natural world. This is a silent Zen retreat guided by Rev. Greg Reimoku, inviting participants into stillness, presence, and intimate connection with both nature and mind.

Set among forest and open sky, the retreat will follow a gentle Zen rhythm of sitting meditation (zazen) and walking meditation (kinhin), allowing the body and breath to settle naturally. Periods of silence will be supported by clear guidance, mindful meals, and a Dharma talk offered by Rev. Reimoku, drawing from the Zen tradition and lived practice.

Fierce Compassion: A Tender Heart, a Courageous Spirit

How can we keep our hearts open while standing firm in what matters?

Join us to explore compassion that is both gentle and strong. Through zazen (seated meditation), Dharma teachings, reflection, and conversation, we’ll discover how Buddhist figures of courage and protection can inspire our response to everyday challenges.

Together, we’ll explore the difference between anger that causes harm and clear, compassionate action that helps relieve suffering. We’ll reflect on when to soften, when to stand firm, and how to respond with wisdom and care.

This retreat is an invitation to cultivate a tender heart and an immovable spine—and to bring both into our relationships, our communities, and our lives. Through silence and attentive presence, participants are encouraged to reconnect with the innate clarity, compassion, and balance of the heart-mind—qualities that support awakening and a grounded, meaningful life both on and off the cushion. The teachings offered throughout the day will draw on timeless Buddhist principles of awareness, compassion, and balance—qualities that support a meaningful and grounded life.

Prior Zen meditation experience is recommended; we will have a pre-retreat zoom meeting to familiarize beginners with Zen meditation retreat practices.

Zen Retreat Practice for Beginners Information Session

Time: Oct 22, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82432646674

Your registration fee pays for your accommodations and meals as well as the cost of hosting this event. Our along with simple, nourishing meals and shared silence. When planning your budget, consider including a contribution of dana (generosity) for the teacher at the conclusion of the retreat.

Read More about the Practice of Dana

Limited Private Rooms Available

All are welcome.

Detailed Schedule

Fierce Compassion: A Tender Heart, a Courageous Spirit

A Zen Retreat with Rev. Greg Reimoku