Sesshin (Meditation Retreats)
In one strong seven-day sesshin it is possible to accomplish what takes two to five years of
sitting on one's own.
-Hakuun Yasutani Roshi
Sesshin may well be the most intense form of spiritual inquiry practiced in the world today,
wherein self-transformation is possible in degree and speed unknown in any other mode of practice.
It is unique to Zen and represents the very essence of Zen practice.
-Danan Henry Roshi
The Center holds four seven-day sesshin per year for members and other qualified persons.
The dates of sesshins are established one year in advance; they are posted on the bulletin board
and published in the newsletters and in the current calendar.
The sesshin application
form (PDF format) has all necessary information, including
sesshin setup requirements, arrival time, what to bring, and so
forth.
Anyone whose sesshin application includes
partial-day attendance must use the sesshin fee and partial
attendance schedule chart, checking every square on the chart for which they will
be attending if accepted.
| Sesshin Schedule |
| 4:50 AM |
wake-up |
| 5:15 |
tea ceremony, talk & zazen |
| 7:00 |
breakfast |
| 7:30 |
samu/rest |
| |
|
| 9:00 |
sutras (chanting service) |
| 9:30 |
zazen/dokusan |
| |
|
| 12:00 PM |
main meal |
| 12:30 |
samu/rest |
| |
|
| 2:00 |
zazen |
| 2:30 |
teisho |
| 3:30 |
zazen/dokusan |
| 5:00 |
exercise |
| 5:30 |
recitations |
| |
|
| 5:45 |
supper |
| 6:00 |
samu/rest |
| |
|
| 7:00 |
tea ceremony/zazen/dokusan |
| 9:00 |
evening ritual |
| 9:15 |
tea & crackers |
| 9:15 |
yaza |
Weekend Sesshin
The weekend sesshin is a short sesshin held during February that
begins on a Friday evening and continues through Sunday, usually
incorporating zazenkai on Sunday. Weekend sesshin are sometimes
held with a specific theme, such as body or art practice.
Mountains and Rivers Sesshin
The Mountains and Rivers Sesshin is an opportunity to practice
Zen in the context of walking and living in nature, much as our
ancestors in the Dharma did when on pilgrimage in ages past. This
sesshin is based upon a format created by the Ring of Bone Zendo
in Northern California. It is rooted in deep zazen practice, to
study the Self in the context of the natural world. Because of
logistical necessity and park regulations, attendance is limited
to 15 participants. Participants should have attended at least
one regular sesshin, should be in reasonably good physical condition,
and have some experience with long hikes and camping, preferably
backpacking.
Sesshin Dates for 2008
March 22-29
June 21-28
August 21-24 ZCD Blue Mountain Sesshin
October 18-25
December 6-13
Sesshin Dates for 2009
March 28-April 4
June 20-27
ZCD Blue Mountain Sesshin - to be determined
October 17-24
December 5-12
