What is Sesshin?

Sesshin is an intensive Zen retreat. Beginning very early each morning and lasting until late in the evening, sesshin includes meditation, work periods, chanting, calligraphy, and other activities. The intention of sesshin is to completely focus and unify mind and body; the schedule facilitates concentration, and forces participants to face themselves clearly without distortion or distraction. Sesshin is a unique opportunity to see who and what you really are...and to emerge with new insight and the strength to change old patterns of thinking, doing and being.

We welcome everyone with a desire to practice Zen. Zen teachers and senior students are available to assist you throughout sesshin and to answer questions. Please come with an open mind and resolved to give your best effort.

What do I bring?

During sesshin, all meals (vegetarian) will be provided. Participants must sleep at the sesshin location. Please bring the following:

1. Training clothes for meditation and work (gi, hakama, samue). If you do not own these, just wear loose, comfortable clothing without bright colors or words. No shorts or immodest clothing, please. Remember to bring extra layers (long underwear, etc.) depending on the season.
2. Sleeping bag
3. Toiletries
4. Indoor sandals
5. Jihatsu (eating bowls) if owned (available to borrow or purchase)
6. Okyo book (for chanting) if owned (available to borrow)

Sesshin Schedule

Thursday 3/27
6:00 pm		Registration
7:00 pm		Sesshin begins
Sunday 3/30
8:00 am		Retreat ends; clean-up and departure

Do you need a ride?

We will have some carpooling available from Daiyuzenji; rides will depart at 5pm on Thursday the 27th. Let us know when you register if you would like to join our carpool.

How To Register

The suggested donation for Sesshin is $200.00. However, any donation will be gratefully accepted, and no one will be excluded. Please donate according to your means.

Option 1: Register online using PayPal (please click the icon below):

In the "note" section please let us know your full name, if this is your first sesshin with us, and if you have attended sesshin elsewhere.

Option 2. Mail in your registration:

Please mail your donation to the address below. Please include a note with your full name and email address; let us know also if this is your first sesshin with us, or if you have attended sesshin elsewhere.