Events
UPCOMING DAYS OF ZEN
March 21, Saturday
SCHEDULE
6:30 - 8:00 AM
8:00 - 8:30 AM
8:30 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 12:30 PM
12:30-1:30 PM
Zazen
Short Break
Zazen/Dokusan
Talk by Teacher
Zazen/Dokusan
Lunch (Potluck)
Punctuality is expected regardless of whether you arrive in person or via Zoom. Doors will remain closed until the next kinhin or walking meditation. In the Zoom session, you may need to wait until the commencement of kinhin or walking meditation.
Spring Sesshin, April 16-19
“Zazenkai,” often referred to as the “Day of Zen,” is a full or half-day event where individuals gather to engage in Zen meditation. Throughout the event, silence is observed. A half-day of Zen meditation allows participants to sit for nearly five hours, interspersed with walking meditation. A teisho, or Dharma talk, is typically offered by the teacher, and dokusan, a private interview with the teacher, is voluntarily offered to students. The event concludes with chanting and, occasionally, sharing by the students. Lunch is provided, and participation is optional.
In contrast, “Encounter of the Heart,” often referred to as a “Sesshin,” is an intensive Zen retreat that spans three to seven days. Each day’s zazen session typically totals at least seven to eight hours, interspersed with walking meditation, rest, and meals. The entire event is conducted in silence, except when a student seeks private interview with the teacher. Each day, a talk is usually offered, and in the afternoon, a unique tea ceremony is conducted.
If the sesshin is residential, it is typically held in a facility. However, if it is held in the zendo, participants are permitted to commute, and out-of-state attendees are accommodated by local members or rented houses.