Joyful Mind Zendo Han, Carvin’Colin
October 29, 2026 - November 1, 2026 Our Fall sesshin theme is on Ancestors. Sesshin is a time to connect heart-mind with the harmony of universe and with our own being and others. This is an intensive Zen retreat of deep silence. We recommend you have attended extended sitting periods or have attended a retreat. There will be an Ancestors Hungry Ghost service Saturday night.
If Joyful Mind Zen Community is your home or primary Sangha, registration opens August 17; all others may register September 10. Registration closes October 15.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Option of a 2- or 3-day retreat or Online one day. Residential retreat at Wellspring Retreat Center in Germantown MD. Sesshin includes Zazen, kinhin, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. This Sesshin will be at Wellspring Retreat Center in Germantown, MD, Thursday afternoon through Sunday lunch, or Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. There is also a camping and commuter option.
Teachers: Taikai Martine Palmiter, Sensei of Joyful Mind Zendo, and Shiho Bruce Lindsay, Sensei One Heart Sangha
OPTIONS AND FEES:
Deposits of 50% by September 10 will hold your spot. There will be full and partial refunds depending on the date of any cancellations. See policy below. Go to Donations and Payments page. Note: Zeffy is our new no-fee online option. If using Zelle please add 1% for online fees and if using PayPal, please add 3%. You must fill out a Registration Form and submit a deposit to hold your space. Full payment due by October 19.
Contact our Registrar Kyoshin to ask any questions: registration@joyfulmindzendo.org. IPlease contact us if you have questions.
**We offer accommodations as needed for those who may have a physical need for more sleep or movement. Please speak with Sensei or the Registrar.
Fee includes 2- or 3-nights in a private room with shared bathroom, all vegetarian meals, linens, blankets and towels. Beautiful space in secluded wooded setting. 18 Private rooms, with desk, shared bathroom. Healthy vegetarian meals are provided and gluten or dairy free options should be requested. Those staying for the three day retreat will have meal work practice on Thurs night/Friday morning and lunch.
NOTE: The Sustainer rate is our actual cost. Benefactors help support others to attend a retreat. Supported rates are available. Please look at the options and decide what is best for you. Three-night retreat starts with conversational dinner Thursday night, and two-night retreat starts with silent dinner Friday night.
THREE NIGHT RATES: Between $320-520 (Supported, Sustainer, Benefactor rates sliding) See registration form.
TWO NIGHT RATES: Between $220-420 (Supported, Sustainer, Benefactor rates sliding) See registration form.
CAMPERS either 2 OR 3 NIGHTS: $300-$360 (sliding scale)
COMMUTERS 2 days: $200 Friday and Saturday, 6 am to 9 pm or Friday night through Sunday lunch. 3 days : $300 for all day Friday, Saturday, plus Sunday 6 am to noon, all food included.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations received before October 5 will receive a full refund less a $10 processing fee if you paid by check (or $25 processing fee if you used Pay Pal or Zelle) . If you cancel after October 5, we will likely still be able to grant a full refund if someone fills your spot or we reach our full numbers, minus a $10 processing fee for check or $25 processing fee if paid online).
Physical and Mental Health Statement: if you are under the care of a medical provider for a physical or mental health condition, check with them to see if a retreat experience like this is appropriate. Those experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval or instability might require additional support beyond the teachers’ ability to provide so please check with your mental health provider first. If you have questions, ask our Registrar.
FULL SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY: Arrive 3:00-6 pm, Prepare communal dinner 5:30; Dinner with conversation 6 pm, Sesshin starts at 7 pm to enter into noble silence. Those staying for the three-day retreat will bring a food item to share for dinner or breakfast, and work practice with meal set-up and clean-up
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Zazen, dharma talks, rest practice, chant and walking practice.
SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. Zazen and Kinhin, ends with conversational lunch at Noon, closing circle.
