Registration opens October 1, 2025
The Bodhisattva Way : A woman’s path
This will be our 7th annual women’s Zen retreat open to all who identify as women. During Sesshin, we focus on zazen, breath and walking, deep listening to what is around us and what compassionate response may be available for us. At this women’s retreat, we focus on women’s ancestors, stories and the awakened path of the Bodhisattva. Sesshin can be rigorous. It is strongly suggested you have sesshin or extended silent practice experience, of at least one day in silence to attend.
Contact our Retreat Registrar to ask any questions: registration@joyfulmindzendo.org
We have 15 spaces. There will be a waitlist if we fill up and we often have last minute cancellations. Sesshin is the Heart of Zen. Sesshins offer deep silence, Zazen, kinhin, morning stretch, work practice, tea and rest breaks, teacher interviews.
WHEN: Friday, November 21, 2025, Sesshin and noble silence starts 7:00 PM (arrive 3-6 pm with conversation) thru Sunday, November 23, 2025, and closes with lunch at 11:30 AM
Deposits of 50% by October 25 will hold your spot. There will be full and partial refunds depending on the date of any cancellations. See policy below. A reduced rate option for those needing financial assistance, first come. See Fees below:
You must fill out a Registration Form and submit a deposit by October 25 to hold your space. Full payment due by November 10, 2025. There will be a waitlist if filled and often there are last minute cancellations.
Contact our Retreat Registrar to ask any questions: registration@joyfulmindzendo.org
All participants support each other by maintaining the schedule, keeping the silence and deep intention to practice wholeheartedly. Sesshin can be rigorous. It is strongly suggested you have prior sesshin or extended silent practice experience of at least one day.
**We offer physical accommodations as needed for those who may need more physical need for sleep or movement. Please speak with Sensei or the Registrar. There is an option to come as a commuter but you must pay the full fees and maintain the schedule.
Fee includes private room, all meals, linens, blankets and towels. Beautiful space in secluded wooded setting, and walking meditation outdoors is part of the Sesshin.
Private rooms each with sink, shared bathroom, desk. Healthy vegetarian meals are provided and gluten or dairy free meals will be offered (on registration form). The teacher will offer private one-on-one instructions on Zen practice.
LOCATION: Dayspring Silent Retreat Center, 11301 Neelsville Church Road, Germantown MD 20876. If you need to be picked up at a metro station, let us know in the registration.
FEES, DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
A) Option A Full Price Sesshin. $305 for Checks/$320 if paying online. Online Pay Pal and Zelle charge us 3% fee (included in this rate schedule).
B) Option B Reduced Rate Scholarships available (Limited number of scholarships awarded on a first come/ first serve) $235 for checks/$250 online payment.
Let us know if you need other financial options such as payment plans.
If paying by check, they are made out to: Joyful Mind Zendo, and mailed to J Harllee, Joyful Mind Zendo Treasurer, 2801 Connecticut Ave. NW., Apt. 34, Washington DC 20008–1573.
If paying online,
Paypal: Send payments HERE, or Pay Pal Me
Zelle: Send payments to the Zelle of JoyfulMindZendo@gmail.com
Dana/Donation request: By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their service and teaching. Teachers pay for attending. For those whose employment and means allow dana, $10/day of attendance is suggested; smaller amounts of generosity appreciated. We also have a basket for dana for the cook.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations received before November 13 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 November 13, you may still be able to get a refund -- if someone fills your spot from the wait list, minus processing fees.
Physical and Mental Health Statement: This Sesshin is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not have those resources to provide. 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.
For more information and Registration contact Sarah Farmer at registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.
FULL SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY: Arrive 3:00-6 pm, Dinner with conversation at 6 pm, Sesshin starts at 7 pm to enter into noble silence.
SATURDAY: 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Zazen, kinhin, dharma talks, interviews, work practice, rest and tea breaks.
SUNDAY: 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 am. Ends with conversational lunc.
Teachers: Sensei Martine Taikai Palmiter and Dharma Holder Sarah Farmer