Fall Zen Retreat Sesshin September 5-8, 2025
Registration opens in July 2025. If you have questions, email Information@joyfulmindzendo.org
Sesshin is the Heart of Zen. Sesshins offer a place and opportunity to sit with others in deep silence and community. Sesshin helps us connect with our true natures and changes the way we view and interact with the world.
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. Deposits of 50% by August 15 will hold your spot. There will be full and partial refunds depending on the date of any cancellations. See policy below.
You must fill out a Registration Form and submit a deposit to hold your space. Full payment due by August 30.
Joyful Mind Sangha Members will get first placement priority (until August 1) and then registration will open up for others, and also there will be a wait list. A “member” is someone who participates regularly in Joyful Mind Zen Community via regular participation or financial support.
**We offer 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.
Contact our Retreat Registrar to ask any questions: registration@joyfulmindzendo.org
Fee includes private room, all vegetarian meals, linens, blankets and towels. Beautiful space in secluded wooded setting.
15 Private rooms each with sink, shared bathroom, desk. Healthy vegetarian meals are provided and requests for gluten or dairy free will be provided. The teacher will offer private one-on-one instructions on Zen practice.
For more information about Sesshins and Zen Retreats, go here
LOCATION: Dayspring Silent Retreat Center, 11301 Neelsville Church Road, Germantown MD 20876
OPTIONS AND FEES:
A) Option A Full Sesshin. Friday night through Monday lunch. $410 for Checks /$425 if paying online. 50% deposit by August 15 to hold space.
B) Option B Two-Night Sesshin. Friday night through Sunday lunch. $305 for Checks/$320 if paying online. 50% deposit by August 15 to hold space.
C) Option C Reduced Rate Scholarships available (3 spots: first come/ first serve) $335 for 3 nights by check or $350 online/$235 for 2 nights by check or $250 online payment. %50 deposit by August 15 to hold space. 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. Refunds available; see cancellation policy below - please notify us in advance if you cannot come for illness or advance change of plans. If paying Online, please see our Donations/Payments page
Dana/Donation request: Generosity practice. By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their service and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana/payments. Teachers pay for attending. For those whose employment and means allow dana, $10-20 per person per day of attendance is suggested; smaller amounts of generosity appreciated.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations received before August 15 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 August 15, 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: 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.
FULL SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY: Arrive 2:30-6 pm (earlier to avoid traffic), 4:30-5:30 Sangha tea; Dinner 5:45 pm, Sesshin starts at 7 pm to enter into noble silence.
SATURDAY and SUNDAY: 6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. Zazen, Outdoor Kinhin, Chanting, Dharma Talk, Teacher interviews, tea breaks and personal rest throughout the day. Plus stretch/yoga. Physical accommodations are offered; speak to the Teacher.
MONDAY: 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 am. Zazen and Kinhin, ends with conversational lunch, closing circle and chanting.
Teachers:
Sensei Martine Taikai Palmiter and others