Zen Retreats: Zazenkai and Sesshin

We offer a Day of Zen every other month on a Sunday, as well as three residential retreats every year.

Please see Details and Dates of our Upcoming Retreats HERE

Zen retreats are the heart of Zen practice. Extended times of silence in deep stillness help us become awake to our truest self nature, our heart of compassion and wisdom.

What happens in a Zen retreat?

• This is a rare opportunity to live in a simplified and focused time of extended practice time with others.

• We follow Zen master Dogen’s heed to “practice continuously” as we move throughout the day from Zazen, to kinhin, to silent meals, chanting, rest, dharma talks, tea and rest breaks, Teacher interviews. All our activities become practicing Zen.

• Zazenkai (or Day of Zen) is practicing over several hours, with everyone sharing in the same heart of practice, supporting and encouraging each other.

• Sesshin (meaning unifying the mind/heart) is practicing over a few days from early in the morning through evening, maintaining a focus on Zazen, walking, working, eating, sleeping. All things become practice.

  We recommend you have participated in a Zazenkai/Day of Zen before signing up for a Sesshin

Photos are from our 2023, 2024 and 2025 Sesshin retreats