Koan Sesshin

Zen koans are words, phrases or questions that can re-orient us from the discriminating mind to the One Mind, from the Relative to the Absolute.   In this sesshin we will work with koans, stilling the mind, and experience the bright clarity that comes forth as each moment.

It has been 10 long years since we offered a Koan Sesshin. Working on Koans is a rigorous, full-time-in-the-zendo practice, and that, unless you are fit and healthy, it is probably not the best retreat for you to attend. We don’t want people to be tipped over into exhaustion both by the schedule and by the difficulties that may arise from sleeping with others in a full guest area.

The expectation for this retreat in particular is that all of us be ready to follow the full schedule and be in full alignment with the forms. We will move as one body during this retreat. The silver dragon option will be available only if you are over 60. Otherwise, please be prepared to be upright and present for everything on the schedule.

For this retreat, we cannot offer flexibility around the forms and schedule.

Part time attendance is not an option. Koan work is cumulative and it is important that everyone be present from start to finish.

This is a particular style of practicing in which we bring forward our Rinzai roots. It is a full bodied and lively endeavor.

If you wish to come to a softer sesshin led by Chozen Roshi, we suggest the September sesshin. The schedule is lighter and we spend some time each afternoon working silently on craft projects related to Jizo Bodhisattva.  You might also consider coming to the Mindful Eating Retreat in June or the  Inner Critic weekend in July  (to be posted soon) led by Chozen. These retreats have a lighter schedule and fewer hours of zazen.

Sesshin is a rigorous and, at times, challenging silent meditation retreat that is not recommended for beginners. In order to attend in person, we require that you attend one of our silent weekend retreats or a five-seven day silent retreat at another Zen Center before registering for our longer zen retreats. For more information about what to expect when attending a sesshin, click here.