Pari-Nirvana Sesshin: A Meditation Retreat exploring Life, Death & the Unknown
With Larry Fuho Trussell, Myoyu Haley Voekel and Ed Gensho Welsh
February 16 - 22, 2026
During this sesshin we take up the Buddha’s Parinirvana–the Buddha’s death–as the essential inquiry into our own relationship with death, dying and the uncertainties of this life.
How often in your daily life do you allow yourself to reflect on your own mortality, your own death?
This sesshin provides the structure and support needed to look into the fears and anxieties surrounding death, dying and the unknown.
Supported by the stillness and quiet of winter, we allow the body, heart and mind to deeply settle and rest – as we feel into the fundamental koans – Who is it that’s alive? What dies? What remains after death?
The great Zen teachers all encourage us, “if you die before you die, you will no longer fear your death or your life.” In this time of great uncertainty for the planet and our species, may we have the courage to directly face the unknown and live our lives with compassion, wisdom and love.
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
Please plan on attending full time
About the Leaders

Larry Fuho Trussell
Larry Fuho Trussell has been practicing Zen since 1976, and received Lay Transmission from Chozen and Hogen Roshi in 2015. Fuho is the lead teacher on Sunday mornings at Heart of Wisdom. He is one of the sesshin leaders in ZCO. He works as a research scientist and is married with one grown son.
Learn more about Larry Fuho Trussell
Myoyu Haley Voekel
Myoyu attended her first meditation retreat in 2006. Following that, she took a dive into Zen practice and also yoga training. She began practicing with ZCO in 2013. She ordained in 2019 as a novice priest, following her vow to serve ZCO and to deepen her own practice. She is currently the Training Director at […]
Learn more about Myoyu Haley Voekel
Ed Gensho Welsh
Ed Gensho Welsh began practicing Zen in 2002 and was made a Dharma Holder in 2016. He served on the Zen Community of Oregon board of directors for 10 years. He works in IT and is a married father with three grown children.
Learn more about Ed Gensho WelshCategories : Great Vow Zen Monastery, Sesshin