Pari-Nirvana Sesshin: A Meditation Retreat exploring Life, Death & the Unknown

This retreat is offered both in person and on zoom.

Zen meditation is an invitation to the unknown. 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

Proof of vaccination and booster is required to attend events at Great Vow Zen Monastery. For the latest on our health policies click here.