Year-End Sesshin 2025
A Three-Day Meditation Retreat
(Zoom & In-person)
Led by Sensei Tom Dharma-Joy Reichert & Roshi Mark Shogen Bloodgood
Saturday, December 27âTuesday, December 30
The focus of this zazenkai that comes just before the western New Year is enlivening our practice. The Lunar New Year begins on January 29th. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, representing vitality, speed, and perseverance. The Year of the Fire Horse is expected to be a time of energy, change, and opportunity. It encourages bold actions, pursuit of passions, and embracing new experiences. The schedule is spare: Zazen, Walking, Eating, Working, and Resting. Breath by breath, step by step, bite by bite, moment by moment we will look directly at the conditioned mind. A wonderful opportunity to empty and deepen as we end the year.
If you wish to participate part time, please let Myoki know your precise attendance, including expected arrival and departure times. Part time consists of at least a half a day, including all scheduled activities. Housing is not guaranteed. First come, first served. Both first time* and seasoned practitioners are encouraged and welcome to participate.
In-person participation is limited. Please register early to guarantee a seat in the Zendo.
In-person participants:
Click here to view fee structure
Find your membership level here:
Supporting & Practicing Members: $50/day â $150 full-time commuters & residents; $240 full-time w/housing; $265 full-time w/housing & oryoki rental
Affiliate Members: $55/day â $165 full-time commuters & residents; $255 full-time w/housing; $280 full-time w/housing & oryoki rental
Corresponding Members: $60/day â $180 full-time commuters & residents; $270 full-time w/housing; $295 full-time w/housing & oryoki rental
Non-Members: $85/day â $255 full-time commuters; $345 full-time w/housing; $370 full-time w/housing & oryoki rental
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 @ 9AM
Zoom Participants:
Members: $40/day; $120 full-time
Non-Members: $60/day; $180 full-time
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 @ 9AM
$25 fee for dropping out or registering past posted deadlines.
EMAIL TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL GO OUT THE MORNING OF SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27.
The Zen Center policy is to turn no one away for lack of funds. If you have concerns about payments, click here to request Dharma Training Fund.
*Non-members and new members: Attending an in-person âIntroduction to Zen Meditation Classâ is a prerequisite for attending all onsite activities.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Sensei Tom Dharma-Joy Reichert is ZCLAâs Abbott, Head Priest and Preceptor. Learn More
Raised in the Episcopal Church, RÅshi ShÅgen aspired to become an Episcopal priest in his youth. But in the late 1960s and early ’70s, a âsubtle feelingâ nudged him toward the spiritual teachings of the East. This quiet shift began with Hermann Hesseâs Siddhartha, and deepened through the writings of ShunryÅ« Suzuki, Philip Kapleau, Huston Smith, Alan Watts, and D.T. Suzuki. During this formative period, he studied religion, existentialism, and Buddhism at California State University, Northridge.
For decades, ShÅgen considered himself a âcloset intellectual Buddhist.â But on his 50th birthday, during a camping trip in Big Sur, an article in Tricycle magazine reignited his practice. Inspired, he sought a teacher and found his way to the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1999, where he became a student of RÅshi Egyoku Nakao.
His formal Zen path unfolded over the next two decades: receiving Jukai in 2005, Tokudo in 2012, Denkai in 2016, Dharma Holder empowerment in 2019, Dharma Transmission in December 2019, and Inka ShÅmei in December 2025.
RÅshi ShÅgen has led the San Luis Obispo Zen Circle for over 20 years. He also leads a prison sangha at the California Menâs Colony, where he offers weekly services, meditation, and Dharma talks. He recently retired from his work as a hospice chaplain.
He is a member of the White Plum Asanga, the Zen Peacemakers, the American Zen Teachers Association, and an associate member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association.
Active in the interfaith community, ShÅgen participates in the San Luis Obispo Ministerial Association and Opening Doors of Interfaith Understanding.
He lives in Los Osos, California, with his wife, Karla.