All Day Sittings

Retreats are a major focus of the Center, providing the time and support we need to delve into the Great Matter of Life and Death. Our retreats vary in length from 1-day Zazenkai to 3-month intensive practice periods, with each type offering a different zazen schedule and practice emphasis.

Sesshin

Literally translated, sesshin means “to unify the mind.” It is an extended, silent retreat in which most of the normal schedule of the Center is set aside to allow for a more focused zazen practice, integrated with walking meditation, face-to-face meetings with a teacher, work practice, chanting, rest, oryoki meals, and talks.

Beginner’s Sesshin

This introductory sesshin is designed to introduce you to sesshin practice by providing more opportunities for instruction, questions, and explanation than would ordinarily be possible in the silence of sesshin. In addition, the sitting periods are shorter and the zazen schedule lighter.

Tangaryo

Tangaryo is an all-day sitting without a timekeeper which is open to all and required of members. You may sit on your own, under the guidance of an experienced practitioner, at a date agreed upon by you and the coordinator.

Zazenkai

One day set aside for zazen with face-to-face meetings, walking meditation, chanting, meals, work, and a talk or class. The schedule is similar to a day of sesshin.

Wall-gazing Days

Bare bones zazen, sitting in meditation facing the wall, in the style of the great ancestor Bodhidharma.

Special Events, Retreats, Workshops or Classes

The Zen Center also periodically offers various special retreats, workshops or classes.