May Peace Prevail Sesshin
A 4-day meditation retreat
(Zoom & In-person)
Wednesday, May 20 (eve.) – Sunday, May 24
(REGISTER BELOW)
Led by Sensei Jitsujo Gauthier & Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf
RETREAT INFO
Amid global wars, ongoing human centricity and domination of nature, this is an opportunity to stop, reflect, cultivate peace, and reset your intention and direction. This Zen retreat is an opportunity to cultivate peace. In addition to seated meditation, we will explore Zen activities that are creative, soothing, and joyful, e.g., drawing, singing/chanting, sutra copying, personal mantra, Dharma sharing, Council, mindful walking, and nature bathing. Dharma talks will explore themes grounded in Buddhist sutras that provide frameworks for peacemaking. We will explore the Metta Sutra, Prajnaparmita, Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva, and the Sutra of Golden Light.
Click here to view tentative schedule.
*Non-members and new members: Attending an in-person “Introduction to Zen Meditation Class” is a prerequisite for attending all onsite activities.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER
In-person participants:
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 13.
In-person participation is limited. Please register early to guarantee a seat in the Zendo.
Zoom Participants:
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 @ 9 a.m.
$25 fee will be charged for dropping out or registering past posted deadlines.
Members: $40/Day; $160/Fulltime
Non-Members: $60/Day; $240/Fulltime
EMAIL TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL GO OUT THE MORNING OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 20.
REATREAT LEADERS
Sensei Jitsujo T. Gauthier is a Zen priest and preceptor at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, as well as a member of the Zen Peacemakers International. She received Dharma Transmission (denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2024. She is also an Assistant Professor and current Chair of the Buddhist Chaplaincy department at University of the West in Los Angeles County. She explores and practices of the Three Tenets in the classroom, chaplaincy work, as well as within seated meditation.
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf is a Preceptor and ZCLA member since 1978. She was empowered as a Dharma-Holder by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2025. As Senior Resident, her role is to promote the Residential Training Program and encourage community practice. She has been active in the development of ethics policies and practices at ZCLA, and is the current Steward of the HEAR Circle.
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. If you have any other questions, please contact Myoki at programsteward@zcla.org.