Autumn Wind Sesshin 2025

A 7-day meditation retreat
(Zoom & In-person)

Sunday, October 5 (eve.) – Sunday, October 12
(REGISTER BELOW)

Led by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley, Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra, & Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf

RETREAT INFO

Sesshin, “to unify the mind,” is an essential training for the deepening of one’s zazen. Everyone is invited to participate in this extended, silent training week either in person or virtually. The emphasis is on a more focused zazen practice and working face-to-face with the teachers. The schedule includes walking meditation (kinhin), work practice (samu), chanting, rest, oryoki meals, and Dharma talks. For those participating virtually, you will have time to eat, walk and do your own samu at home, then link back into the sesshin schedule. This Autumn Wind Sesshin will be led by Roshi Ryodo. Face-to-Face will be available both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Everyone is encouraged to attend the dharma talks. During this week, Head Trainee Bill Tetsui Press will be present in person to complete his training. The week will culminate in his Dharma Combat with the Sangha. Open to everyone, newcomers* are especially welcomed to attend. Full time participation is encouraged. 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. 

Click here to view schedule.

In-person participants:
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1.
$25 fee will be charged for dropping out or registering past posted deadlines.

In-person participation is limited. Please register early to guarantee a seat in the Zendo.

 

Zoom Participants:
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER  5 @ 9 a.m.

$25 fee will be charged for dropping out or registering past posted deadlines.

Members: $40/Day; $280/Fulltime

Non-Members: $60/Day; $420/Fulltime

 

 

EMAIL TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL GO OUT THE MORNING OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5.

 

 

*Non-members and new members: Attending an in-person “Introduction to Zen Meditation Class” or Beginner’s Wednesday offering is a prerequisite for attending all onsite activities.

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.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

Days

Check off your days:

Enter additional notes regarding your retreat registration (e.g., food allergies, gender and housing requests) below.

Autumn Wind Sesshin 2025
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Roshi Ryodo entered formal studies at the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1980, working directly with Charlotte Joko Beck and Genpo Merzel Roshi as well as Taizan Maezumi Roshi, the founding Abbot of ZCLA. He received Dharma Transmission from Roshi Egyoku Nakao, in 2007, empowerment as lay preceptor in 2015, and inka shomei in 2019.

Roshi Ryodo is the author of the Zen Mindfulness Cloudbook, an online manual for the Zen-rooted method of mindfulness he has been teaching since 2002. He led the Westchester Zen Circle from 2009-2020. He is the current president of the board of the White Plum Asanga, the peer group of teachers in the lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi, as well being a member of the American Zen Teachers Association and the Lay Zen Teachers Association.

 

Nem Etsugen Bajra has been a member of ZCLA since 2007. He completed training as Head Trainee under the guidance of Roshi Egyoku in 2021 and was designated as Dharma Holder by Roshi Ryodo in 2022. He served as a Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle for four years. Etsugen continues to offer “Introduction to Zen Mediation” classes on Sundays and “Explore Your Practice” meetings on Wednesday nights.  He also serves as a member of the ZCLA Board and a member of Buddha Hand Circle (BHC). He is offering bi-weekly meditation classes and quarterly Zazenkai to the business community members. He is currently CEO of Calsoft Systems, an IT company.

 

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.