“Sesshin is a period of time, usually ranging from 2 – 7 days, in which silence is maintained and the focus is on zazen. Sesshin is a cornerstone of Zen practice for which there is no substitute—it is essential for any practitioner who hopes to gain insight into their true nature.
Sesshin, while commonly understood as a Zen retreat, literally means to unite the mind. It is an opportunity to gather together one’s energy and concentrate it in order to clarify the great matter that is our life. We do sesshin as a group as the support that each person gives to the others is vital for a strong sesshin.” (Stolen directly from Upaya’s website)
Zazenkai is generally understood to mean a shorter session.
We encourage all sangha members, especially those preparing for Jukai or Tokudo, to attend the zenkai.
Zazenkai Saturday 8/27-Sunday 8/28–Schedule
Saturday 8/27/22
6:30-7:00 Zazen
7:00-7:10 Kinhin
7:10-7:40 Zazen
7:40-8:10 Council: Taking Refuge
What is the personal meaning
8:10 Heart Sutra
8:20 Breakfast
9:00-9:30 Zazen
9:30-9:40 Kinhin
9:40-10:40 Samu
10:40-10:50 Kinhin
10:50-11:20 Council: 3 Pure Precepts
What is the personal meaning
11:20-11:50 Zazen
11:50 Identity of Relative and Absolute
12:00 Lunch
1:00-1:30 Zazen
1:30-1:40 Kinhin
1:40-2:10 Zazen
2:10-2:20 Kinhin
2:20-2:50 Council: Bowing, ritual
What is the personal meaning
2:50 Shin Shin Ming
3:00 Break
4:00-4:30 Zazen
4:30-4:40 Kinhin
4:40-5:10 Zazen
5:10-5:20 Kinhin
5:20-5:50 Council: 10 Grave Precepts
What is the personal meaning
5:50 4 Bodhisattva Vows
Sunday 8/28/22
6:30-7:00 Zazen
7:00-7:10 Kinhin
7:10-7:40 Zazen
7:40-8:10 Council: Feminine Buddha
What is the personal meaning
8:10 Heart Sutra
Green Tara Sadhana
8:30 Breakfast
9:10-9:40 Zazen
9:40-9:50 Kinhin
9:50-10:40 Samu
10:40-10:50 Kinhin
10:50-11:20 Council: Masculine Buddha
What is the personal meaning
11:20-11:50 Zazen
11:50 Identity of Relative and Absolute
Vajrakilaya Sadhana
12:00 Lunch
1:00-1:30 Zazen
1:30-1:40 Kinhin
1:40-2:10 Zazen
2:10-2:20 Kinhin
2:20-2:50 Council: Sangha
What is the personal meaning
2:50 Shin Shin Ming
SCHEDULE 8/21-8/27
Monday 6:30am Zazen at the Tea House with Madison opening
Tuesday 6:30am Zazen at the Tea House with Madison opening
Tuesday 7pm Dream Koan at the Tea House or ZOOM
Wednesday 6:30am Zazen at the Tea House of ZOOM
Thursday 6:30am Green Tara Sadhana at the Tea House or ZOOM Dokusan with Issan Sensei
Friday 6:30am Zazen at the Tea House or ZOOM and dokusan with Zenho Sensei.
Deep Peace & Great Love,
Issan & Zenho
No Gate Zen Center 