Sesshins
Sesshins are extended periods of intensive, silent zazen for experienced meditators. They are held in seclusion, follow a rigorous schedule, and last from two to seven days. Sensei Graef conducts sesshins in Vermont and Costa Rica.
The sesshin day begins at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. There are ten hours of formal zazen each day; informal zazen is encouraged during breaks and rest periods. Other elements of sesshin are walking meditation, chanting, prostrations, work, exercise, and vegetarian meals. Dokusan (private instruction with Sensei Graef) is offered three times a day, and there are daily teisho (Zen talks).
Requirements
Because of the demanding nature of sesshin, only people who have been sitting regularly should apply. Attendance at a Workshop and at least one all-day or a short sesshin (two to three days) are prerequisites.
Types of Sesshins and Retreats
In addition traditional sesshins, we offer Work Sesshins twice a year. These sesshins, with fewer hours of formal zazen and a much longer work period, focus on garden and kitchen work. It is one of the ways we develop and maintain the large gardens at the Center.
Another sesshin format is the October Jataka/Working Person Sesshin. At this sesshin the weekend is full time, but from Monday through Friday, the only structured hours are early morning and evening. During the day people leave to go to work or pursue other activities (such as writing, art, childcare, etc.). In 2010, Rafe Martinwill be giving daily talks on the Jataka Tales, as he did at the enormously popular Jataka Working Person Sesshin in October 2009. There is an additional $10/day fee for attending this sesshin to cover the guest teacher’s honorarium. An article describing one participant’s reaction to this special sesshin can be found here.
Every June, we offer a 5-day Meditation Retreat. This is ideal for those who want to have unstructured time for meditation. Anyone, even those with no prior sesshin experience, may apply to a meditation retreat.
More Information
Next Vermont Sesshin
July 31-August 7
Next Costa Rica Sesshin
9/30-10/7, 2010
Sesshin Forms
2010 Application
Essential Sesshin Information
PLEASE READ
Sesshin and Retreat Daily Schedules
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