Sesshins are silent intensive meditation retreats. Each day of sesshin typically includes ten 35-minute zazen periods, dokusan (an individual face-to-face meeting with the teacher), a dharma talk, formal oryoki meals, work practice and service assignments. You may attend one or more days. Each “day” of sesshin begins at 7:00 pm the previous evening. You are welcome to sleep at the center (sleeping bags on the floor cushions) or commute. The fee for sesshins is $45 per day ($35 per day for members) and payment in full is required at the time of registration. Previous zazen practice is required.
In addition, Clouds in Water offers several one-day Introduction to Sesshin sessions throughout the year, for those who have not participated in a sesshin before.
To register for a sesshin, contact our Program Coordinator. If you will not be participating in the entire sesshin, please email the Ino (temple coordinator) at with the dates and times you will be participating. Additionally, please contact the Ino with questions, scheduling changes, dietary concerns or to schedule a pre-sesshin interview (required for those doing their first sesshin at Clouds in Water). We also recommend those new to sesshin attend the Introduction to Sesshin.
Visitors are welcome to join sesshin participants for any scheduled sitting and walking meditation period, dharma talk and/or liturgy service. (Visitors do not participate in dokusan and meals.) Donations are welcome.
Sesshin begins at 7:00 pm on the first day and ends at 2:00 pm on the last day unless otherwise stated. The registration and payment deadline for sesshin is the Monday before first day of the retreat.
This one-day retreat will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening and end at 9:00 pm on Saturday.
During this retreat in an environment of stillness and silence, teachings will be given on the nature and dynamics of enlightenment, with special emphasis on delusion within the non-dual dance of delusion and enlightenment. This is an Intersaghna Event. Participants must attend the entire sesshin.
Sesshin
Begins: Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00 pm
Ends: Sunday, May 2 at 3:00 pm
Cost: $220 (Members*: $195)
*for members of Clouds in Water, Compassionate Ocean Dharma Center, Minnesota Zen Meditation Center and Dharma Field
Public Talk: Enlightenment: Helping Others
This evening talk will discuss how Enlightenment is helping others by being authentically your self.
Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
$15 suggested donation
Hosted by Minnesota Zen Meditation Center.
Participants can attend either the first three days (Saturday noon through Monday at 6:00 pm) or the entire sesshin.
This one-day sesshin will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening and end at 9:00 pm on Saturday.
Intersangha Event at Dharma Field Zen Center.
Participants can register for one or more days.