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 sesshin will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening and end at 9:00 pm on Saturday.
$45 (members: $35)
Intersangha Event at Dharma Field Zen Center.
Registration opens Sunday, June 6
Registration deadline 6:00 pm, September 10.
Registration form.
Full sesshin: $300 (members: $225)
4 days: $240 (members: $180)
3 days: $180 (members: $135)
Dharma talks will be open to the public. $15 fee per talk.
Visit http://dharmafield.org/Genzo-e/genzoepage.htm for details, registration information and sesshin schedule.
Informational flier.
This three-day retreat will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening and end Sunday afternoon.
This one-day retreat will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening and end at 9:00 pm on Saturday.
Clouds in Water Zen Center and Compassionate Ocean Dharma Center will co-host this sesshin with Joen Snyder-O’Neal, Michael O’Neal and Byakuren Judith Ragir. Participants can register for one or more days.