Cancelled for Public Safety

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): Roshi Enkyo O'Hara, Sensei Kaz Tanahashi, Matthew Kozan Palevsky

Inspired by Zen Master Dogen’s poetic essay “Dharma Blossoms Turn Dharma Blossoms,” we explore the profound meaning of the blossoming of dharma and the role of each one of us for flourishing dharma.

Sesshin literally means ‘gathering the heart/mind’. A sesshin is an intensive multi-day Zen meditation retreat with a consistent schedule that creates a deep, quiet container for practice. Each day consists of sitting (zazen) and walking (kinhin) meditation, service and chanting (liturgy), formal meals in the zendo (oryoki*), personal interviews with the teachers, work practice (samu) and physical practice. We observe Noble Silence throughout and support each other in quiet, whole-hearted practice. It is recommended, although certainly not mandatory, that you participate in at least one day-long retreat (Zazenkai or Bodhidharma) before you sit sesshin to prepare you for this very deep and intimate practice.

*Special note about oryoki — in this tradition, all meals are vegan and gluten-free. We are unable to accommodate further dietary sensitivities. If your dietary sensitivities are outside of  vegan and gluten-free, we suggest you consider another retreat option.

Click here to complete an on-line Sesshin questionnaire.  Additionally, click here for a downloadable PDF of Guidelines of Conduct for a Practice Period/Sesshin.  At the end of the Sesshin questionnaire, you will be asked to affirm that you have read the Guidelines. Thank you.