Sesshin

Sesshin

Sesshin offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s practice in a supportive atmosphere and to contribute to others doing so as well. Sesshin is conducted in disciplined silence, with every aspect of the day geared towards focussing single-mindedly on the present moment. Dokusan (one-to-one instruction with the teacher) is offered three times a day, and voluntary sitting, outside of the formal rounds, is encouraged.

Typical Sesshin Schedule

Arrival

Check-in is from 6 :00 to 7:00 (a light supper will be available at 7:15), with sitting from about 8:00 to 9: 30.

Day One to Final Day

4:10 Wakeup

4:30 Outdoor Kinhin

4:45 Zazen*

5:15 Chanting Service

5:45 Zazen with dokusan

7:00 Formal Breakfast

7:20 Samu (work practice)

8:30 Rest

9:30 Zazen

10:15 Teisho

11:05 Zazen

12:30 Lunch (informal), rest

1:30 Zazen with dokusan

3:30 Chanting Service

3:50 Group Exercises

4:40 Zazen

5:15 Formal Dinner, rest

7:00 Zazen with dokusan

9:30 Four Vows

* The standard round is 35 minutes, followed by kinhin (walking meditation).

Final Day

As above until after teisho, followed by zazen with final dokusan, lunch, and work practice (packing up).

Applications

The deadline for applications is two weeks prior to a 7-day sesshin or one week prior to the start of a shorter sesshin. Click here to print an application form in Word or as a PDF, fill in and mail with payment ($55 a day for members, $65 a day for non-members) to P. O. Box 109 729, Newmarket, Auckland, 1149. Please make cheques out to "Auckland Zen Centre.". Call Sensei if you have questions.

Prior zazen experience is required for sesshin. If you have not sat before with the AZC, attendance at an Introductory Workshop (and at weekly sittings if you live in Auckland) may be required.

Emergency Contact Information

Please give the relevant numbers below to family members to use in an emergency. Participants are asked to switch off their mobile phones at the start of sesshin, and not to turn them on again until afterwards. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FAMILY KNOWS YOU WILL NOT BE CHECKING YOUR MOBILE!

When sesshin is atAio Wira Retreat Centre, in an emergency, family members should call 09 810 9396 or fax 09 810 8269.

When sesshin is at St.Francis Retreat Centre, please call
09 625 6651 or fax 09 625 7384.

What to Bring

For the zendo bring a sitting robe (and rakusu) if you have them. If you don’t have a robe, bring plain, comfortable loose-fitting clothing in dark colours (i.e. black, dark blue, dark brown, or dark grey). Please note that clothing with busy patterns, pictures, or writing is not suitable for sesshin, nor is anything tight-fitting or revealing. Be sure that your neck/shoulder area is not bare or encumbered (e.g. tanks tops and hooded sweatshirts are unsuitable). If you need to wear socks in the zendo, make sure they are dark (not white or brightly coloured ). Bring a separate set of old clothes and boots or sturdy shoes for the work period (the work may be dirty). Shorts are OK for work, but not for the zendo. Other items to bring: raincoat, sheets and pillowcase , towel, personal toiletries (no strong perfumes please) including toothpaste, torch, insect repellent (odourless). Also highly recommended: slip-on shoes, gumboots or other waterproof footwear for sesshin at Airo Wira (slip-on is preferable) and earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

No extra food should be brought to sesshin unless absolutely necessary for health reasons and anything you want to bring must be cleared with the head monitor.

If you are taking any prescription medicines during sesshin, please remember to bring them, and let the monitor know what you are taking.

Future Sesshin Dates

2008

21-24 March Easter 3-Day Sesshin at Friary

20-25 April “Working Sesshin” at Pah Road

16-18 May May 2-Day Sesshin (dates and venue to be confirmed)

28 June- 5 July Winter 7-Day Sesshin at Aio Wira

13-17 August 4-Day Sesshin in Madison, Wisconsin

20-24 August 4-Day Sesshin at Chapin Mill, New York

19-21 September Sept. 3-Day Sesshin, Knocknagree, Oratia

13 - 16 November Nov. 3-Day Sesshin, Knocknagree, Oratia

10-17 January, 2009 Summer 7-Day Sesshin (dates and venue to be confirmed)