What to expect at a sesshin (Buddhist retreat for intensive practice)…

A sesshin (Japanese for “collecting the heart-mind”) is an intensive meditation retreat.  A sesshin typically lasts from one to seven days, although they can vary. Typically, sesshins at Great Tree are five days.   During sesshins, most of the participants’ time is devoted to meditation  Other activities include in the schedule are: walking meditation (kinhin), chanting, rest, meals, and service work. Participants will be asked keep silence , as much as possible, throughout the sesshin and maintain meditative focus throughout.

The schedule will include:

• Zazen (sitting meditation)
• Kinhin (walking meditation)
• Mindful work in the building or grounds
• Participants are asked to share kitchen duties, cooking or clean-up
• Dokusan (interview) with the teacher is also scheduled.
• Complete Sesshin Schedule (downloads to your computer)

Please arrive by 4pm to check in and get settled. We ask that everyone begin together.  The schedule begins at 5pm with orientation and instruction, followed by a light meal and tea.

Subsequent days begin at 6am and end at 9:30pm with lights out for everyone.

Sesshin end at NOON  on the last day.

For any event,  if you find you  plan to arrive early or extend your stay beyond  the scheduled event,  you will need to contact us  to be sure we have space available.

Register on-line under PROGRAMS >SESSHIN REGISTRATION, drop down menus at the top of the page.

More Guidelines for Residential Retreats at Great Tree

Why Silence?

Silence is an opportunity to communicate with our whole being, our body language, our unspoken thoughts, and a creative expression which speaks more clearly than words. It is authentic and all inclusive – in Silence we are able to hear, express, and engage from the core of our Being.

At Great Tree Zen Temple, ‘Silent Retreat’ means to enter into every activity with mindfulness and a desire to honor the quiet within, being present in the moment without the distraction of unnecessary words or discussion. Amidst our busy lives it is often difficult to imagine communicating without words. A silent retreat offers an opportunity to explore and honor the gifts and insights which arise from Silence.

Registration

Registration is required for all retreats, practice days, and sesshins.  A complete registrations consists of :

Personal Information Form – this form must accompany all enrollments.

Fees may be paid through our events registration gateway by credit card or by check through the mail.

Registrations should be completed at least 7 days prior to the program start date.

Dana

Dana means “generosity” and is the practice of giving. In Asian countries giving support for the Dharma (teachings and the pursuit of Truth) is considered a privilege and an opportunity to share in the spiritual practice and the commitment by those who devote their lives fully to the Dharma.

The fees for events at Great Tree are kept to a minimum and are used to cover the costs of mortgage, building maintenance and retreat overhead.

Teachers who lead activities at Great Tree offer their services on a dana basis and are not given any direct compensation by Great Tree. Great Tree is solely supported entirely by dana and offerings of our community. We are grateful for all gifts that make practice possible for all who come to Great Tree.

There will be a Dana bowl near the fireplace  for teachers at retreats or sesshins. Participants are asked to support their teaching and give as they are able to  Dharma teachers who teach at  Great Tree.

Members may elect to receive discounts for retreats, however there are no membership dues or fees required. You can register for sesshins through this site. Select Programs > Sesshin Registration.