Sesshin at Great Tree: Cultivating the Lotus
Most sesshins begin the first Friday of each month and last from 2 to 5 days (see our EVENTS CALENDAR). In-person participation is limited so please register early. Be aware that you must provide proof of covid-19 vaccination and booster status to attend in-person events.
A sesshin (Japanese for “collecting the heart-mind”) is an intensive meditation retreat. A Great Tree sesshin typically lasts from two to seven days. During sesshin, participants are asked follow the schedule and take part in all of the sesshin activities. The schedule includes:
-
Zazen (meditation)
-
Mindful work (please bring clothing suitable for working outdoors and kitchen duties)
-
Dokusan (private interview with the teacher).
-
Formal meals using oryoki bowls (please watch the video linked on the right side of this page before arriving at Great Tree. Further instruction will be given at the first meal).
Please arrive for sesshin by 4pm. The schedule begins at 5pm with orientation and instruction, followed by a light meal and tea at around 6pm. Subsequent days begin at 6am and end at 9:30pm. The sesshin ends at noon on the last day. If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay beyond the scheduled event, contact us to confirm that space available. Those who are unable to attend the full retreat must speak with the abbess before registering.
Practice events at Great Tree are by donation. If you are unable to pay the full suggested fee please contact us at info@greattreetemple.org to make payment arrangements or request a scholarship. No one will be turned away from a Great Tree practice event due to lack of funds.
Great Tree’s ability to continue to offer these programs and keep them available to everyone depends upon the generosity of our community. Please consider donating to our scholarship fund if you are able. Thank you.