Sesshin is an intensive Zen retreat with about 8 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) every day. The word ‘sesshin’ is Japanese and means ’touching the heart-mind’.
The March sesshin begins 29.3. at 18.00 on Wednesday evening with the info-meeting, followed by starting ceremony and first zazen at 19. Please arrive before 17.
From Wednesday to Sunday the sesshin program starts at 4.20 and ends at 21.30 (except for Sunday). There will be silence during the sesshin. A sitting block usually consists of three 30-minute zazen periods which are separated by 10-minute walking meditation (kinhin) periods. Each 3x30 minutes sitting period is followed by breakfast/lunch/dinner/work practice/rest periods depending on the time of the day.
All periods outside of formal zazen are also considered as practice on a sesshin, be it eating, sleeping, working or resting. Transitions from one period to another are announced by bells or by the wooden block. There is a possibility for dokusan several times during the sesshin. Dokusan is a private meeting with a teacher, a possibility to discuss about one's practice. There is also a yoga/body practice period once during the day.
There are two chanting services a day. Dharma talk is given by the teacher once a day. During work periods all participants are appointed to a task, usually in cleaning or kitchen work. Housework is led by the work master and kitchen work by the head cook (tenzo).
Vegetarian food is served during sesshin, no need to bring your own food.
The Zendo instructor (Jikido) guides and oversees the mediation hall (zendo) during sitting periods and attends to general matters concerning running the daily schedule.
The sesshin ends on Sunday at about 13-14, after which the silence ends and there will be communal lunch and cleaning of the house.
Whole time participation is recommended. Those who are staying for the whole sesshin from start to finish are first on the list, in case the sesshin gets fully booked. The sesshin costs 189€ for non members and 166€ for OMZ members. If you have a not so good financial situation and need a discount or any other questions please don't hesitate to contact the jikido.
Registration can be found here
For more information, please contact jikido Tapio Ukkola:
tapio.ukkola(at)gmail.com