ROHATSU SESSHIN 2025
Once a year we come together in early December for a week of intensive practice in an "urban" sesshin. (See full schedule below.) This retreat, called Rohatsu, commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment, also known as "bodhi" in Sanskrit and Pali. This year our retreat culminates in our celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment through a Kie Sanbo ceremony, welcoming four members of our sangha formally and publicly "into the stream" of practice, taking refuge in the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
Join us for all or part of this sesshin! Come when you can, leave when you need to.
On Saturday, December 6th, we will have a guided oryoki lunch. If you wish to participate in this, please register below. The lunch will be a vegan meal. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the meal, and limited space is available.
Rohatsu Sesshin 2025 – Monday, Dec. 1 thru Sunday, Dec. 7
Full Schedule
Monday, December 1 thru Friday, December 5
AM
7:00-7:10 opening service
7:10-7:55 zazen
7:55-8:00 closing service
PM
6:00-6:10 opening service
6:10-7:45 zazen/kinhin/zazen (possible readings by teachers)
7:45-8:00 closing service & evening gatha
Saturday, December 6
8:30-8:35 arrival, sesshin reminders and guidelines
8:35-9:00 zazen
9:00-9:30 opening service, tea, dharma talk (Gakudo)
9:30-10:50 zazen/kinhin/zazen (dokusan offered if desired)
10:50-11:00 break
11:00-11:45 zazen/kinhin/zazen (dokusan offered if desired)
11:45-12:00 break, prepare for lunch
12:00-1:00 semi-formal guided oryōki lunch
1:00-2:00 samu – clean zendo for Kie Sanbo ceremony
2:00-3:00 zazen
3:00-4:00 individual dharma study or art practice
4:00-5:00 zazen/kinhin/zazen (dokusan offered if desired)
5:00-5:30 closing service, evening gatha, & reflections
Sunday, December 7
9:00-10:00 zazen/kinhin/zazen
10:00-10:30 prepare zendo for Kie Sanbo ceremony
10:30-12:00 Kie Sanbo ceremony/closing of Rohatsu Sesshin