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2008 Sesshins

In Costa Rica:
January 18—21
August. 30 — Set 9
Oct. 28 - Nov 2

In Vermont, USA:
Feb. 16-23 (VT)
April 24-27 (VT)
June 20-25 (VT)
August 2-9 (VT)
Sept. 11-18 (VT)
Dec. 6-13 (VT)

 

Sesshin Fees

Half day:
2,500 colones

Full day:
3,000 colones

Two days:
6,000 colones

Sesshins and Extended Sittings

Sesshins are extended periods of intensive, silent zazen for experienced meditators. They are held in seclusion, follow a rigorous schedule, and last from five to seven days. Sensei Graef conducts sesshins in Vermont and Costa Rica. Extended sittings of one to two days are also conducted at the Casa Zen and are led by the Group Leader.

The sesshin day begins at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. There are ten hours of formal zazen each day; informal zazen is encouraged during breaks and rest periods. Other elements of sesshin are walking meditation, chanting, prostrations, work, exercise, and vegetarian meals. Dokusan (private instruction with Sensei Graef) is offered three times a day, and there are daily teisho (Zen talks).

Requirements

Because of the demanding nature of sesshin, only people who have been sitting regularly should apply. Attendance at a Workshop and at least one all-day or a short sesshin (two to three days) are prerequisites.

Types of Sesshins and Extended Sittings

• A working person sesshin is held once a year. In this, the only structured hours are early morning and evening. During the day people leave to go to work or pursue other activities.
  
  
• Half-day Sunday sittings are from 9 a.m. though 4 p.m.
  
  
• Full-day sittings begin on Saturday at 7 p.m. and end on Sunday at 3 p.m.
  
  
• Two consecutive full-day sittings begin on Friday at 7 p.m. and end on Sunday at 1 p.m.

More Information

• Sesshin Daily Schedules
  
  
• Sesshin Application (Word file in Spanish)