Rohatsu Sesshin – December 1-8 2024

There is a space where the whole universe comes together.

In a Zen sesshin (“to settle the mind”), we enter that space, sitting quietly together for long stretches of time, allowing it to settle into our bones and bodies. It’s simple and often challenging. It can become a sort of adventure in discovering ourselves. It’s also a way of giving our support to the universe, including all the human activities and difficulties, while accepting the way it gives life to all of us.

Saturday November 30, 7 pm – Sunday December 8, 9:30 am

This is the traditional week-long sesshin honoring Buddha’s enlightenment.

• Sitting and walking meditation for 12 hours a day in silence, indoors or outdoors. Cooking and other tasks will be shared on a volunteer basis. Simple vegetarian meals are included.
• First night is arrival and settling in; orientation will be in the morning after breakfast.
• There may be words of encouragement, additional orientation sessions, or other teaching support as needed, in context of a primarily silent week.
• Private interviews are available immediately after the closing circle.
• Partial participation is possible, see below.
• Simple sleeping accommodations are offered; commuting is possible but discouraged.
• Please contact Shodo with questions or to arrange part-time or commuting participation.

Full-time Schedule

• On Saturday 11/30, arrive 7-8 pm, to settle in before night.
• Sunday 12/1, zazen at 6 and 7, breakfast at 8, orientation at 9, then the usual schedule.
• From 12/2 to 12/7: zazen at 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, afternoon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and evening 7, 8. Three meals in the breaks, silent, informal.
• 12/8: Zazen at 6 and 7 am, breakfast at 8, closing circle at 9, followed by private interviews if requested.)
• Each period is 50 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of kinhin (walking meditation). Leave a note if you need to nap, do walking instead of sitting, or leave the schedule in any way, including ending sooner than planned.

Part-timers

• People with meditation experience are welcome to drop in for a few hours.
• If you are coming for a time that includes a meal or an overnight, we need registration (after contacting Shodo as above).
• Please arrive during walking meditation – the 10 minutes before each hour – or during a meal break. Plan on silence while here.

NOTES:

• Registration is required, one week in advance. Retreats are held at a private home on a 17-acre farm, an hour south of Minneapolis, on the Cannon River.
• Leader is Shodo Spring, dharma heir of Shohaku Okumura and founder of Mountains and Waters Alliance (MountainsandWatersAlliance.org)
• Fees are minimal – $40/day early registration includes food and lodging; donations support the teacher in the ancient tradition called dana.*
• Feel free to ask questions. Driving directions and other information will be sent. If you would like to arrive early or stay late, please ask.
• See the Covid page for current Covid precautions. See Visitor Information for various practical things, directions, parking, environmental and other lifestyle matters (more than you want, probably).
• If you have not been here before, if you have never sat sesshin before, or if you have health concerns, please contact Shodo before registering.
• There will be no incense and no fragrance. Outdoor walking meditation is available. Limit 10 full-time registrants.

*Dana is important. Shodo supports the teaching through an outside job and a minimalist lifestyle, and will miss a week’s pay. Suggested donation is $40/day. At that rate, 15 days or 2+ full-time participants cover Shodo’s lost work time; more donations support her effort and preparation. Whatever you can offer helps those who cannot, as no one is turned away.