Rohatsu Sesshin – Simplified Zen Meditation Retreat December 2022 (Covid safe)

Wednesday November 30, 7 pm – Wednesday December 7, 1 pm

The traditional week-long sesshin honoring Buddha’s enlightenment, deep in winter and snow with fire heat.

In sesshin, we let in the support of the whole universe. This can feel profound or ordinary; it is actually extraordinary.

• 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. Meals are included.
• First night is arrival; orientation will be in the morning.
• Private interviews are available immediately after the sesshin.
• Partial participation is possible, but please attend the orientation session.
• Simple sleeping accommodations are offered; commuting is possible but discouraged.
• Please contact Shodo with questions or to arrange part-time or commuting participation, by donation. And please do come to orientation, 6 am Central Time on December 1b. (Orientation can be on Zoom by request.)

Schedule

• On Wednesday 11/30, arrive by 8 pm,  to settle in by 9 pm. Orientation will be 6 am on December 1.
• From 12/1 to 12/6: zazen at 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, afternoon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and evening 7, 8. Three meals in the breaks.
• Each period is 50 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of kinhin.
• On 12/7, zazen will be at 6, 7 ,9, 10, and 11; we end at 11:50, and have a short cleaning period, short sharing circle, and informal lunch. Private interviews can be arranged after lunch.

NOTES:

• Advance 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. Please ask if you would like to arrive early or stay late.
• See the Covid page for updated Covid precautions.
• If you have not been here before, or if you have never sat sesshin before, please contact Shodo before registering.