2026 Autumn Sesshin
Harvest of Silence: Soaking in the light that pervades all things
2026 Autumn Sesshin
with Valerie Forstman
Monday, September 21 – Sunday, September 27
Online and in-person, onsite or commuter
Join us for this annual Autumn Sesshin, led by Mountain Cloud’s Guiding Teacher Valerie Forstman.
The full moon in Zen is an image of awakening – the light that falls equally on all things, illumining who and what we truly are. Our fall sesshin will unfold under the waxing light of the harvest moon. The daily schedule, dharma talks, and atmosphere of shared silence will all serve as pointers to the harvest at hand.
Sesshin is an opportunity to step out of ordinary time and into the timeless wholeness of each moment of our lives. Together we create the context to discover and explore the reality that is at once unique and unrepeatable and endlessly indivisible.
As Dogen famously put it, “Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken. Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops on the grass, or even in one drop of water.”
Emptying our hands, entering into the heart of practice, what might we discover, individually and together, in this turning season – right in the midst of the turning world?
Join us for this year’s autumn sesshin at Mountain Cloud. Each one’s presence is a gift!
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While often called a “retreat” in our broader culture, the Japanese word “sesshin” is more accurately translated to “encounter of the heart-mind.” Encountering the heart-mind might also be a more acute description of what sesshin has to offer. This extended period of practice in shared silence, with community, and under the guidance of experienced Zen teachers is a chance to step out of the everyday patterns, habits, and responsibilities and to meet ourselves, and the world, more fully and completely. You’ll have the chance to settle the body, loosen the grip of thoughts, and explore what this human experience is all about.
This is a chance to tap into the wellspring of practice that can nourish our heart-mind, so we can return to our daily responsibilities with greater clarity, compassion, and balance.
Experience this unique opportunity of extended practice with support from:
- The profound silence and stillness of the age-old sesshin format.
- The deep container provided by Sanbo Zen Associate Master Valerie Forstman.
- Dokusan (one-on-one interviews) conducted in person by Valerie and online by Zen Teacher Carolyn Seburn.
- Q&A sessions with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton.
- Daily guided movement offerings from skilled sangha members.
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Sesshin is a term used in Zen to refer to an intensive period of meditation practice, typically lasting several days to a week or more. During sesshin, practitioners engage in extended periods of sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), chanting, and other forms of Zen practice under the guidance of a teacher. Sesshin is often held in a retreat setting, with participants observing noble silence and following a strict schedule of meditation sessions interspersed with short breaks for rest and meals. The purpose of sesshin is to deepen one’s meditation practice, cultivate mindfulness, and gain insight into the nature of reality.
Visit this page to view a sample sesshin schedule.
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Program Costs*
Online
Full-Time: $240
Just the Talks: $75
In-Person
Shared Lodging: $1,050
Camp/Bell Tent: $900
Commute: $825
25% scholarships available. Please see registration page for details.
Members receive 15% off. See the registration page for details. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership here.
*Pricing has changed for 2026. Please click here to learn more about these changes.
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Engaging Online Experience
We are thrilled to offer a comprehensive online experience that can offer profound connection and depth. Online participation includes:
- Orientation & Welcome Session: First evening of sesshin. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow online retreatants, set the tone, and establish intentions for the week ahead.
- Closing Session & Integration Session: We offer a closing circle at the end of the retreat, and an “integration” session in the week after the retreat. These provide extra context, opportunity for Q&A, and the chance to connect with fellow participants.
- Daily Recordings: Receive recordings of Talks and Q&A sessions each day, allowing you to revisit and deepen your understanding of the teachings at your own pace.
- Optional Break-Out Group Support Sessions: Days 1-3 we will offer sessions with Zen teachers for personalized support and guidance as you settle into your practice, make adjustments, or navigate challenges.
- Optional 1-1 Practice Guidance: Full-time participants will have the opportunity to meet 1-1 with Sanbo Zen teacher Carolyn Seburn, providing extra support to dive even deeper during the retreat.
Explore our Online Retreat Handbook to delve deeper into the practices and principles of our Zen retreats. Learn how to create an optimal environment for deep practice from the comfort of your home. Click here to access the handbook.
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Immersive Onsite Experience
Onsite attendance offers a profound opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the practice and the sesshin schedule. Whether you choose to stay on-site or commute from your own lodging, being on campus allows you to deeply engage with your community of fellow practitioners and experience the interconnectedness of our practice community. Our lodging options include rustic cabins, a cottage, camping (in your own tent or one of our three bell tents), or bringing your own camper/van. While we cannot guarantee lodging preferences, we will be in touch upon the acceptance of your application to discuss available options.
In-person retreatants are accepted based on an application process designed to ensure that this intensive sitting experience is a good match for you.
