Rohatsu Sesshin 2023
December 4-10, Online & In-Person
Join us for this annual online & in-person sesshin commemorating the awakening of Shakyamuni Buddha.
For Online Attendance, register at the bottom of the page.
In Person Attendance is now FULL. You may still apply for the WAITLIST by Clicking Here!
This retreat provides the special opportunity to feel the unique support of, not one but, five leaders within the Sanbozen community. Zen MasterHenry Shukman and Associate Master Valerie Forstman will co-teach the retreat in person. Valerie will offer in-person dokusan (1-1 interview) and Zen Teacher Carolyn Seburn will offer dokusan for online participants. Assistant Sanbozen Teachers Shana Smith and Scott Thornton will offer online break out groups for additional support.
As usual, we will also offer additional opportunities for sangha engagement and support online participants including a “retreat prep” workshop, a welcoming gathering, Q&As throughout the retreat, and, as mentioned above, the opportunity for online dokusan (1-1 interview) from Carolyn Seburn.
What is Rohatsu?
“Rohatsu” literally means the 8th day of the 12th month, known elsewhere as “Bodhi Day,” the day Siddhartha Gautama is said to have looked up at the morning star and attained enlightenment.
During this retreat we celebrate his experience and take it into our practice as a teaching for our own path. Meditators from countless traditions around the globe meditate during this time of year for this same purpose. Who knows how many people across the planet will be joining in this shared stillness…
This retreat occurs as days are getting shorter and we approach the darkest time of year. We gather ourselves together in the warmth of one another’s presence, bolstered by the silence of the coming winter to deepen our practice-realization through zazen.
Schedule
Monday December 4
5:30pm – 6:30 Welcome & Orientation for both online and in-person participants
Tuesday – Saturday
6:00am-7:30am Early Meditation Block
7:30 – 9:30 Break
9:30am – Noon Movement, Meditation, dharma talk, and optional breakout Q&A for online participants
Noon-1:30 Break
1:30-4:30pm Sitting and Q&A
4:30-4:55 Outdoor Kinhin/walking (optional)
5:00-7:00pm Break
7:00-8:30pm Meditation
8:30-8:45pm Chanting and End of Day Ceremony
Sunday
As above until about 10:30 for Closing Ceremony.
Registration
Click here to apply for the WAITLIST for in-person attendance (the retreat is currently full).
Lodging and sitting space in our zendo is limited. Accordingly, not all who want to attend in person will be able to do so. MCZC members and one-on-one students with Valerie, Henry, Carolyn, Scott, Ruben or Shana will receive priority.
For Online Attendance, Register Below.
