Loading Events

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.

Click here to check out our ONLINE RETREAT HANDBOOK to read more about the practices and principles of our zen retreats, and how to set up for deep practice from home. 

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. 

Rohatsu 2023 - On-line Attendee Registration

Rohatsu: December 4-10

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Have you done a multi-day meditation retreat in the past?(Required)
Mention past or current teachers, meditation retreats you have done, describe your daily sitting practice if you have one
Would you be interested in participating in a small group during the retreat to help support your experience?
Once we know the interest level in small group support we will decide how to proceed.
e.g. friend, web-search, teacher, book, etc
Select your payment option(Required)
How would you like to make your payment?(Required)

Start
December 4
End
December 10
Event Categories
, , ,
footer support banner image

Support Mountain Cloud

You can show your gratitude for Mountain Cloud events, retreats, podcasts and other teachings by making a one-time gift, or by becoming a supporting member.

Donate to Mountain Cloud Become a Member