2027 Spring Sesshin
2027 Spring Sesshin with Valerie Forstman
Sunday, March 14th – Saturday, March 20th
Online and in-person; residential or commuter
Join us – at Mountain Cloud and in the cloud – for six days of deeply shared silence, offering our practice for the peace of the whole world.
Experience the 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 and small group discussion sessions with Sanbo Zen teachers.
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What is Sesshin?
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. It literally means “touching or meeting of the heart.” 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 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.
Who is sesshin for?
These 6-day retreats include about eight hours of silent meditation each day, with talking only during 1-1s with teachers and the occasional Q&A session. We recommend establishing a (more or less) daily meditation practice and having experience with at least one silent retreat of any length (in Zen or another lineage) before joining a 6-day sesshin. If you have never done a silent retreat before, we recommend signing up for a Zazenkai or weekend retreat first, contacting us before signing up, and/or attending online so you can more easily modify the schedule (and your practice position) as needed.
Visit this page to view a sample sesshin schedule.
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Program Cost
Online
Full-Time: $240
Just the Talks: $40
In-Person
Shared Lodging: $1,050
Camping: $900
Commute: $825
25% scholarships available. Please see the registration page for details.
Members receive 15% off. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership here.
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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.
Not able to join us full-time online? Sign up to receive recordings of the Dharma talks and Q&A sessions, so you can receive the wisdom Valerie shares over the course of the week. Registration for “talks only” will open soon!
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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 registration to discuss available options.
