Sesshin / zen retreat


Sesshin is a period of intensified Zen training, usually lasting from 4-7 days. The roots of this practice trace back to the time of the Buddha in India, when monks gathered during the rainy season for several months of secluded meditation. The primary inspiration for sesshin, in fact, lies in the example of the Buddha himself, sitting beneath the Bo tree for 7 days and nights, in his final great exertion to realize Full Enlightenment for the sake of all beings.

The Japanese word sesshin derives from two characters: setsu, meaning to unify, collect, or touch, and shin, meaning heart-mind. As these terms suggest, sesshin is a time dedicated to collecting and unifying the normally scattered mind in order to focus it inward, like a powerful laser beam, to discover the deepest truth of one’s own Self-nature, the source of all wisdom and compassion.
Traditionally the high point of Zen monasticism, sesshin has become a way for lay practitioners as well as monks to put aside all worldly concerns and dive straight into the depths of the Buddha Way.

Japanese masters have stated that one can accomplish in a rigorous 7-day sesshin what would otherwise require many years of regular daily practice to accomplish. What makes such results possible is the heightened discipline of sesshin, along with a unique combination of elements that make up this mode of practice: many hours each day of zazen, or Zen meditation; daily teishos, or Dharma talks by the teacher; and dokusan (also known as sanzen), the private interviews with the teacher, taking place at least once a day.


WZC Sesshin Schedule 2014
February Sesshin: February 1st – 8th, 2014  —  (application deadline: January 16)

Spring Sesshin: April 5th – 12th, 2014  —  (application deadline: March 25)

June Sesshin: June 7th – 14th, 2014  —  (application deadline: May 27)

Zentensive Workshop and Retreat: July 21st – 26th, 2014

August 19-24 ‘Stillness in Motion, Motion in Stillness’  — a 5-day sesshin, with emphasis on practice in the midst of activity.
October 18-25  Autumn Sesshin

December 6-13  Buddha’s Enlightenment Sesshin

Apply online
By submitting this application, I agree as follows:

  • I will uphold the spirit of the sesshin guidelines.
  • I will finish the entire sesshin or portion of sesshin for which I have applied.
  • Waiver of Liability: I understand that sesshin is a period of intense traditional Zen training involving some 10 hours of formal meditation per day. In accordance with this understanding and in consideration for my being accepted to sesshin, I agree that neither Windhorse Zen Community nor any of its officers or trustees—nor any person acting as sesshin monitor, or overseeing any aspect of sesshin—shall be liable for any loss or injury suffered by me in connection with my participation in sesshin.


SESSHIN COSTS: The cost of sesshin—if applying before the deadline has passed–is $40.00 per day for members and $50.00 per day for non-members (these amounts do not include dana for the teachers). For applications sent after the deadline: $50/day for members, $55 for non-members. Checks can be sent to Windhorse, or payment can be made online.

Please note: alternative arrangements can be made with those experiencing financial hardship.
CLOTHING: In addition to a robe, please bring dark or solid-colored clothing for use during the work period, and a set of loose pants or knee-length shorts and a plain, modest top for the exercise period. In general, participants are asked to avoid wearing clothing during sesshin that may be distracting to others – i.e. to avoid clothing that is bright, patterned, with words, low-cut, noisy (e.g. synthetic pants), etc.

Sesshin Application in PDF format


Pre and Post Sesshin Guidelines
Chuang-tzu once said, "To the mind that is still, the universe surrenders." Sesshin is a time of great inner solitude and concentrated effort; it offers a remarkable opportunity to quiet the mind and deepen our Zen practice. Clearly, the more quickly the upper layers of everyday consciousness fall away, the more fully we can absorb ourselves in the depths of our practice. The following guidelines are designed to aid this process by helping to cultivate the spirit of sesshin before it actually begins, and to sustain its energy, clarity, and power once sesshin has ended.

The most valuable thing we can do to get ready for sesshin is to sit as much as possible beforehand, and to make an effort to be more aware and concentrated in the midst of our daily activities. Also, with more than 9 hours of zazen each day, sesshin can be physically challenging; so it's definitely a good idea to do some careful stretching and back exercises prior to sesshin. And waking up earlier in the mornings makes it easier to adjust to the sesshin schedule. In fact anything that helps to cultivate inner discipline will carry over into the sesshin itself.

Generally speaking, it's also a good idea to simply slow down before sesshin -- if at all possible to take time for walks and other quiet pursuits. Be careful about getting caught up in needless talking, entertainment, and the general busyness of life. Getting involved with television and movies, or spending time on unnecessary or escapist reading or computering, may well create additional thoughts and images that wind up resurfacing in sesshin during zazen.

For many people, dietary issues can have a surprisingly strong impact on their sesshin experience. For those who use caffeinated drinks, especially coffee, cutting way down at least three or four days beforehand can make a big difference. Coffee isn't served in sesshin (although tea is available at certain times), and caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be a source of discomfort and distraction. And because one sits still so much during sesshin, one needs less food and lighter fare. For most people this means eating more fruits, vegetables, and salads. Over the years, many people have discovered that heavier foods, particularly dairy products, contribute to various physical problems both in and out of sesshin. Holding to a simpler diet before sesshin has many advantages - and many people have found eating this way during sesshin leads to greater energy, clarity, and even physical suppleness.

 In the days and weeks prior to sesshin, try to anticipate things that will need your attention before the sesshin begins, and deal with them as early as possible. Big commitments like sesshin seem to let loose a whole range of last minute problems. The car breaks down, the computer crashes, or unexpected work presents itself - these things occur surprisingly often before a sesshin. It's also not uncommon for people to feel increasingly anxious or sick as the first day of sesshin approaches, but these states usually pass fairly quickly once sesshin actually begins. Another point is to be sure to let your family and work contacts know you won't be available unless there's an emergency. If you have young children, let them know when you will be away, and where you will be. When our children were small, we would sometimes bring them into the zendo and point out where we'd be sitting. Many parents have found leaving notes, pictures, or small gifts (especially gifts) to be opened on
specific days can make things easier on everyone.

In the days following a sesshin, the best advice is to not over-do anything, yet after so much stillness and silence many people find this a challenge. Words and ideas can take on a life of their own, and so it's important to be on the lookout for strong urges to talk, read, and ruminate. Often family and friends are dying to know what sesshin was like, and it's important to strike a balance between saying too much and too little. One may also have to deal with some resentment from others for being gone, a pretty natural reaction that calls for understanding and sensitivity.

After sesshin, food and desserts can taste so delicious, and restraint can seem so unnecessary. But if one overdoes it, in any sphere, or doesn't get enough rest and zazen, then that wonderful, bright post-sesshin energy may quickly dissipate, and one may find oneself surprisingly depleted and not much fun to be around. It's also good to be mindful of the fact that sesshin practice can stir up old and disruptive mindstates that may surface during the retreat or even afterwards. This is a difficult and complex area of practice, but one rich with potential. Learning to work with these emotional forces skillfully can help us live more freely, and will lead to deep levels of change.

So sitting regularly (more than usual, if at all possible!), staying focused, eating carefully, and getting sufficient rest are all important aspects of practice after sesshin. Simply allowing time for the sesshin energies to continue working, letting them soak in deeply, helps us to sustain and integrate this timeless teaching into our daily lives.

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