Sesshin is a retreat in the Zen Buddhist tradition where we get the opportunity to train ourselves to be present in what is, and is going on right now. In ourselves, in encounters with others, in our actions, thoughts and feelings. Sesshin provides training, in meeting ourselves and others with an open heart, without evaluative and judgmental filters, and also a training to be aware of our evaluative and judgmental filters. Sesshin can help us realize that we, all living beings, matter, and the universe belongs together, where each individual part affects the whole, and that everything “EVERYTHING BELONGS” as our teacher Karen Terzano often points out.

The main activities are zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation). In addition, the program includes dokusan (voluntary conversation with the teacher), dharma talk/teisho (talks given by the teacher), service (recitation of sutras), samu (work period one hour each day), optional body practice (for example yoga), metta practice (sending “loving kindness”), and rest periods. Sesshin is conducted in complete silence. If anything needs to be communicated, the teacher and the jikido (meditation leader) are available to answer questions. It is an advantage if you have some experience of meditating before coming to sesshin.

More info and a link to registration can be found here