Contemporary Retreats and Traditional Sesshins
Extended periods of meditation are the backbone of our practice, allowing us the opportunity to quiet our minds in shared silence. At MZMC, we offer sesshins, which include the traditional elements such as liturgy and formal meals with oryoki bowls, and contemporary retreats, which do not have the traditional elements.
All sesshins and retreats include periods of sitting meditation followed by walking meditation, and one-to-one meetings with a teacher. Click here to see a schedule for a traditional-style retreat schedule.
How to Begin Doing Retreats and Sesshins
If you are new to retreat practice, we recommend a Beginner's Mind Retreat or a Day of Practice. If you are interested in traditional retreat practice, take the Zen Forms and Etiquette Class, followed by a Half-day Sesshin.
Cost of Retreats: Donation-only Programming
Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all of our programs on
a donation basis. We offer a suggested donation amount to help people understand the
average amount we hope to receive to continue these offerings. Click to find out more.
All sesshins and retreats include periods of sitting meditation followed by walking meditation, and one-to-one meetings with a teacher. Click here to see a schedule for a traditional-style retreat schedule.
How to Begin Doing Retreats and Sesshins
If you are new to retreat practice, we recommend a Beginner's Mind Retreat or a Day of Practice. If you are interested in traditional retreat practice, take the Zen Forms and Etiquette Class, followed by a Half-day Sesshin.
Cost of Retreats: Donation-only Programming
Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all of our programs on
a donation basis. We offer a suggested donation amount to help people understand the
average amount we hope to receive to continue these offerings. Click to find out more.
Contemporary Retreats 2024
Name of Retreat |
Date(s) |
Hybrid/Online/In-personLeader |
Retreat Leader(s) |
More Information and Register |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
January 27 |
Hybrid |
Wayne Moskowitz |
Closed |
Weekend Retreat |
February 2-4 |
Hybrid |
Tim Burkett |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
March 9 |
Hybrid |
Deb Mielke |
Closed |
Weekend Retreat |
March 22-24 |
Hybrid |
Ben Connelly, Ven. Thuan Bach, Ven. Dang Huy |
Closed |
Day of Practice |
April 13 |
In Person Only |
Evan Britzius |
Closed |
One-Day Online Retreat |
April 20 |
Online Only |
Mark Turbak |
Closed |
Guest Teacher One-Day Retreat |
May 4 |
Hybrid |
Judith Simmer-Brown |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
May 11 |
Hybrid |
Keido Jeromy Thotland |
Closed |
Day of Practice |
June 29 |
In Person Only |
Tim Burkett |
Closed |
One-Day Retreat |
July 13 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
July 27 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
|
Day of Practice |
August 10 |
In Person Only |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community |
September 17-22 |
In Person Only |
Ben Connelly and Venerable Thuan Bach |
|
Half-Day Online Retreat |
October 26 |
Online Only |
Alan Eustace |
|
One-Day Retreat |
November 9 |
Hybrid |
Keido Jeromy Thotland |
|
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
November 23 |
Hybrid |
Deb Mielke |
Traditional Retreats 2024
Name of Retreat |
Date(s) |
Hybrid/Online/In-person |
Retreat Leader |
More Information and Register |
Half-Day Sesshin |
January 20 |
In Person Only |
Guest Teacher Seido Suzuki Roshi |
Closed |
Half-Day Sesshin |
April 27 |
In Person Only |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
Weekend Sesshin |
May 17-19 |
In Person Only |
Tim Burkett |
Closed |
Half-Day Sesshin |
June 15 |
In Person Only |
Ted O'Toole |
Closed |
Half-Day Sesshin |
October 12 |
In Person Only |
Ben Connelly |
|
Rohatsu Sesshin |
Sunday through Sunday, December 1 - December 8 |
Hybrid |
Ted O'Toole and Keido Jeromy Thotland |
Preparing for a Sesshin (Traditional-Style Retreat)
Learn the Basics of Zen Forms and Etiquette
The class briefly covers the basics of traditional Zen forms: bows, entries and exits, walking meditation, etc. This offering is designed for the newcomer who'd like an overview of forms to help them be more familiar and comfortable joining us for morning zazen or one of our sesshins. It's a good opportunity to become familiar with the forms, stay in practice, or brush up after some time away. The same information is covered each time.
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2024 Dates:
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Details:
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Hosting a Retreat in Your Area
MZMC teachers are often available to offer retreats away from MZMC.
Click here for more information about hosting a retreat in your area.
Click here for more information about hosting a retreat in your area.
