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.
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.
2026 Retreats, Sesshins, and Workshops
Retreats are hybrid, offered in person and online, unless otherwise indicated.
Click on the blue dates below for more information and to register.
Please register one week in advance.
Click on the blue dates below for more information and to register.
Please register one week in advance.
- January 17: Half-Day Sesshin with Jiryu Matt Cisler (in person only)
- January 24: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Wayne Moskowitz
- January 30 - February 1: Weekend Sesshin with Ben Connelly
- March 14: Day of Practice with Tim Burkett (in person only)
- March 28: Listening to the Wisdom of the Body Workshop with Marie Michael and Ted O'Toole
- April 10 - 12: Weekend Retreat with Tim Burkett
- April 25: Online Half-Day Retreat with Alan Eustace (online only)
- May 9: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Keido Thotland
- May 15 - 17: Weekend Sesshin with Ben Connelly and Sister Pearl Pham
- June 13: Half-Day Sesshin with Keido Thotland (in person only)
- June 27: Day of Practice with Ted O'Toole (in person only)
- July 11: One-Day Retreat with Tim Burkett
- July 25: Sitting with Sutras (in person only)
- August 8: Day of Practice with Ted O'Toole (in person only)
- September 5: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Doshin Mark Turbak
- September 15 - 20: Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community with Ben Connelly (in person only) Registration coming soon.
- October 3: Online Half-Day Retreat with Monica Reede (online only)
- October 10: Half-Day Sesshin with Ted O'Toole (in person only)
- November 7: One-Day Retreat with Ted O'Toole
- November 21: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Deb Mielke
- November 29 - December 6: Rohatsu Sesshin with Ben Connelly Registration coming soon.
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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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.
