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.
2025 Retreats and Sesshins
Click on the dates below for more information and to register.
Offered in person and online unless otherwise indicated.
Offered in person and online unless otherwise indicated.
- January 18: Half-Day Sesshin with Keido Thotland (in person only)
- January 25: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Wayne Moskowitz
- January 31 - February 2: Weekend Retreat with Tim Burkett
- March 21 - 23: Weekend Sesshin with Ben Connelly
- April 12: Day of Practice with Tim Burkett (in person only)
- April 26: One-Day Retreat with Ted O'Toole
- April 26: Online Half-Day Retreat with Alan Eustace (online only)
- May 10: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Keido Thotland
- May 16 - 18: Weekend Retreat with Ted O'Toole
- June 14: Half-Day Sesshin with Jiryu Cisler (in person only)
- June 28: Day of Practice with Tim Burkett (in person only)
- July 12: One-Day Retreat with Bussho Lahn
- July 26: Sitting with Sutras with Rosemary Taylor (in person only)
- August 9: Day of Practice with Ben Connelly (in person only)
- September 6: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Bussho Lahn
- September 16 - 21: Hokyoji with Ben Connelly (in person only)
- October 4: Online Half-Day Retreat with Alan Eustace (online only)
- October 11: Half-Day Sesshin with Bussho Lahn (in person only)
- November 8: One-Day Retreat with Ted O'Toole
- November 22: Beginner’s Mind Retreat with Ted O'Toole
- November 30 - December 7: Rohatsu Sesshin with Ted O'Toole
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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2025 Dates:
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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.
