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. All sesshins and retreats include periods of sitting meditation followed by walking meditation, and one-to-one meetings with a teacher. Please register for a retreat at least five days in advance.
We offer scholarships for all of our classes, retreats, and events to lower accessibility barriers to people of color, members of other historically marginalized communities, and those who would be prevented from participating by financial need. Look for the scholarship and scholarship supporter rates listed below the description of each retreat. Click here to find out more about scholarships.
Sesshins, Retreats, and Workshops 2022
Please consider the retreat offerings below and click to find more about each type of retreat and register.
Preparing for a 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.