Minnesota Zen Meditation Center
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​Intensive Meditation Opportunities

Contemporary Retreats and Traditional Sesshins

Types of Retreats at MZMC
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. 

If you are new to retreat practice, there are two places to start: for a contemporary-style retreat, try a Beginner's Mind Retreat, for traditional retreat practice, take the Zen Forms and Etiquette Class, followed by a Half-day Sesshin.

Cost of Retreats: Donation-Only Programming at MZMC
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.

We understand that there are inequities in access to wealth and income. We encourage
those with more capacity for giving to make a donation above the suggested amount to
support those who need to give a smaller amount.

This way of funding our activities is intended to lower accessibility barriers for members of economically marginalized communities, such as, but not limited to people of color, and to all who would be prevented from participating due to financial need. We can all support each other through the practice of dana.

Sesshins, Retreats, and Workshops 2023

Please note that some retreats retreats are offered online only or in-person only. Other retreats are hybrid, meaning you can participate either online or in person.
​

Please register for a retreat at least five days in advance.
​

Click here to see an example of a traditional-style retreat schedule.

Please consider the retreat offerings below and 
click the date of the retreat or sesshin to find out more and register.​

Contemporary Retreats

Weekend Retreat, Hybrid 
January 20 - 22 with Susan Nelson

One-Day Retreats, Hybrid (Saturdays)
April 15 with Bussho Lahn

July 15 with Bill Woywod

Days of Practice, Hybrid (Saturdays)
August 12 with Bussho Lahn
November 11 with Tim Burkett
​
Half-Day Retreats, Online Only (Saturdays)
February 11, Half-Day Retreat with Alan Eustace
June 3, Half-Day Retreat with Jeromy Thotland
October 28, Half-Day Retreat with Evan Britzius


Beginner's Mind Retreats, Hybrid (Saturdays)
These retreats are hybrid, offered online and in person.
January 28 with Wayne Moskowitz
March 11 with Susan Nelson
May 20 with Bussho Lahn
July 29  with Wayne Moskowitz
September 9 with Tim Burkett
November 18 with Bussho Lahn


Hokyoji Retreat in Eitzen, Minnesota (Tuesday evening through Sunday)
This retreat is offered in person. 

September 19 - 24 with Susan Nelson and Ted O'Toole

Sesshins, Traditional Retreats

Weekend Sesshin, In Person Only 
March 24 - 26 with Tim Burkett

Weekend Sesshin, Hybrid 
May 12 - 14 with Tim Burkett

Half-Day Sesshin, In Person Only (Saturdays)
February 18 with Bussho Lahn 
June 17 with  Susan Nelson 
October 14 with Tim Burkett 


Rohatsu Sesshin (Sunday through Sunday) 
There are online and in-person options for this retreat. 

November 26 - December 3 with Ben Connelly and Ted O'Toole

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.
2023 Dates: 
  • Friday, February 17
  • Friday, March 24
  • Friday, May 12
  • Friday, June 16 
  • Friday, October 13
  • Sunday, November 26
Details:
  • Offered in person only
  • Time: 5:15 – 6:30 pm
  • Class size is limited to 12.
  • Suggested Donation: $10​​​
  • Register

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.

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  • Home
  • Programming
    • MZMC Programming
    • Zoom Program Links
    • Introductory Class
    • Sunday/Tuesday Talks
    • Calendar
    • Classes
    • Practice Periods
    • Retreats and Workshops
    • Daily Meditation
    • Curriculum
    • Affinity Groups
    • Mentorship
    • Youth Programs
  • Resources
    • MZMC Resources
    • Sunday Talk Archive
    • Chants and Services
    • MZMC Authors
    • Sewing Practice
    • Books and Links
    • Spiritual Care
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Library
    • Ceremonies
    • Primers
  • Community
    • MZMC Community
    • 50th Online Booklet
    • Council Process
    • Racial Justice Action
    • People of Color Dharma Group
    • Death and Dying Book Group
    • Waking Up to Race
    • LGBTQ+ Dharma Group
    • Volunteer/Work Practice
    • Mala Making Workshop
    • Buddhism and Recovery
    • Joyce Food Shelf
  • Katagiri project
    • Katagiri Project
    • Biography and Lineage
    • Books, Photos, and Videos
    • Audio Archive Project >
      • The Dainin Katagiri Audio Archive
    • Tomoe Katagiri
    • Blog
  • About MZMC
    • About MZMC
    • Teachers
    • Board
    • Ethics
    • Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
    • History of Inclusivity
    • Initiation and Priest Training
    • Building Project
    • Contact
  • Support
    • Support MZMC
    • Membership and Donation Season
    • Become a Member
    • Donate
    • Donation-Only Programming
    • Volunteer