Minnesota Zen Meditation Center
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​Intensive Meditation Opportunities

 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. 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.

Click here for more information about what retreats and sesshins are like at MZMC.

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

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.
  • January 14 - 16: Online Only Weekend Retreat​
  • January 29: Online Only Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • February 19: Online Only Half-day Sesshin
  • February 26: Online Only Workshop: Practices to  Sustain Emotional/Spiritual Balance
  • March 12: Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • March 25 - 27: Weekend Sesshin
  • April 16: One-day Retreat
  • May 13 - 15: Weekend Retreat
  • May 21: Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • June 18: One-day Retreat 
  • July 16: Half-day Sesshin​
  • July 30: Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • August 13: One-day Retreat 
  • August 27: Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • September 20 - 25: Retreat at Hokyoji
  • October 15: Half-day Sesshin​
  • October 29: Beginner's Mind Retreat
  • November 12: One-day Retreat
  • November 27 (7 pm) – December 4 (4 pm): Rohatsu Sesshin

MZMC teachers are often available to offer retreats away from the Center. 
Click here for more information about hosting a retreat in your area.

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.
2022 Dates: 
  • Friday, February 18
  • Friday, March 25
  • Friday, July 15
  • Friday, October 14
  • Sunday, November 27
Details:
  • Time: 5:15 – 6:30 pm
  • Class size is limited to 12.
  • Cost: $10​​​
  • Click here to register.

Location:

Picture
  • Home
  • Programming
    • MZMC Programming
    • COVID Protocol
    • Zoom Program Links
    • Introductory Class
    • Sunday/Tuesday Talks
    • Daily Meditation
    • Calendar
    • Curriculum
    • Classes
    • Retreats and Workshops
    • Mentorship
    • Scholarships
    • Affinity Groups
    • Youth Programs
  • Resources
    • MZMC Resources
    • Sunday Talk Archive
    • Chants and Services
    • Books/Recent Publications
    • Tim Burkett's Blog
    • Sewing Practice
    • Resource Links
    • Spiritual Care
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Library
    • Ceremonies
    • Primers
    • Newsletter
  • Community
    • MZMC Community
    • Unpacking Whiteness
    • LGBTQ+ Dharma Group
    • Volunteer
    • Social Fridays/New Member Tea
    • Buddhism and the 12 Steps
    • Social Justice Dialogue and Response
    • Joyce Food Shelf
    • Meditate by the Lake
  • 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
    • Become a Member
    • Donate
    • Volunteer