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.
Cost of Retreats: Donation-only Programming
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. Click to find out more.
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.
Cost of Retreats: Donation-only Programming
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. Click to find out more.
Contemporary Retreats 2023 (Click on the blue titles to learn more .)
Name of Retreat |
Date(s) |
Hybrid/Online/In-personLeader |
Retreat Leader(s) |
Register |
Weekend Retreat |
January 20-22 |
Hybrid |
Susan Nelson |
Closed |
One-Day Retreats |
April 15 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
One Day Retreat |
July 15 |
Hybrid |
Bill Woywod |
Closed |
Day of Practice |
August 12 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
November 11 |
Hybrid |
Tim Burkett |
||
Half-Day Retreat |
February 11 |
Online Only |
Alan Eustace |
Closed |
Half-Day Retreat |
June 3 |
Online Only |
Evan Britzius |
Closed |
October 28 |
Online Only |
Keido Jeromy Thotland |
||
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
January 28 |
Hybrid |
Wayne Moskowitz |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
March 11 |
Hybrid |
Susan Nelson |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
May 20 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
July 29 |
Hybrid |
Wayne Moskowitz |
Closed |
Beginner's Mind Retreat |
September 9 |
Hybrid |
Tim Burkett |
Register |
November 18 |
Hybrid |
Bussho Lahn |
||
Retreat at Hokyoji Practice Community, Eitzen, MN |
Tuesday through Sunday, September 19 - 24 |
In Person Only |
Ben Connelly and Ted O'Toole |
Register |
Traditional Retreats 2023 (Click on the blue titles to learn more .)
Name of Retreat |
Date(s) |
Hybrid/Online/In-person |
Retreat Leader |
Register |
Weekend Sesshin |
March 24-26 |
In Person Only |
Tim Burkett |
Closed |
Weekend Sesshin |
May 12-14 |
Hybrid |
Tim Burkett |
Closed |
Half-Day Sesshins |
February 18 |
In Person Only |
Bussho Lahn |
Closed |
Half-Day Sesshins |
June 17 |
In Person Only |
Susan Nelson |
Closed |
October 14 |
In Person Only |
Tim Burkett |
||
Sunday through Sunday, November 26 - December 3 |
Hybrid |
Ben Connelly and Ted O'Toole |
Preparing for a Sesshin
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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2023 Dates:
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Details:
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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.
