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 and Retreats 2021

Please consider the retreat offerings below and click to find more about each type of retreat and register.


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