Sesshin is a traditional Soto Zen meditation retreat that includes sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, oryoki meals, work periods (samu), and private interviews (dokusan) with teachers.

While we hope you'll be able to attend the entire sesshin, you are welcome to attend any portion that your schedule or other obligations will allow. However you plan to participate, please let us know in advance so we can plan for teas, meals and otherwise make the needed arrangements.

During this sesshin, those "beginners" who will be taking the Precepts in a Jukai ceremony in January will begin sewing (when they are not joining us in zazen, kinhin and services). The rest of us will support them in their efforts by practicing with them, doing work around the Zen Center, and observing silence.

A detailed schedule for each day is available on the Beginner's Mind Zen Center web site.

SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 7th

• On Saturday, the Sesshin begins at 6:30am and ends at 8:30pm; if you'd like, you can sleep in the zendo Friday night... just let us know during the registration process
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on Saturday, and are served oryoki style; if you don't have an oryoki set (bowls, utensils, cloths), a rental set can be reserved for during the registration process.
• Sesshin fees are shown during the registration process and also on the Beginner's Mind web site. Scholarships are available, and donations to the scholarship fund are also welcomed.

SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 8th

• On Sunday, the Sesshin begins at 6:30am and concludes at about 5:30pm; if you'd like, you can sleep in the zendo Saturday night... just let us know during the registration process
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on Saturday, and are served oryoki style; if you don't have an oryoki set (bowls, utensils, cloths), a rental set can be reserved for during the registration process.
• Sesshin fees are shown during the registration process and also on the Beginner's Mind web site. Scholarships are available, and donations to the scholarship fund are also welcomed.