sesshin

Sesshin is a word that describes intensive silent meditation retreats at TTZC. At these retreats we have the opportunity to study the nature of our thoughts and feelings and how they affect our lives; we can also give our minds a chance to settle down, and watch our responses to slowing down our lives in a peaceful environment. Through extensive sitting periods, interviews with a teacher, service, work practice and eating our meals together in the ancient tradition of oryoki, we begin to understand and appreciate the very nature of our lives.

Although ours is a Zen Buddhist community, we also celebrate and encourage creative and alternative forms of sesshin practice. Some retreats are designed without ritual and other formal practices and primarily focus on sitting meditation. Most retreats include "spontaneous expression©"; this activity is a way to let go of all expectations, to open to what is present, and express this moment with clay, musical instruments, writing song and poetry. Materials are available or you can bring your own medium.

Sesshin, with a focus on intensive meditation practice, deepens our personal practices and can help us understand our lives more clearly. Participants can sign up for all or part of a retreat and will find a supportive and caring community for developing their individual meditative practices.

zazenkai

A zazenkai is a mini-retreat; it's a one day version of sesshin, usually scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday. A typical zazenkai begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m., although a participant can sign up for only part of the day. The day focuses on sitting meditation; there is also a period of work practice and the opportunity to meet with a teacher. Lunch is usually potluck, and participants eat informally and maintain silence. For those of us who have difficulty scheduling several days for sesshin, a zazenkai gives us the opportunity to share our personal meditation practice in a community setting. It's a great way to help sustain and get support for our personal practice, too.