Zen practice
Intensive Retreats - sesshin
A traditional Japanese Zen retreat, or sesshin, is a period when all non-essential work is put aside and participants engage in 9 or more hours of formal zazen each day. The silent zazen is complemented by a daily lecture (teisho) and private meetings each day with the teacher (dokusan). The intensive nature of sesshin allows one to put aside all workday concerns and focus strongly on unifying the mind, with the aim of seeing into one’s true nature. Sesshin practice is for more experienced practitioners and we ask that you speak to one of the teachers if you are planning to apply.
Residential Zen training
Sesshin (Zen retreat) is one form of Zen practice. Between sesshins, another form of practice, with less focus on formal sitting zazen, is offered. Instead we move from the base of our daily zazen into other activities, whether working, socialising, eating, etc., maintaining the same presence and awareness in all our activities.
The training schedule typically includes five hours of formal sitting, four hours of work and several hours of unstructured time each day. Dokusan (private meeting with the teacher, for individual guidance) is offered regularly.
Introduction Retreats
People usually come to Zengården once they have established a Zen practice through one of our city centers. We recognise that it can be difficult to take part in sesshin for the first time. An extended introduction, including explanations to the different parts of Zen practice and retreats, can be useful for people who want to take part in the events at Zengården. For this reason, in the summer each year, we offer a small number of people who are genuinely interested in finding out whether this practice is for them the chance to participate in a 3-day introduction retreat. During the retreat, participants learn everything they need to know to get started in Zen and about the practice at Zengården. The retreat includes (roughly) one day of information and lectures, and two days of silent retreat. If you would like more information about this, please contact us.