About Sesshin

Sesshin is a Zen Retreat. Sesshin means to connect or receive the Heart-Mind of the universe and all beings. It is a rare opportunity to practice in a more formal and extended way, to deepen the path of Zen. Our sesshins are residential retreats with private rooms, more formal practice, teacher interviews, dharma talks, chanting, and shared meals. Weather permitting, we walk kinhin outdoors to connect with nature. We maintain silence during sesshin to help all attendees maintain a contemplative mindset.

Our residential sesshins normally fall in January, May or September. Since late 2024 though, we have been joining our sister sangha, Joyful Mind Zen Community for sesshins on their schedule. Joyful Mind sessions start on Friday evening and run through midday Monday. In order to provide the deep experience of sesshin, attendees are encouraged to attend all days and sittings. The cost is typically around $425 for food and onsite lodging. Some limited scholarships are available based on need.

As details are available they are posted on this page. In the past, we have held our sesshins at the beautiful Wellspring Conference Center in Germantown MD. Joyful Mind Zen Community holds them at the nearby and equally beautiful Dayspring Silent Retreat Center.