Sesshin - Touching Mind
one-day retreats led by Myo Shin Osho (Curt Steinmetz)
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No One Day Retreats Are Currently Scheduled.
(Click here for information on weekend retreats led by Zen Master Dae Gak.)

A one-day retreat is an opportunity to look more deeply into the experience of meditation than is usually possible in our daily practice. The word "sesshin" literally means "touching mind" or "touching heart" or "touching spirit" or even "touching God".

The main focus of any Zen retreat is the practice of sitting meditation. Silence is maintained during retreats, except for times specified for Dharma Talks, interviews, chanting and designated discussion periods. Meals are silent and taken together, but do not follow any particular "form" (such as oryoki). Meditation periods include a combination of sitting, walking and chanting. Sitting periods last from 20 to 30 minutes, during which time everyone makes a determined effort not to move or make any noise.

Some previous experience with meditation is assumed in these retreats. Mainly this means that you are expected to be able to sit still for about 30 minutes followed by walking meditation of 5-10 minutes, and then more sitting. Every 2 or 3 hours there is a longer break. Almost everyone finds this to be difficult or at least challenging - even experienced students.

All participants will have dokusan/interviews with Myo Shin (Curt). During this time we can talk about anything from koans to meditation posture to the meaning of life - or anything else that might come up.

In order to make these retreats more accessible, ample break time is schedule throughout the day. 90 minutes is scheduled for breakfast, and an hour for lunch and dinner, and there is an additional 30 minute break period following the afternoon dialog. Retreatants can use the break periods in any way that is quiet and does not interfere with others. You can bring appropriate reading material, a journal to write in, etc - or you can just rest, take a walk, stretch, etc. If it is logistically possible we will also designate a place for people to do "extra" sitting practice during rest periods.

Mr. Lu chopping bamboo There is no charge for one-day retreats - but donations are encouraged.

One-Day Retreat Schedule:

6:30 AM zazen (please arrive silently)
8:30 AM breakfast
10:00 AM chanting and zazen
12 Noon lunch
1:00 PM zazen
2:00 PM Dialog: On Mountains and Rivers:
              Progress is not a matter of far or near,
              but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way
              I respectfully urge you who follow the Mystery:
              Do not pass your days and nights in vain.
        (from the Sandokai)
3:30 PM break
4:00 PM zazen
5:30 PM dinner
6:30 PM chanting and zazen
7:50 PM Dharma Talk
8:20 PM Closing Ceremony (Kwan Seum Bosal chanting)
8:30 PM recitation of Four Great Vows, retreat ends

For more information please email us.



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