Taking Refuge Sesshin
REGISTRATION is full.
If you would like to be put on a Wait List to be notified if a spot becomes available,
please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.
In Zen, we take refuge in Buddha/Dharma/Sangha. That is: we learn to take refuge in our Awakening/Teachings/Community and world.
In this Sesshin, we will study what it means to take refuge— On what can we truly rely on in a committed life of practice? What is a committed life of vow and practice? When we fall down, or feel clouded over, or do not know what to do, what lifts us up? Rising from the mud is a beautiful Lotus, strong and tender and resilient.
Sesshin is the Heart of Zen. Sesshins offer an environment for deep inner work, silence and community support for your practice and well-being, Zazen, rest periods, quiet meadow and ponds, outdoor kinhin, silent meals. All with gratitude. These societal times are difficult for a lot of people, and Sesshin helps us discover ways of healing and strengthening ourselves and the world. We can rise from the mud like a beautiful lotus.
All participants support each other by maintaining the schedule, keeping the silence and deep intention to practice wholeheartedly. Sesshin can be rigorous. It is strongly suggested you have prior sesshin or extended silent practice experience of at least one day.
**We offer accommodations as needed for those who may need more physical need for sleep or movement. Please speak with Sensei Martine or the Registrar.
Contact our Retreat Registrar to ask any questions: registration@joyfulmindzendo.org
Registration Form Here
Fee includes private room, all vegetarian meals, linens, blankets and towels. Beautiful space in secluded wooded setting.
18 Private rooms each with sink, shared bathroom, desk. Healthy vegetarian meals are provided and requests for gluten or dairy free will be provided. The teacher will offer private one-on-one instructions on Zen practice.
For more information about Sesshins and Zen Retreats, go here
LOCATION: Dayspring Silent Retreat Center, 11301 Neelsville Church Road, Germantown MD 20876
OPTIONS AND FEES:
A) Option A Full Sesshin. Friday night through Monday lunch. $380 for Checks /$395 if paying online. 50% deposit by August 1 to hold space.
B) Option B Two-Night Sesshin. Friday night through Sunday lunch. $280 for Checks/$295 if paying online. 50% deposit by August 1 to hold space.
C) Option C Reduced Rate Scholarships available (3 spots: first come/ first serve) $300 for 3 nights/$200 for 2 nights. %50 deposit by August 1 to hold space. Let us know if you need other financial options such as payment plans.
Checks made to Joyful Mind Zendo, mailed to J Harllee, Joyful Mind Zendo Treasurer, 2801 Connecticut Ave. NW., Apt. 34, Washington DC 20008–1573. Refunds available; see cancellation policy below - please notify us in advance if you cannot come for illness or advance change of plans.
Dana/Donation request: Generosity practice. By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their service and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana. For those whose employment and means allow dana, $20 per person per day of attendance is suggested; smaller amounts of generosity appreciated.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations received before August 1 will receive a full refund less a $10 cancellation fee (or $25 cancellation fee if you used Pay Pal or Zelle) . If you cancel after August 25, we will likely still be able to grant a refund if someone fills your spot or we reach our full numbers, for a full refund, minus a $10 (or $25 online payment fee if used) cancellation fee will be granted.
Physical and Mental Health Statement: This Sesshin is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not have those resources to provide. If you are under the care of a medical provider for a physical or mental health condition, check with them to see if a retreat experience like this is appropriate. Those experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval or instability might require additional support beyond the teachers’ ability to provide so please check with your mental health provider first. If you have questions, ask our Registrar.
FULL SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY: Arrive 4:00-6 pm, Dinner with conversation 6 pm, Sesshin starts at 7 pm to enter into noble silence.
SATURDAY and SUNDAY: 6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Zazen about 7 hours a day) Zazen, Kinhin, Chanting, Dharma Talk, Teacher consulations, tea breaks and personal rest throughout the day. Plus stretch/yoga. Physical accommodations are offered; speak to the Teacher.
MONDAY: 6:00 a.m. Zazen and Kinhin, ends with conversational lunch at Noon, closing circle and chanting.
Teachers:
Senseis Martine Taikai Palmiter and Jan Jinkai Gary and Jon Seicho McCollum