Peach Blossoms in Spring Sesshin March 7-10, 2025
Zen Master Dogen poems~
In spring wind, peach blossoms begin to come apart. Doubts do not grow branches and leaves.
Water birds going and coming their traces disappear but they never forget their path.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN JANUARY 1, 2025
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 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 or the Registrar. You may come as a commuter but must maintain the schedule.
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.
14 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. $410 for Checks /$425 if paying online. 50% deposit by February 10 to hold space.
B) Option B Two-Night Sesshin. Friday night through Sunday lunch. $305 for Checks/$320 if paying online. 50% deposit by February 10 to hold space.
C) Option C Reduced Rate Scholarships available (3 spots: first come/ first serve) $335 for 3 nights by check or $350 online/$235 for 2 nights by check or $250 online payment. %50 deposit by February 10 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 February 1 will receive a full refund less a $10 cancellation fee if you paid by check (or $25 cancellation fee if you used Pay Pal or Zelle) . If you cancel after February 28, 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 for check (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 consultations, 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