ZEN RETREATS: ZAZENKAI AND SESSHIN

The Heart of Zen Practice

Joyful Mind Zendo offers several one-day and weekend retreats

Please see Details and Dates for Upcoming Sesshin and Zen Retreats

They are at the heart of Zen. They lead us into the deep place where we discover the truth of our lives. They are held in Noble Silence after the first bell rings. At the end of a Zen retreat, there is a sense of gratitude and joy. Typically they include Zazen, walking meditation (sometimes outdoors), dharma talks and teacher one-on-ones, movement and stretch, tea breaks, and work practice.

What happens at a Zen Retreat?

Sitting with others in Zazen for extended periods of silence and stillness deeply impact your life of Zen. Together, we learn to practice in harmony with others. Zen retreats are challenging and offer a more intensive Zen practice.

We offer residential 2- or 3-day Zen retreats called Sesshin or “connecting heart-mind” (weekend residential) and 1-day retreats in Rockville, called Zazen-kai or “day of Zen” every other month.