Rohatsu means the 8th day of the 12th month, which is the traditional day for celebrating Buddha’s enlightenment. Sesshin means ‘to gather the mind.’ As the darkest days of the year approach, we sit together with the principle of awakening, fully opening to the ‘wisdom beyond wisdom’ that is revealed in sitting meditation.

The initial days of this week-long retreat will be offered online via Zoom, sitting mornings and evenings, starting Sunday evening Nov. 26 through Thursday Nov. 30. Friday Dec. 1 and Saturday Dec. 2, we will sit in person all day at the Dharma Center, including into the evening. These in-person days will include Oryoki meals, the traditional three-bowl Zen style of eating. We will end with a half-day in-person sitting and closing ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 3. There will be a Full Moon Ceremony on Monday evening and Dharma talks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Register for week-long program on Eventbrite

Full 7-Day Rohatsu Schedule

Sunday Schedule:
7:30 pm Welcome and Orientation
8:00 pm Zazen
8:30 pm Refuges

For more information or to request a reduced fee or scholarship, please contact us at info@valleystreamszen.org