Week Retreat (Sesshin)
This week long intensive for experienced Zen practitioners takes place at Seven Meadows Farm, owned and operated by our two teachers, and is open to members of Still Mind Zendo as well as non-members. Each sesshin is limited to 16 participants and is offered twice each summer to accommodate as many people as possible. Both teachers are present for each one.
Each day begins at 5.00 am and closes at 9:30 pm, during which time there are several two hour periods of zazen/walking meditation, a daily dharma talk, daisan (private meeting with a teacher), work practice, meals, a short period of qigong and time for rest and exercise. Silence is maintained throughout.
The zendo is located in a 150 year old barn in the middle of hay fields so one virtually sits “in nature” at all times. The Farm has 2 retreat cottages each of which accommodates 4 people; the rest are housed in the farmhouse. All rooms are shared and both beds and futons are used. There is air conditioning in all rooms but one. Meals are prepared by participants, meal preparation being one of the foremost tasks of work practice.
Due to the concentrated nature of a week long sesshin, the teachers reserve the right to discuss with any registrant his or her readiness for this sesshin. Applicants who do not normally sit with us are asked give some background information regarding their practice on the registration form and one of the teachers will ask to speak with them as well.
If you have any further questions, please contact us by phone 212-414-3128
or email sesshin@stillmindzendo.org
General Information
Dates:
Sunday June 10- Saturday June 16, 2012
Sunday July 15- Saturday July 21, 2012
Location: Seven Meadows Farm located in Gardiner in the Hudson Valley. Direct bus service to the nearby town of New Paltz is available from New York City and other points. Stewart International Airport is nearby.
Cost: Members $450 / Non-members: $600
The tax deductible portion, after estimated room and board expenses is $250 for members and $400 for non-members. For members with fixed incomes, incremental payments, even after the sesshin, can be arranged.
Deposit: Members $150 / Non-members $200
Deposit or full payment must accompany the registration form otherwise the registration is invalid.
Balance: To be paid a month before sesshin when the sesshin information/travel letter is sent.
Member’s Preference:
Each sesshin is limited to 16 participants. Early registration is highly recommended.
Members have first preference until April 30th for the June sesshin.
Members have first preference until May 30th for the July sesshin.
After these dates registration is be open to non-members as well.
Registration: Click here for registration form.
Cancellation Policy:
Total refund if 4 weeks or more before sesshin
Total refund minus deposit if 1-4 weeks before sesshin.
No refund the week of sesshin.
