Weekend Sesshin-in-the-City

Our annual sesshin (retreat)-in-the-city is an opportunity for Zen practitioners to deepen their practice by sitting for an extended period of time over the course of a weekend. It generally follows the schedule of our weekend sesshin at Garrison Institute except that practitioners go home in the evening, remaining in silence as much as possible.

Non-members and those who do not normally sit with us are most welcome. There is no Zen for Beginners component at this sesshin so participants need to have some prior Zen experience. Daisan (private meeting with a teacher) is available to all participants whether member or not. Cushions, sitting benches and mats are provided. Oryoki (a formal meal in the zendo) will be offered for the evening meal on Saturday. Participants are asked to bring their lunch. Tea/coffee and fruit will be available.

A general schedule is set out below. If you feel that it fits the level of your practice, we invite you to join us. Please call or email if you have any questions.

Dates: April 12 – 14, 2013
Held at Still Mind Zendo in New York City

Cost: $25 for members $50 for nonmembers (payable at the door).
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 11th

To Register for the Sesshin In The City please sign up at
the zendo, call us at 212-414-3128, or send an e-mail.

General Schedule:

Friday Evening
- 6:15 pm: Registration (newcomers to our zendo will need to arrive early to get oriented)
- 6:55 pm: Three 25-minute periods of zazen /walking meditation
- 9:00 pm: Closing chants

Saturday
- 8:00 am: Three 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation (daisan offered)
- Break
- Dharma talk
- Zazen/chanting service
- Lunch (bring you own lunch)
- Break/rest
- Three 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation (daisan offered)
- Break
- Three 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation (daisan offered)
- Meal in the zendo/walking meditation (modified oryoki)
- Short break
- Three 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation

Sunday
- 8:00 am: Three 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation
- Break
- Two 25-minute periods of zazen/walking meditation
- Closing chants
- Work practice
- 12:30 pm: Close of sesshin (silence ends)