Sesshin Information
2010 EUROPEAN SESSHIN: 
Intensive Zen Retreat

September 9-12
in
LAUFEN, GERMANY


What is Sesshin?

Sesshin is an intensive Zen retreat. Beginning very early each morning and lasting until late in the evening, the sesshin schedule includes meditation, work periods, chanting, calligraphy, and other activities. The intention of sesshin is to completely focus and unify mind and body; the schedule facilitates concentration, and forces participants to face themselves clearly without distortion or distraction. Sesshin is an opportunity to see yourself and your life more clearly...and to emerge with new insight and strength to change old patterns of thinking, doing and being.

Daiyuzenji conducts four sesshin a year in the Chicago area, which vary in length and location.  This sesshin is an additional event being hosted by our German Zen friends, and is open to anyone.


Am I Ready for Sesshin?

We welcome everyone with a desire to practice Zen. A Roshi (Zen teacher) and senior students will be available to assist you throughout sesshin and to answer questions.

Sesshin is a challenging training.  Please come with an open mind and resolved to give your best effort.  If you have not yet attended a sesshin with us, we require that you discuss your attendance with one of the Daiyuzenji Roshi before making any travel arrangements.


Sesshin Start and Finish

We do not yet have the exact sesshin schedule, but it will begin on Thursday evening, Sept. 9th, and end early on Sunday, Sept. 12th.  Please arrange your travel accordingly.


Where is Sesshin, and where should I fly into?

Laufen is in southern Germany, near the German/Austrian border.  It is quite close to Salzburg, Austria which is the recommended airport for arrival. 

Moore Roshi will be traveling to lead this sesshin, so please confirm your attendance with him before booking a ticket.  To make it easier on our German hosts (who are planning to pick us up from the Salzburg airport) you will need to work with him as you consider your travel arrangements.  He will be departing Chicago on Monday, Sept. 6th (arriving in Salzburg on the 7th), and then returning on Monday, Sept. 13th. 

You may also choose to fly into Munich; this is not as close, however, and you will need to take a train to Laufen from there.  We can give you this information if needed, and will arrange your pickup from the Laufen train station.

The facility for sesshin is a restored 17th century monastery.  See here for more information on the site. 


Fee and Registration

The fee for sesshin, including room and board from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, is 330.00 euros.  You may pay this upon arrival at the sesshin site.  Please make sure you change dollars for euros, as dollars can't be accepted for the sesshin fee.

Any other expenses for the non-sesshin days will be your reponsibility.  We will have information on accommodation options for any days before or after sesshin that you plan to be in Laufen.


What do I bring?

During sesshin, all meals will be provided. Participants must sleep at the sesshin location in the rooms provided. Please bring the following:

  • Training clothes for meditation and work (gi, hakama, samue). If you do not own these traditional clothes, just wear loose, comfortable clothing without bright colors or words. No shorts or immodest clothing, please. Remember to bring extra layers (long underwear, hat, etc.) depending on the weather.
  • Toiletries, personal medications (if you take anything that might affect your clarity or level of drowsiness, please let us know).
  • Outdoor shoes and indoor sandals
  • Jihatsu (eating bowls) if owned.
  • Okyo book (for chanting) if owned (available to purchase at Daiyuzenji).


What should I not bring?

Use of the following is not permitted at sesshin:

  • Personal computers, iPods, or other electronic or entertainment devices of any kind.  If you have a work or family situation where you must check in periodically, please let us know.
  • Phones:  If you need to make an emergency call, the sesshin staff can help you.
  • Books, other than standard texts used for training (e.g. koan materials)
  • Journals, diaries
  • Musical instruments
  • Personal food (if you have allergies or other unique food needs, please let us know beforehand and we'll acommodate you if possible). 
  • Intoxicants of any kind


What are the rules of Sesshin?

Sesshin is a silent retreat, and there is no "social" time; talking is only done when necessary to accomplish some task, or during permitted periods of lecture/discussion.  The specific rules governing life at Sesshin will be announced there, and help to create a harmonious atmosphere conducive to training.




ANY QUESTIONS? Please email us: info@daiyuzenji.org