Sesshin is a week-long meditation intensive that is unique to the Zen tradition.
​In sesshin we can experience the deep stillness that lies within each one of us. 

​Sunday, 15 July, 2018, 2.30pm - Saturday, 21 July, 2.30pm
This retreat has now finished.

Characterised by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training and deepening their meditation practice. Sesshin is an unbroken stream of aware spiritual practice, with wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals (oryoki) in the zendo (meditation hall), silent caretaking (e.g. preparing meals or cleaning), and talks by the teacher and senior students. Sesshin is an opportunity to receive personal guidance in private interviews (daisan) with the teacher, Shugen Roshi. During sesshin we draw from the tremendous strength and encouragement of practising together as a group.

Because the week-long sesshin is a very intensive retreat, those wishing to attend the full week should have prior experience in meditation. Those who have never participated in a sesshin or who are newer to Zen practice/meditation are encouraged to join in, however we recommend beginning on Thursday for the shortest portion of the retreat. This is a great way to get a taste of sesshin and to develop your meditation practice. Sesshin may be joined at any stage during the week, as late as Thursday evening.

​If you are a first-time sesshin retreatant, you will be interviewed by phone before confirming your attendance. This is to help ensure that sesshin is a good fit for your personal circumstances. This is especially helpful as once you join sesshin, you are asked to stay until the conclusion of the retreat (2.30pm Saturday). 
The venue for this sesshin is Lake Rotoiti Lodge in the Nelson Lakes, about 90 minutes drive from Nelson. Transport assistance to and from the retreat is available; this is included in the registration form. Accommodation and all meals are included in the retreat fees. Accommodation is in shared, single sex dorm rooms of various sizes, all meals are vegetarian with special diets (i.e. gluten free) available. Please let us know your requirements on the registration form. 

For those arriving for the start of sesshin, registration will be at 5pm, Sunday, 15 July. There will be a light dinner served at 6pm. 
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Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, abbot and resident teacher of Zen Mountain Monastery, and abbot of the Zen Center of New York City. Shugen has been in full-time residential zen training since 1986; he received dharma transmission from Daido Roshi in 1997. He has visited New Zealand to lead Zen Buddhist retreats and workshops for many years, and currently offers a programme in Nelson each July. 

Location

Rotoiti Lodge, St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes, New Zealand.
90 mins drive from Nelson - ride sharing available. Get directions.

Cost

We are offering an early-bird discount for the July events – to be eligible for this reduced rate we need to have received your completed registration and full payment by June 19. Registrations and deposits received after this date will be charged at the standard rate.

Sesshin start day:
Sunday • $450 at early-bird discount or $500 standard rate
Monday • $375 at early-bird discount or $425 standard rate
Tuesday • $300 at early-bird discount or $350 standard rate
Wednesday • $230 at early-bird discount or $280 standard rate
Thursday • $160 at early-bird discount or $210 standard rate

Subsidies
Whatever your level of experience with Zen practice, we wish to make these retreats accessible to you. We understand that those who travel from afar face expenses in addition to the costs of the retreats, and also that people who want to participate may also face other financial constraints. If you are unable to meet the retreat fee, please let us know in the registration form or give us a call/email (see below).

What to bring to sesshin
• warm sleeping bag, pillow, (earplugs optional)
• towel
• toiletries
• torch
• raincoat
• woollen hat and gloves
• outdoor clothing and footwear for outside work practice
• loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in colour. Shirts should cover the shoulders (e.g. T-shirt and shirts). Please wear long trousers rather than shorts.
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Please note that Lake Rotoiti is in a sub-alpine region and does get very cold, especially overnight. Bring plenty of extra layers to ensure you are warm enough for indoor and outdoor work.
If you have questions about this retreat,  please contact the Nelson MRO Zen group
 Gwitha Kaido Nash - (03) 548 9969 
nelson@zen.org.nz