Rohatsu 2023 – Gather

December 1-8, 2023

Sesshin is a time for nourishing silence and deep practice, sitting in the posture of the Buddha, unfolding your own and our collective liberation. The theme for Rohatsu this year is Hongzhi’s Silent Illumination. How do you experience true freedom? How has your very life brought you to this moment of sitting as a buddha in your natural creativity, resourcefulness and wholeness?

Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community will offer in-person* (waitlist only)and zoom participation for the 2023 Rohatsu sesshin. In-person attendance will be limited to 16 persons in the zendo and for oryoki meals. (The local sangha is always welcome to attend public 7:00 am and 5:30 pm meditations in person).

A few overnight accommodations (shared room and bath) may be available to those planning to attend the full 8-days. We may also be able to find a few sleeping spaces with local sangha members and there are B&B options nearby. Please signify if you will need help with housing for the retreat (currently full) when you register. Please note any dietary allergies (all meals are vegan and gluten free)  and your preferred meditation seating: chair, bench or cushion.

* Please take care of yourself and others and refrain from in-person participation if you have any active symptoms of illness.

Peggy Kendo Murray
Kendo has cultivated a spiritual friendship with Joshin sensei for more than 13 years and he has recognized her as a senior practitioner and Dharma Holder (hoshi) at BLMZC where she has been a resident since 2018.  Kendo has studied and practiced in Theravada, Tibetan and Zen traditions and loves sharing perspectives from all three streams of Buddhist practice.  Peg is a Novice Priest and Spirit Holder with Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community. She particularly appreciates the practice resources of joy and humor and enjoys infusing a bit of each into just about everything.

Eisho Andi Sinclair
Eisho practiced in the Theravada, Rinzai and Western Buddhist traditions before coming to Soto Zen. He has served as a Buddhist Lay Minister leading meditation groups and retreats. His work is as a Buddhist Prison Chaplain/Mental Health Chaplain with adults/youth who are incarcerated. Eisho is a Novice Priest, Dharma Holder (hoshi), and Spirit Holder with Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community. Eisho is a certified Hakomi Psychotherapist, a children’s counsellor for a national UK helpline and a proud and happy grandad!

Rohatsu Schedule 

Friday Dec 1st
5:30-6:30 pm Meditation (Public)
6:30 Convivial Dinner
7:30-8:10 Sesshin Orientation
8:10 Four Vows

Saturday December 2nd through Tuesday 5th
6:00-7:00 Morning Greeting/ Zazen/Kinhin (walking meditation)
7:00-7:40 Zazen
7:40-8:00 Chanting Service (Heart Sutra)
8:00 Oryoki Breakfast (meals on your own for zoomers)
9:00-10:00 Samu (work practice)
10:00 Rest
10:30 Zazen
11:00 Dharma Talk
11:45 Kinhin/Zazen
12:40 Chanting Service (Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo) 1:00 Oryoki Lunch and Rest
2:30 Yoga stretching or outside walking
3:00-5:00 Zazen/Kinhin
5:00 Tea Break
5:30 Zazen/Kinhin/Metta Chant
6:30 Oryoki Dinner
7:40-8:30 Zazen/Kinhin/Four Vows

Wednesday December 6th
6:00-7:00 Morning Greeting/ Zazen/Kinhin (walking meditation)
7:00-7:40 Zazen
7:40-8:00 Chanting Service (Heart Sutra)
8:00 Oryoki Breakfast (meals on your own for zoomers) 9:00-10:00 Samu (work practice)
10:00 Rest
10:30 Zazen
11:00-11:20 Dharma Talk
11:20 Kinhin/Zazen
12:40 Chanting Service (Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo)
1:00 Oryoki Lunch and Rest
2:30 Yoga stretching or outside walking
3:00-5:00 Zazen/Kinhin
5:00 Tea Break
5:30 Zazen/Dharma Talk/Metta Chant
6:30 Oryoki Dinner
7:40-8:30 Zazen/Kinhin/Four Vows

Thursday December 7th
6:00-7:00 Morning Greeting/ Zazen/Kinhin (walking meditation)
7:00-7:40 Zazen
7:40-8:00 Chanting Service (Heart Sutra)
8:00 Oryoki Breakfast (meals on your own for zoomers)
9:00-10:00 Samu (work practice)
10:00 Rest
10:30 Zazen
11:00 Dharma Reflection
11:45 Kinhin/Zazen
12:40 Chanting Service (Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo) 1:00 Oryoki Lunch and Rest
2:30 Yoga stretching or outside walking
3:00-5:00 Zazen/Kinhin
5:00 Tea Break
5:30 Zazen/Kinhin/Metta Chant
6:30 Oryoki Dinner
7:40-9pm Zazen/Kinhin/Four Vows
Night-time: Zendo open all night for optional zazen

Friday December 8th
7:00 – 7:40 Morning greeting/Zazen
7:40 Nenju Service
8:00 Convivial Breakfast
9:15 Closing Council
10:45 Samu/Room Clean Up
11:00 Depart

Registration

Please register by filling out this form.

The cost of this program, like all programs at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community, is offset by financial generosity. Everyone is welcome. We ask for a donation to support the practice and social action work of Bread Loaf Mountain. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest $240. You can donate by sending a check or using PayPal. Thank you.