Sesshin
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Sesshin is an extended meditation that includes sitting meditation, walking meditation, chanting, oryoki (a formal, meditative way of eating), Dharma talks by the sesshin leader and a meditative work period. Also included during specified times throughout the sesshin, are opportunities for Dokusan (private meeting with the sesshin leader). Dharma Field hosts two-day, three-day and five-day sesshins.
Sesshin literally means “collecting the mind.” During sesshin, or at any time in our daily lives, turning our full attention to the activity of the moment is to collect the mind. This means when it’s time to eat, just eat, and when it’s time to sit, just sit. Usually when we do a given activity, our attention is elsewhere. The quiet environment and simplified schedule of sesshin is conducive to mindfulness and concentration. Sesshin is an opportunity to cultivate concentration and awareness. It is an opportunity to step back and slow down from our usual busy lives, to engage with full attention, whatever it is that we are doing. Participants are required to stay for the entire duration of the sesshin. Those who spend nights at home are encouraged not to interact with friends or family members while away from Dharma Field. |
What do you need for sesshin?
Sesshin orientation An orientation will be held as necessary, downstairs in the classroom at 7 p.m. the evening that sesshin begins. Participants who haven’t attended a sesshin at Dharma Field are required to attend. Anyone who would like a review is also invited to attend. Included in the sesshin orientation:
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Curious about what sesshin actually is? Take a listen to this 2 minute clip of Steve Matuszak giving some clarifying information on it.
- Important: It is a great help to the sesshin organizers and cooks to sign up as early as possible.
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REGISTER ONLINE:
1) SUBMIT REGISTRATION
REQUIRED FOR EACH SESSHIN YOU'RE ATTENDING
If this if you first sesshin at Dharma Field: Sesshin is an intensive practice and is recommended for those who regularly sit meditation and/or have previous sesshin experience. Contact Dharma Field if you have questions. ___________________________________ To participate in a sesshin, both a sesshin registration form and payment must be received in the Dharma Field office by the registration deadline for each sesshin. Registration forms are available at Dharma Field, or you may register online by submitting the form below. Please note: – Orientation – Those who have not participated in a sesshin at Dharma Field, must attend this orientation. (Friday 7:00pm in classroom). – Those not familiar with oryoki must attend oryoki instruction. (Friday 7:30 in classroom). – Work Meditation – If age 60 or older, you may be exempted from a work assignment. Please let the Ino know if you would like to rest during work period. Click the "SUBMIT" button above before proceeding to the sesshin payment page. NOTE: Application, registration and payment forms can also be found in the Dharma Field entry room.
Contact our office for more information or to request registration form. Sesshin begins at 7:00 pm. Please be in the zendo by 6:55 pm unless you are attending orientation (see below)
– If in zendo, go to classroom immediately after the 7 pm sitting. |
LIST OF UPCOMING SESSHINS
2026
2027
Note: Two-day sesshins begin Friday evening at 7pm, and end on Sunday evening (just before supper). Rohatsu is similar, it begins in the evening, and finishes on Monday evening. TWO-DAY SESSHIN SCHEDULE
* Recitation ends sesshin on last day (w/o kinhin). Beginning after supper on first day, dokusan times marked in green. THREE-DAY SESSHIN SCHEDULE
* Recitation ends sesshin on last day (w/o kinhin). Beginning on the second day, dokusan times marked in green. (No dokusan on the first day) FIVE-Day sesshin schedule
* Recitation ends sesshin on last day (w/o kinhin). Beginning on the third day, dokusan times marked in green. (No dokusan on the first two days) 
Oryoki Bowl Set for Sesshin Meals
Oryoki Instruction Video |