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Sesshins

Sesshins are extended periods of intensive, silent zazen for experienced meditators. They are held in seclusion, follow a rigorous schedule, and last from two to seven days. Sensei Graef conducts sesshins in Vermont and Costa Rica.

The sesshin day begins at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. There are ten hours of formal zazen each day; informal zazen is encouraged during breaks and rest periods. Other elements of sesshin are walking meditation, chanting, prostrations, work, exercise, and vegetarian meals. Dokusan (private instruction with Sensei Graef) is offered three times a day, and there are daily teisho (Zen talks).

Requirements

Because of the demanding nature of sesshin, only people who have been sitting regularly should apply. Attendance at a Workshop and at least one all-day or a short sesshin (two to three days) are prerequisites.

Types of Sesshins

Traditional 7-Day Sesshins (as described above), are for experienced Zen practitioners. Three 7-day sesshins in Vermont and one in Costa Rica are held each year. With a strict and demanding schedule, only those who have had the experience of attended an all-day sitting and a short sesshin may attend a 7-day sesshin.
Work Sesshins are offered twice a year. These sesshins, with fewer hours of formal zazen and a much longer work period, focus on garden and kitchen work. These sesshin help people learn how to continue their concentration in the midst of activity.
A Jataka Tale/Working Person Sesshin is held each October. At this sesshin the weekend is full time, but from Monday through Friday, the only structured hours are early morning and evening. During the day people leave to go to work or pursue other activities (such as writing, art, childcare, etc.). In 2011, Rafe Martin will be giving daily talks on the Jataka Tales, as he did at the enormously popular Jataka Working Person Sesshins in October 2009 & 2010. There is an additional $70 flat fee for attending this sesshin to cover the guest teacher’s honorarium. An article describing one participant’s reaction to this special sesshin can be found here. More about Rafe's Jataka teachings.
A 5-Day Meditation Retreat is held at the end of June. This is ideal for those who want to have unstructured time for meditation. Anyone, even those with no prior sesshin experience, may apply to a meditation retreat.