2011 Retreat (Sesshin and Zazenkai) Schedule


The Atlanta Soto Zen Center offers a regular schedule of sesshin and zazenkai (longer and shorter zazen retreats).

Sesshin, literally "to unify the mind", is an intensive meditation retreat offered periodically to deepen our practice.  Characterized by deep introspection and silence, sesshin is a wonderful opportunity to receive personal guidance in private interviews with the teachers, to draw from the strength of the sangha practicing together, and to experience the deep stillness that lies within each one of us.  All are encouraged to attend sesshin whenever possible.

Weekend or one-day zazenkai is offered every month at the in-town center, the second weekend of the month. Longer sesshin retreats are offered periodically both at the in-town center and at nearby retreat locations with overnight accommodations and the ability to completely immerse your self in the sesshin practice.

Our sesshin and zazenkai follow three basic types of schedule (click title for example schedule):


Annual Theme - "Meeting the Masters: an Introduction to the Soto Zen Lineage from Bodhidharma to Matsuoka-roshi"

During the year we will focus the study content of our retreats on historical masters in the Soto Zen lineage which was transmitted to China through Bodhidharma, to Japan through Eihei Dogen and, in the Atlanta Soto Zen Center lineage, to America through Zengaku Soyu Matsuoka-roshi.

The primary teacher for each retreat is our Abbot, Zenkai Taiun Michael Elliston. In addition, Sensei will invite either guest teachers or senior students to assist in the teaching of these retreats. The retreats are staffed by the members of the Silent Thunder Order, which comprises Sensei's students. At the longer retreats, the staff will include an Ino (overall retreat and zendo coordinator), Tenzo (food service coordinator) and Work Captain (task coordinator). For the weekend retreats, these functions may be condensed.

When you register for a retreat, you will be contacted by the Ino or Work Captain to confirm your plans and schedule participation. While full retreat is recommended, we do allow partial participation for those with other duties.

If you have any questions or would like to apply for a staff position, please email info@aszc.org.


Upcoming Sesshin Dates (2011)

These longer sesshin retreats are recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing the real heart of Zen practice. The retreats begin with an orientation the first evening to introduce participants to the spirit and schedule of sesshin and then once sesshin begins, we immerse ourselves in the rigorous practice of self-awakening.

Dates
Theme and Format
Coordinators and Registration Information
October 26-30
Ho Hum Hollow retreat
See flyer
information and registration

December 5-11

"Rohatsu"
Buddha Schedule


information and registration



Upcoming Weekend Zazenkai Dates (2011)

Our regular monthly weekend zazenkai are held on the second Saturday of the month and may include Friday night for overnight visitors. For more information about specific dates, please view details or send email by clicking the links below or speak with the sesshin organizer in person at the center. Occasionally we will shorten these retreats to "bankers hours" and just include Saturday.

Dates
Theme and Format
Coordinators and Registration Information

October 7-9

"Touzi Yiquing & Furong Daokai"

Dharma Schedule

Gakusan Terry Sutton

information and registration

November 11-13

"Danxia Zichun & Hongzhi Zhengjue"

Dharma Schedule

Gatsu Jabez Maurer
information and registration

December 9-11

"Eihei Dogen"

Dharma Schedule

Zenku Jerry Smyers
information and registration


Registration

To register for any of these events, please email register@aszc.org. Please specify the event, and if you plan only partial attendance, those portions you plan to attend. You may pay in advance with PayPal below or by sending a check to the center. You should receive an acknowledgment within 5 days.


Partial Attendance

As a lay practice center, we rejoice in all participation that our members can arrange and recognize that most have responsibilities which prevent full attendance. For those unable to participate for the full retreat, please consult the schedule to arrive and leave during appropriate break times and please be mindful of the increased intensity of those attending full-time. Please be especially attentive to whether a cushion is occupied before sitting on it!

Overnight space is limited and so many choose to commute. Full-attendance commuters may choose to wait until 8:30am to arrive (but are welcome at 6:00am).

All attendees who are new to retreats at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center are required to attend the orientation session.


Overnight Accommodations

The Atlanta Soto Zen Center has very spartan facilities for overnight accommodations (think summer camp). Multiple occupancy room spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis, and require pre-payment at least one week in advance to guarantee space (others may be accepted if space is available). For information about accommodations, please email innkeeper@aszc.org.

Please bring a sleeping bag and linens if possible.

We do not have full-time staff and so you should plan your arrival for the beginning of the event.


Transportation

Please see our location page for driving directions and public transportation (Marta) options to the center.

Airport transportation is available through public transportation (there is a station in the airport). For bus transfer, see our location page. The closest station to the ASZC is the Lindberg station for taxi service (approx. $15). Airport Metro Shuttle and Atlanta Superior Shuttle also service our location (1167D Zonolite Place, Atlanta, 30306).


Meals

Multiple day retreats include meals, but participation in the kitchen is expected. Meals are vegetarian and dairy - those with special needs should notify upon registration.


Cost

Retreat fees go to support the overhead of the Zen Center and to fund necessary investments in future program and infrastructure. While these are collected on the honor system, they are not considered optional. There are limited discount and sponsorship opportunities available for staff, full time students or those in need of financial assistance. Please inquire at time of registration. The fees covers the cost of meals and overnight accommodations as specified.

Many people choose to attend only a portion of each retreat. Attendees should inquire about how to prorate the cost based on their planned attendance schedule.

We offer several fee package options for retreats, based on duration and whether you plan to stay overnight (held at our facilities at 1167 C/D Zonolite Place Atlanta is). If you are unsure of which package, please contact us at register@aszc.org for clarification.

You may pay the retreat fees by check made out to "Atlanta Soto Zen Center (or ASZC)" put in the donation box at the center, by mail to "PO Box 133241, Atlanta GA 30333-3241" or by PayPal (below). Dana to the teachers should be made in cash or check made out directly to the teacher.

Package

Duration

Retreat Fee

Non-Member

Member

Disciple

Commuter Weekend Retreat (Zazenkai)
-or-
Any single day of longer retreat
Friday evening - Sunday noon
$90.00 $75.00 $47.50
Residential Weekend Retreat (Zazenkai)
-or-
Any single full day of longer retreat plus two nights
Friday evening - Sunday noon including "sleepover" at ASZC
$114.00 $95.00 $57.50
Commuter 3-day Retreat
Any three days of a longer retreat
$247.50 $225.00 $142.50
Residential 3-day Retreat
Any three days of a longer retreat
including "sleepover" at ASZC
$280.50 $255.00 $157.50
Commuter 4 or 5 day Retreat (Sesshin)
Tuesday or Wednesday evening - Sunday noon
$330.00 $300.00 $190.00
Residential 4 or 5 day Retreat (Sesshin) Tuesday or Wednesday evening - Sunday noon including "sleepover"
$365.00 $340.00 $210.00
Rohatsu Sesshin Residential
Sunday evening - Sunday noon
$535.00 $510.00 $315.00
Drop-In During Retreat
Partial (1/2 day or less) attendance during retreat.
Meals are not included.
Fees are per appearance.
$36.00 $30.00 $20.00
Extra Meals
Meals for Drop-in or Scholarship
$5.00
$5.00
$5.00

Pay with PayPal
NON-MEMBER
Duration and Overnight Options
Dates of Retreat
MEMBER
Duration and Overnight Options
Dates of Retreat
DISCIPLE
Duration and Overnight Options
Dates of Retreat


The cost for retreats held off-site will be slightly higher and listed separately with the retreat information.

The cost for retreats with Guest Teachers may be slightly higher to handle travel expenses and partial dana and will be listed separately with the retreat information.

In addition, Dana (the perfection of giving) should be added in for the support of the teachers.


Cancellation Policy

Extended retreats may be canceled or moved due to insufficient registrations. All registrants will be notified at least one week prior to the start of the retreat. Weekend sesshins will be canceled only due to extreme circumstances.