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2008 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 zazenkai is offered every month at the in-town center, starting Friday evening and ending Sunday afternoon on the first Sunday 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 details):

• Buddha - is an opportunity for you to deepen your practice through intensive immersion in zazen. The only interruptions to the daily sitting schedule are for meals and services and to wrap around the regular morning, evening and weekend schedules. This will give you a clear perspective on your daily practice. Those who have experienced this “no frills” kind of extended retreat testify to its effect on the meaning of zazen, and a resultant clarification of the meaning of Buddha’s enlightenment, which we celebrate by sitting all night on Dec. 8th.
  
• Dharma - is an opportunity for you to deepen your understanding of the teachings of Buddhism in the context of intensive zazen. Text materials will be provided and the sesshin leader will deliver a series of talks on the subject, and facilitate study periods and dialog. During sesshin you will be discouraged from reading any material other than that provided for study hall. In this way you will be able to focus on the content offered and through zazen more fully integrate your understanding of it into your immediate experience.
  
• Sangha - Sangha Sesshin is an opportunity to learn the traditional chants and services of Soto Zen liturgy in a context of intensive zazen practice. The effects of long periods of chanting are well-documented, but if you have not experienced this for yourself, it is a treat. The combination of extended chanting with extended sitting cannot be beaten for its effect on your practice both in the zendo and in daily life. The chants are of themselves meaningful, and their content will become clear to you with repetition.
  

Sesshin Dates (2008)

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 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.

Weekend Zazenkai Dates (2008)

Our regular monthly weekend zazenkai begin each month on the Friday evening prior to the first Sunday of the month. 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.

Special Guest Teachers’ Sesshins

At times we are privileged to host sesshins with guest teachers at our Zendo. 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.

Overnight Accommodations

Overnight accommodations 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.

Cost

Suggested donations 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 suggested donation covers the cost of meals and overnight accommodations as specified.

The cost schedule for sesshin and retreat held at our facilities at the ASZC, 1167 C/D Zonolite Pl., Atlanta are:

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

Additional dana (the perfection of giving) goes to the support of teachers and staff.

Cancellation Policy

Extended retreats may be cancelled 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 cancelled only due to extreme circumstances.