Sesshin Information
Arrival
Please arrive between 6-6:30pm on the first night. Zazen begins at 7:30pm and we ask that you are moved in and in your seat by 7:25pm. Please allow extra time if this is your first time to the abbey. There is no meal offered on the first night. There is a tea area with some snacks available.
What to bring
Bedding: bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets
Toiletries, towel, personal items
Clothes for meditation: Comfortable and loose-fitting; see ZENDO ETIQUETTE for more information on appropriate clothing for the zendo
Clothes for work practice: you may be assigned indoor or outdoor work
Meditation supplies: GMZC provides cushions, benches, chairs, and smaller support cushions for adjusting your height; you are welcome to bring your own meditation supplies
House Slippers (optional): In the winter, these can be nice on the hard floors during nonscheduled time.
Sample Schedule
Glossary:
Zazen: meditation
Kinhin: Walking meditation
Dokusan: private interview with teacher
Samu: work practice
First Night
6-6:30 Arrival
7:30 Zazen, Kinhin
8:50 Four Bodhisattva Vows
Full Days
5:00 Wake up
5:30 Zazen, Kinhin, Dokusan
8:00 Breakfast
9:15 Service, Zazen
10:30 Samu (Work Practice)
12:30 Lunch
2:30 Dharma Talk
3:15 Zazen, Kinhin
5:00 Dinner
6:30 Zazen, Kinhin, Dokusan
8:20 Four Bodhisattva Vows
Last Morning
5:00 Wake Up
5:30 Zazen, Kinhin, Dokusan
8:00 Breakfast
9:15 Samu
10:30 Closing Circle
12:00 Lunch in town (optional; not paid for by GMZC)
*The New Years Sesshin follows a slightly different schedule .