Based on hundreds of years of experience, the sesshin guidelines that we follow are designed to facilitate the deepest experience possible for participants. Please look these over and email us with any questions at info@nczencenter.org
Sesshin is conducted in noble silence. The only talking that is allowed is during practice meetings with the teacher. Occasionally we may need to speak to a roommate or during the work period to ask a quick question. During these times, please talk in a soft voice and outside the earshot of other participants.
- All periods of sesshin are mandatory so unless there is a medical issue, participants are expected to participate in all sittings and activities.
- No reading, journaling, or use of cell phones or computers is permitted.
- No personal food, unless medically necessary, is permitted. Please do not eat in the dorm rooms.
- If you are new to sesshin, meeting with the teacher or guide during dokusan (one-on one practice instruction) is mandatory. Everyone else is encouraged to come to dokusan as they need. Dokusan will be held twice per day. Dokusan is a time to ask questions, discuss problems, and get clarification about the practice.
Zendo Guidelines:
- Please keep your sitting area tidy and at the end of each round of sitting, straighten your cushions an mat.
- Be on time for each meditation period. It is recommended that you are in the zendo by the 5-minute densho bell.
- Please do not bring personal belongings into the zendo including hats, loud jackets, water bottles etc.
- Do not leave the zendo after a period has begun. Wait until the walking periods (kinhin).
- Please familiarize yourself with zendo protocol such as bowing and chanting. If you need some instruction you can ask when you arrive.
- Do not use perfumes or colognes.
- If your foot falls asleep during meditation, please do not stand on it when walking begins. Just sit and rub your leg or foot until you can stand on it and then join the walking.
Other Guidelines:
- No drugs, alcohol, or meat are to be consumed during retreat.
- Do not leave campus during retreat.
- Be mindful of water use. Take short showers and do not leave water running unnecessarily. You may shower during any break period.
- Be mindful of lights. Turn off all lights when leaving rooms and common areas if you turned them on.
- Be mindful of making noise in your room if you are sharing it with another person.
- Leave no trace.
