Rohatsu Sesshin (meditation retreat)

During Rohatsu sesshin we celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightment by dedicating ourselves to zazen practice. As the darkest days of the year approach, we sit together with the principle of awakening, fully opening to the 'wisdom beyond wisdom' that becomes bright in sitting meditation.

This year's Rohatsu will be co-led by So'on Jim Hare and Paravritti Doralee Grindler Katonah. The teaching will be based on the Sattipatthana Sutra, the sutra on the four establishments or foundations of mindfullness.

This retreat is offered partly online and partly in-person. Please see the attached schedule for details. The in-person days include formal Oryoki meals for lunch and dinner. There will be Dharma talks on days 2, 6,7, and 8. For more information or to request a reduced fee or scholarship, please contact us at [email protected].

Note that this retreat is intended for experienced practitioners. Participants should have a regular sitting practice and have attended several one-day retreats at Valley Streams or elsewhere. There will be instruction in Oryoki meal practice for those not familiar with it.

Valley Streams Zen Sangha

Rohatsu Sesshin 2025 (November 30 – December 7)

(Hybrid events are held both online and in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center)

Sunday evening, Nov. 30 (online)

7:30 Welcome and Orientation

8:00 Zazen

8:30 Refuges

Morning Practice

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 1-3(online)
Thursday, Dec. 4 (hybrid)

6:00 Zazen

6:30 Kinhin

6:40 Zazen

7:10 Service

Evening Practice

Monday, Dec. 2 (hybrid)

7:00 Usual Monday program of Zazen, Service, and Dharma talk

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 2 – Dec. 4 (online)

5:00 Zazen

5:30 Service

Break/Dinner

7:30 Zazen

8:00 Kinhin

8:10 Zazen

8:40 Refuges

Friday, Dec. 5: Full-Day Sitting, 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. (in-person)

Saturday, Dec. 6: Full-Day Sitting, 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. (in-person)

Sunday Morning, Dec. 7: Half-Day Sitting and Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon (in person), followed by closing informal lunch and clean-up.

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