Sesshin Information and Registration

**Dirt Zendo Registration is now closed.

We offer two Sesshins each year, we hope you will join us!

Upcoming Sesshins:

• 2023: Wednesday Evening, Sept 20th – Sunday Morning, Sept 24th

• 2024: Tuesday Evening, April 23rd – Sunday Morning, April 28th

We rent a beautiful retreat space out of town (Hull Park & Lodge, right outside Sandy, Oregon) with lodging and a kitchen, and sesshin participation will also be possible online (in our Cloud Zendo). Note that the Sesshin Zoom is not the same as the regular Bright Way Zen Zoom; you will receive the Sesshin Zoom link when you register.

Sesshin Description and Participation Options
Dirt Zendo/Pacific Time Zone Schedule
Cloud Zendo Sesshin Schedule (Translated into 8 Time Zones)   (pdf)

SESSHIN DESCRIPTION & PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Attendance Options

Full-time participation is strongly encouraged, this is a precious opportunity! On the first day, the Dirt Zendo retreat begins with arrival and dinner between 4 and 6pm (Pacific Time) and the Cloud Zendo retreat begins with zazen at 7pm Pacific. Click here for the sesshin schedule translated into 8 different time zones. Sesshin ends around noon on the last day.

Part-time Participation Options:
Part-time participation in the Cloud Zendo: Attend any days or parts of the schedule you choose. Note that the Sesshin Zoom is not the same as the regular Bright Way Zen Zoom; you will receive the Sesshin Zoom link when you register.
Part-time participation in the Dirt Zendo (at the retreat facility): You may arrive the first day between 4 and 6pm, or arrive the second or third day at 6pm. Arrival the last day is not allowed (you need to be there for at least two nights, or one full day of sesshin). After you arrive, it is expected you will stay at the retreat facility and participate in the full daily schedule.

Covid Measures

We ask that all participants in the Dirt Zendo are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID 19, unless there are medical reasons that isn’t possible for you. In addition, Dirt Zendo participants will be asked to test negative via a rapid COVID test upon arrival at sesshin (bring a test if you can, but we will have some extras), and to stay home and participate via the Cloud Zendo instead if they have/develop any cold or flu-like symptoms. Masks will be optional.

Coming from Out of Town?

We’re hoping that Bright Way Zen Sangha Members who do not live locally and usually participate via our Cloud Zendo will be able to join us in three dimensions for our annual sesshin! Please let us know if you are planning to come from out of town; we should be able to arrange transportation and accommodations before and after the retreat as necessary. Also let us know if you need financial help covering travel costs, we hope to provide some crowd-funded assistance as needed!

Sesshin Cost – September 2023 Sesshin

Sesshin suggested donation includes lodging and meals, ending with a community lunch on the last day.

Dirt Zendo Full Time (Wed-Sun, 4 nights)

Single Occupancy (if available*): $550
Double Occupancy (two twin beds)**: $440
RV: $440
Tent: $380

Dirt Zendo, Thurs. Eve Arrival (Thurs-Sun, 3 nights)

Single Occupancy (if available*): $440
Double Occupancy (two twin beds)**: $360
RV: $360
Tent: $320

Dirt Zendo, Fri. Eve Arrival (Fri-Sun, 2 nights)

Single Occupancy (if available*): $340
Double Occupancy (two twin beds)**: $290
RV: $290
Tent: $260

Cloud Zendo: Suggested donation for full time participation is $150. Donate what you feel is right for part time participation.

We don’t want anyone to be unable to practice with us because of financial limitations. Our Suggestion Donation Policy invites you to pay what you can without hardship. If you can donate extra to help cover others, it is much appreciated.

*All rooms can accommodate two people. Single occupancy may not be available if we run out of rooms; those 60 or older, or those with health issues, will be given priority in the assignment of single rooms. ** Go ahead and request double occupancy even if you snore; we may be able to pair you with another snorer who is willing to use earplugs.

Sesshin Registration

Complete the form for either the Dirt Zendo or Cloud Zendo:

**Dirt Zendo Registration is now closed.

SESSHIN SCHEDULE (may change slightly)

Zazen*Zazen means 20-25 minutes of zazen, followed by posture adjustment, followed by 20-25 minutes of zazen  – Times in Pacific Time. Joining us in the Cloud Zendo? For the Sesshin Schedule translated into 8 different time zones, see the links elsewhere on this web page. Click here for a printable version of this schedule.

First evening:

4-6pm…….Arrival, check-in
5-6:00……..Dinner available
6:00 ……….Oryoki Instruction available

7:00………..Zazen
7:25………..Kinhin
7:35………..Zazen – Evening Teisho (encouraging words from teacher)
8:00………..Kinhin (Silver Dragons – those 60 or over – or those with health issues can go to bed at this time if they chose)
8:10………..Zazen
8:30………..Kinhin
8:40………..Zazen
9:00………..Closing Chant (Metta Sutta)
9:10………..To bed

**Dirt Zendo Registration is now closed.