Coming together and supporting each other in the great work of delving into the deepest stratum of our mind to experience the inherent stability and joyfulness of our true base; this is what is most needed, most necessary in the world today. . . Please understand, you have inherent in your very Mind a huge potential, an incalculable brilliance, an ability to see the reality of this moment clearly. But without taking the time and putting forth the effort to penetrate to this deepest clarity of mind, without that deepest realization of this true Master, we will never be able to actually perceive who we really are, who it is that is actually alive, what are the characteristics of our true self, this boundless brilliance, this constant freedom and joy.

—Shodo Harada Roshi

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Sesshins

Sesshins are extended periods of intensive, silent zazen for experienced meditators. They are held in seclusion, follow a rigorous schedule, and last for seven days. There is a full schedule sesshin at Mountain Gate, one every month except for August. In addition, there are zazenkai (all day meditation sittings) offered occasionally as well.

Mountain Gate is a place of deep Zen Buddhist practice. If you are interested in joining us for sesshin or a longer or shorter period of intensive residential practice, please write and tell us why, what your practice history is, and who you are. Because of the demanding and intense nature of this spiritual practice, only people who have been sitting regularly should apply. Short periods of residential practice are also offered for people wishing to engage in Buddhist religious practice but who are not experienced meditators. It is important to note that Mountain Gate does not rent out rooms. Anyone accepted for residential training is only at Mountain Gate for the purpose of deepening their spiritual practice.

There are many hours of formal zazen each day; informal zazen is encouraged during breaks and rest periods. Other elements of sesshin are walking meditation, chanting, prostrations, work, exercise, and vegetarian meals. Sanzen (private instruction with Mitra-roshi required by anyone attending sesshin) and dai-san (also required and offered by Bodaiko, a long-time senior student) are offered daily. Part of each day during sesshin is also dedicated to a teisho (spiritual talk) by Mitra-roshi or a dharma talk given by Bodaiko.

Mountain Gate survives on donations alone and sesshin incurs additional expenses. Accordingly, every sesshin participant is encouraged to make a donation to help offset those expenses. Suggested donation is $300 for a full-time sesshin. If you wish to help support the Roshi, who also depends on donations alone, you offer dana (a Buddhist term for generosity) at the end of your participation in sesshin.

Since there are no set fees for activities at Mountain Gate, we would like to foster the practice of dana, a Buddhist term for “spontaneous generosity of the heart.” The lay and monastic communities each gives freely as an expression of their spiritual practice.

sesshin schedules

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