Twice a year at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, Zen students are offered a unique opportunity to delve deeper into their practice during a traditional three-month training period known as Kessei. This year, Spring Kessei runs from March 21 to July 9, and Fall Kessei from September 19 to December 9, 2024.
Kessei entails a daily schedule of meditation, chanting, study, and communal work at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, in the breathtaking and remote setting of the Catskill Mountains. Participants engage in traditional Rinzai Zen forms and receive guidance from Abbot Chigan Roshi and senior residents.
Nestled deep in the mountains, Dai Bosatsu Zendo overlooks the highest natural lake in the Catskills, surrounded by 1,400 acres of unspoiled wilderness. During Spring Kessei, as the ice thaws and the snow recedes, the environment comes to life with the return of wildlife and the emergence of new vegetation, providing a rare opportunity to immerse oneself fully in the present moment.
Participants undertake samu (work practice), including cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the buildings and grounds. Daily activities also can include yoga and other somatic practices, along with personal and group study periods. Additionally, sesshin, a silent week of intensive practice and introspection, is held once a month during kessei.
Learn more about the kessei experience as described by Abbess Emerita Shinge Roshi in this short video.
We welcome applications from those whose aspirations, sincerity, and dedication are strong. Although the traditional length of kessei training is three months, shorter stays are possible.
The fees for kessei are $2,000 for the full three months; $1,500 for two months; $1,000 for one month; and $500 for two weeks. Experienced practitioners are welcome for shorter stays. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To learn more or to apply for Spring Kessei, email the DBZ office at office@daibosatsu.org.
While we have opened our temples to in-person practice, we continue our online teachings, meetings and sittings. We rely on you to keep everyone safe. Please read the ZSS Health Protocols.