Twice a year at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, kessei offers Zen students a unique opportunity to engage in residential Rinzai Zen practice. In our tradition, kessei refers to a designated period during which daily activities are guided by strict rules and a demanding schedule. This structure creates an environment conducive to intensive practice that helps settle the mind. By cultivating stillness, participants deepen their meditation, enhance clarity, and increase awareness. During kessei, individuals dedicate themselves to clarifying existential questions, developing insight, and profoundly connecting with our true nature.
Guided by Abbot Chigan Roshi and led by senior residents, kessei participants learn traditional Rinzai Zen forms and engage in a rigorous daily schedule of zazen, chanting, samu (work practice), and study. The Dai Bosatsu Zendo community upholds standards of personal and group conduct rooted in the paramitas (Six Perfections):
- dana (generosity)
- sila (living by the ten precepts)
- kshanti (patience and endurance)
- virya (assiduous, energetic practice)
- dhyana (zazen)
- prajna (wisdom)
Residents work together to provide a place where all can experience the Buddha-Dharma in an authentic and life-changing way. Students will be assigned samu (work practice), including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for the monastery buildings and grounds. Personal and group study periods are part of the regular schedule. Sesshin, a silent week of intensive practice, is held once a month and provides the opportunity for deep introspection and daily dokusan (one-on-one interviews with a teacher).
Those whose aspiration, sincerity, and dedication are strong are encouraged to remain at Dai Bosatsu Zendo after the completion of kessei as residents for as long as their life circumstances permit. After completion of several kessei, those with a deep vow may apply for ordination, which requires further unwavering immersion in the traditional intensive 1,000-day training of Rinzai Zen.
Learn more about the kessei experience as described by Abbess Emerita Shinge Roshi in this short video.
Spring Kessei, 20 March – 7 July 2025
During Spring Kessei, the ice across the lake begins to melt and the snow covering fades away. The deer and birds return, tadpoles appear in the water, and tender shoots emerge from the forest floor manifesting the miracle of new life. Spring at Dai Bosatsu Zendo inspires as the world awakens after its winter slumber.
Fall Kessei, 18 September – 9 December 2025
As the geese take their leave, the lively chatter of the lake and woods grows quiet, and a golden wind strips the trees bare hinting at the winter ahead. Autumn at Dai Bosatsu Zendo invigorates and heralds a time of deep, restorative renewal.
Please join us for Spring or Fall Kessei
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. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To learn more or to apply for kessei, email us at office@daibosatsu.org.
