Online: Rohatsu

Rohatsu Sesshin is held each year at Zen temples and monasteries throughout the world to commemorate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha, which occurred when he saw a star at dawn on the eighth day of his retreat. This intensive sesshin is an unsurpassable opportunity for deep practice and realization, inspired by the Buddha’s determination as he sat beneath the Bodhi tree, vowing not to rise until he achieved true awakening.

Important note: You must register for Rohatsu sesshin here in order to receive the links and schedule for all Rohatsu sittings and events November 30 through December 8. If you register before Monday, November 30, for the full-time sesshin schedule December 4–8 (full week), you will have the opportunity to reserve a spot for dokusan and Dharma interviews via Doodle poll. If you register for the full-time sesshin after the deadline, you won’t be able to reserve a spot for dokusan or Dharma interviews, but you may attempt to be seen on a first-come,  first-served basis.

Our Rohatsu week begins at Dai Bosatsu Zendo the evening of November 30. From December 1 through the morning of December 4, an on-line schedule of daily zazen at Shobo-ji and Hoen-ji will be offered. Hoen-ji will be the host for morning service and zazen from 6 to 7:40 a.m. Shobo-ji will be the host from 7 to 9 p.m., with readings of Hakuin’s “Rohatsu Exhortations.” On December 1, 2, and 3, from 3 to 4 p.m., our teachers will offer teisho.

On the evening of December 4, we will begin a full-time four-day on-line sesshin schedule led by Shinge Roshi, Dokuro Osho, and Hokuto Sensei. This will include zazen, morning service, teisho, a Dharma talk, dokusan and Dharma interviews, and readings of the “Rohatsu Exhortations.” Off-line time will be built into the schedule for meals, work practice at your homes, and kinhin. Rohatsu Sesshin will conclude on the morning of December 8th with Jodo-E (Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony).

After you register, you will receive a schedule with Zoom links for the entire sesshin. Only those who register for full-time participation December 4 through 8 will have the opportunity to sign up for dokusan/Dharma interviews. While we encourage full-time participation, you may join us for as much as you can. The sliding scale fee for full-time participation is $100 to $200. For part-time participation the sliding-scale fee is $25 to $50.