Sesshin

General Sesshin Information

Tahoma Zen Monastery holds sesshin throughout the year. Shodo Harada Roshi leads sesshin in February, May, and September. Daichi Zenni leads sesshin in May and September.

Sesshin in February, May, and September costs and application process will be outlined in the sesshin announcement.

Sign up for our Newsletter which contains the earliest session announcements:
Tahoma Newsletter signup

Guidelines for conduct, what to bring, and other details:  Sesshin Guidelines.
Information on how the Rinzai Form is practiced at Tahoma can be found here:  Rinzai Form and Procedure.

Sesshin’s held at Tahoma:

  • KoSesshin: have a longer morning work period and either rest or study in the afternoon.
  • Samu sesshin: (held in May), have a longer morning work period and Teisho in the afternoon
  • OSesshin: (held February and September), have a short work period then zazen in the morning and Teisho in the afternoon

These begin with a ceremony the night before Sesshin (called Kokuho with a short sit and opening speech). Typical schedule for the day before sesshin is usually: Free style lunch at noon, free style supper at 4 pm, Orientation at 5 pm, and be on cushion at 7:45 Pm for Opening ceremony at 8 pm.

Directions to the monastery can be found here:  Location and Directions

Application Process

Retreats during month long trainings in February, May, and September with Harada Roshi and Daichi Zenni

  • The official dates and application process will be announced via our newsletter.
  • Once the application process is open, fill out the application (link in the newsletter).
  • Your application will be reviewed.
  • Your place in the retreat will be confirmed about four weeks after your application, approximately one month before sesshin.
  • Pay the registration deposit.
  • Your confirmation will contain all the details you need to visit the Monastery, what to bring, what not to bring, directions if you are driving, etc. Further information can be found on our Sesshin Guidelines page.
  • Refund policy will be described in your acceptance email. Generally there is a $100 non-refundable deposit withheld for cancellations. Emergency withdrawals are handled case by case.

Thank you for your participation!