Because sesshin is a very intensive retreat, if you have not attended sesshin at Zen Mountain Monastery you must have a pre-sesshin interview, so please call or email the Training Office to schedule at (845) 688-2228, or registrar@dharma.net.

A weekend sesshin is a great way to experience sesshin for the first time, and also a wonderful opportunity for more experienced practitioners.

Characterized by silence and deep introspection, sesshin is recommended to anyone who is sincerely interested in experiencing intensive Zen training. We wake up each day before dawn to begin a schedule that includes 7 to 10 hours of zazen, chanting services, formal silent meals in the zendo (oryoki), silent work practice and talks by the teacher and senior students. Sesshin is an opportunity to receive support from the teachers, draw from the tremendous strength of people practicing together and experience the deep stillness that lies within each one of us.

As with all in-person retreats at the Monastery, participants are required to follow the current protocol for keeping everyone safe. Please review the current protocol requirements before registering, and if you have further questions, please contact the registrar.

Financial concerns should not prevent you from attending a program at the Monastery. If you can’t afford the program fee, you can see these options.