ZenistSejiki Sesshin: Attending to the Unsettled Spirit
Soto Zen
A one-day Sejiki sesshin at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, held in person at the center's Lincoln Square Zendo in Chicago and simultaneously online in its Online Zendo. The title points to the traditional sejiki ceremony addressed to hungry ghosts and unsettled spirits. An oryoki-style lunch is served, partial attendance is welcome, and the suggested donation of $75 sits on a self-determined sliding scale. Registration closes October 19; the listing does not name the leader.
About this retreat
This is a single-day sitting — Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Central — billed as a sesshin, the term for a concentrated period of Zen practice, rather than an overnight retreat. It runs in two modes at once: in person at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate's Lincoln Square Zendo (2255 W Giddings Street, Chicago) and online through the center's Online Zendo. Partial attendance is welcome if you tell the center which hours you plan to attend. The listing does not name a teacher; the event URL still carries an older slug referencing 'Hogetsu,' but the current page text doesn't confirm the leader, so check with the center if that matters to your decision.
The theme
Sejiki — elsewhere romanized segaki — is the Zen ceremony traditionally addressed to hungry ghosts: beings of pin-throat and swollen belly whose hunger nothing satisfies, a standard image for craving itself. Soto temples (Ancient Dragon Zen Gate identifies its practice as Soto Zen) commonly hold this ceremony in late October, and this date lands just before Halloween. The subtitle, 'Attending to the Unsettled Spirit,' frames the day as care for what can't rest. What the day actually contains — whether the ceremony itself is performed, what talks are given — hasn't been published; no schedule has been announced.
Practical details
The registration form answers most of the logistics:
- In-person attendance requires full COVID-19 vaccination.
- An oryoki-style lunch is served; oryoki is the set of nested bowls used in formal Zen meals. The form asks about food allergies and whether you own an oryoki set.
- Chair seating is available — the form asks if you'll use a chair for any part of the in-person meditation.
- Register by Monday, October 19; pay by credit card or mailed check.
- The form asks whether you've practiced formally with a Zen group, but states no requirement either way.
Cost and the online option
Pricing is donation-based: a suggested $75 on a self-determined sliding scale, meaning you set your own amount. The center maintains a dedicated Online Zendo, but the listing doesn't describe what remote participation covers — whether the full day's schedule is available online or only part of it. If you plan to sit online, ask before the October 19 registration deadline.
Schedules can change — confirm details on Ancient Dragon Zen Gate's website.
Full details from Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
All are welcome to participate in this hybrid event in our Lincoln Square Zendo and online in our Online Zendo.
Partial attendance is welcome: please let us know on the registration form below what part of the day you will be attending.
An oryoki-style lunch will be served. Please let us know in the registration form below if you have any food allergies.
Suggested donation is $75; self-determined sliding scale is welcome.
Please register using the form below by Monday, October 19.
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PhoneWhich event are you registering for?Will you be attending in person or online?
In Person - I have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and understand that full vaccination for COVID-19 is a requirement for attendance.
Online
Which portion of the event are you planning to attend?
Full Event
Partial Attendance
If partial attendance, please list the dates and times that you plan to attend:Do you have formal meditation experience practicing with a Zen group/sangha?
No
Yes, with Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Yes, with another sangha/group
What roles have you held at Ancient Dragon?Select all that apply.
Doan
Kokyo
Greeter
Jisha
Tenzo
Assistant Tenzo
Meal Server
Do you have an oryoki set?
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No
Will you use a chair for any part of the in-person meditation event?
Yes
No
Do you have any dietary restrictions/allergies?Do you require any special needs/accommodations?How would you like to pay?*
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Once you have submitted this form, we will email you specific instructions for mailing your check.Donation Amount*
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Yes, please make sure I'm on the Ancient Dragon Zen Gate email list
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