Practice Intensive

This month-long intensive uses the Mahaparinibbana Sutra — the account of the Buddha's final days and teachings — as its anchor. Rather than a single retreat arc, you're sitting with a specific text as it unfolds across four weeks, which changes the rhythm of practice. The sutra itself becomes the practice object.

A four-week commitment is substantial. This isn't a long weekend or a week away — it's the kind of practice that requires arranging your life around it. If Bamboo in the Wind runs a traditional daily sesshin schedule, that usually means early morning sits (often 4 or 5 a.m. start), multiple sitting periods throughout the day, walking meditation (kinhin), meals in formal practice, and periods of work or rest. The specifics matter for logistics and for your body's preparation.

Check the center's website directly for the full schedule, lodging details, meal arrangements, and what "residential" includes — whether you have a private room or dormitory, whether meals are provided, what to bring. Also confirm if prior sitting experience is expected or if this intensive accepts beginners.