Denkoe Sesshin

The Denkoroku—a classical Zen text that records the transmission of teaching through generations of ancestors—is the focus of Dharma Rain's annual sesshin. Each year, one chapter is studied deeply as a way of connecting with the lineage and honoring those who came before. This year's Denkoe Sesshin is described as one of the center's "more quiet, formal and rigorous" retreats, which signals a traditional practice schedule and a contemplative tone.

As a Soto Zen sesshin, you can expect a structured day built around zazen (sitting meditation) in periods of varying length, kinhin (walking meditation), meals taken in the zendo or dining hall, and likely dokusan (private meetings with the teacher). Soto Zen emphasizes just-sitting—shikantaza, or awareness without object—rather than the koan work found in other Zen schools. The fact that this sesshin centers on a classical text suggests there will also be study and practice woven into the schedule alongside silent sitting.

Dharma Rain is located in Portland, Oregon, on a residential property with sodo (training hall) facilities. The retreat runs April 14–19, though drop-in options are available: early morning program drop-ins (by Zoom or in-person) and evening drop-ins (in-person only). If you're attending the full retreat, registration for meals and overnights closes April 9. If you're new to sesshin or want to sample the practice, the drop-in option lets you join key sits without committing to the full schedule, though the early morning Zoom option keeps you outside the physical sangha space.

Registration fees vary based on your participation level; check the registration form on Dharma Rain's website for current pricing and options.