November Sesshin – Gratitude

Great Vow Zen Monastery, located in Oregon, runs sesshins in the Soto Zen tradition—a lineage emphasizing shikantaza (just sitting) without koans or formal dokusan. A sesshin is an intensive group practice period, typically silent except for formal instruction, meals, and brief work periods.

A traditional sesshin schedule means early rising (usually 4:30 or 5 a.m.), multiple periods of zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) throughout the day, meals taken in formal oryoki style in the zendo, and early bedtime. The rhythm is demanding but contained; you're held by the schedule and the collective practice of others.

This retreat's explicit gratitude focus and emphasis on community food donations signals an integration of practice with material reciprocity—you're asked to contribute to what sustains the week. This is common in Zen centers practicing dana (gift economy) principles, though pricing details aren't listed here; contact the center directly about costs if any apply.

Soto Zen sesshins tend toward simplicity and directness. There's less formal teaching than in some traditions; much learning happens through participation in the schedule itself—the rhythm, the silence, the shared meals, the teacher's presence. If you've never sat sesshin before, this format can feel austere at first, but many find that constraint clarifying.