Founding Sesshin

What to expect

A traditional intensive sesshin follows a structured daily rhythm. You'll wake early — typically 5 or 5:30 a.m. — for zazen (sitting meditation) in 25 or 40-minute periods separated by kinhin (walking meditation). The 7–10 hours of sitting daily are interspersed with chanting services, formal oryoki meals eaten in the meditation hall, and work practice (cooking, cleaning, maintenance). The teacher gives one or two talks during the sesshin and holds dokusan, private meetings where you can ask questions or work on a koan.

Noble silence is maintained throughout — no conversation, eye contact kept minimal, movement deliberate. This isn't punitive; it's the container that allows concentration to deepen. By day three or four, the mind often quiets in ways that don't happen in ordinary life.

The lineage

Fire Lotus Temple belongs to the Mountains and Rivers Order, a Sanbo Zen lineage that descends from Yasutani Roshi through Bernie Glassman and now includes several contemporary teachers. Sanbo Zen is known for integrating koan work with Zazen practice and emphasizing social engagement alongside traditional training. Sesshin at this lineage are rigorous and formal, following a schedule developed in Japanese monasteries but adapted for Western practitioners.

Lodging and facilities

Residential means you stay on-site in shared rooms. Meals are included and eaten formally in the meditation hall; dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated if noted in advance.