Interdependence Sesshin

What to expect

This is a traditional sesshin — the Zen format for intensive group practice. You'll sit zazen (meditation) in the main hall for 7–10 hours daily, broken into 25–40 minute periods separated by kinhin (walking meditation). The schedule includes early morning waking, formal silent meals (oryoki — eating in the meditation hall in ritual form), work practice (caring for the temple grounds or kitchen), teacher talks, and dokusan (private meetings with the teacher).

Noble silence means no unnecessary talking, reading, or eye contact outside of formal teaching time. It's a container for turning attention inward rather than a punitive measure — you'll eat, walk, and work alongside others in shared focus.

The setting

Fire Lotus Temple is located in New York City, which shapes the experience in a particular way: you're sitting in an urban Zen center, not a mountain monastery. The temple and its practice reflect that reality.

Logistics

• Six days, residential (sleeping on-site)
• Zazen, chanting, formal meals, work, talks, and dokusan included
• Price given is $300; confirm current fees and whether lodging/meals are included
• This format assumes you've sat before — even a weekend retreat helps