New Years' Sesshin

A six-day sesshin is the standard format for intensive Zen practice—six full days of silence, structure, and zazen (sitting meditation). Expect 7-10 hours of sitting daily, distributed across the morning and afternoon in 25-40 minute blocks separated by kinhin (walking meditation). Chanting services anchor the schedule, usually at beginning and end of day. Meals are formal, eaten in the meditation hall in oryoki style (using your own bowls). Work practice—cleaning, kitchen duty—is part of the day.

Dokusan (private meetings with the teacher) happen daily or every other day. In these brief encounters you bring questions, report your sitting, or simply sit face-to-face with the teacher. The pace is deliberate and demanding, but the structure itself does much of the work—silence, repetition, and the presence of other practitioners create conditions for deep settling.

Fire Lotus Temple is located in New York City. If you're commuting, clarify lodging options with the center before registering. If you're staying on-site, bring warm clothes (late January in New York) and be ready for a simple, monastic environment.