Importance of Participating in a Sesshin

Except for a 2.5 day beginner training, I have never participated in a sesshin. What is the significance of sesshin and do you recommend any in particular? Thanks.

Hi,

Taigu and I strongly encourage folks ... if you can find the time ... to go for retreats of a few days and full Sesshin (even a full week or two if you can) at places, and "traditional" (i.e., very Japanese style) retreats and Sesshin are good experiences. There are several good places to experience that in North America and Europe.

Now, someone might ask too, "if each moment is all time and space, what is the purpose of an intensive Sesshin?" Well, I often say that, sometimes, we need to practice a bit long and hard, morning to night ... sitting and wrestling with 'me, my self and I' ... all to achieve nothing to attain! Going to Retreats, Sesshin and such is a powerful facet of this Practice and not to be missed.

Of course, we have our Annual "All Online" two-day Retreat too (currently scheduled for the weekend of December 3rd & 4th, via live netcast) at Treeleaf Sangha ... traditional (yet "fully online") ...

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... but this is a case where it is actually good to go to a retreat center and practice with folks for a time (if at all possible ... which it ain't for everybody).

If you write to me with your location and availability, I will try to find you a place.

Gassho, Jundo

Madrone,

the first time it did a sesshin
it did not do much...
at first,
i sat and sat,
listen to our Master...
talking...
sitting for hours

after the sesshin i came home to my wife
did my work like i used to do
but with a difference
a feeling in me that make me smile,
happy with what I do,
what a have,
with my life.

few sesshins later
i still smile...

it is an ultimate shower of dharma
it is a mirror to yourself
you will been pushed to look at yourself
with all the energy of all the other practitioners
and you can share it too with them.
in a sesshin you are pushed to live in the moment,
do keep attention on what you do
one thing a the time and end that before doing another
and so much more...
much more...