Essential Information

APRIL 2024 7-DAY SESSHIN

Starts—Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Ends—Saturday, April 27 at around 1:30 p.m.
Application Deadline—Saturday, March 30


General Sesshin Information

Please read this page carefully, even if you have been to many sesshins at the Vermont Zen Center. Our ability to sustain our best effort in sesshin depends in large measure on our understanding and following the rules and formalities.

Arrival at Sesshin

For those who are arriving by plane or bus from out-of-town: Pease e-mail Ramiro with your arrival information, including airline and flight number if you are flying, and we will be happy to arrange for someone to pick you up.

Please arrive at the Center no later than 5:00 p.m. on the evening sesshin begins. This will give you time to settle into your room, check your sesshin work assignment, have a light supper (provided by the Center), and be in the zendo, in your robe, by 6 p.m. At that time there is a required pre-sesshin meeting about zendo, Buddha Hall, dining room, and other protocols which are not addressed once sesshin begins. You must be present for this meeting.

Important Reminders

If there is any change in your sesshin status (for example, if you must withdraw), please contact Roshi. Do not contact the monitor.
  • The sesshin fee as well as your membership dues must be paid in full before you apply to sesshin. If this is truly a hardship for you, please contact Jed Graef. Remember that there is no refund of sesshin fees if you withdraw during the week before sesshin begins. Late withdrawl from sesshin causes a cascade of changes that must be made to room assignments, zendo and Buddha Hall arrangements, job assignments, kitchen procedures, food purchases, and more. Please be mindful of this and do not apply to sesshin if you anticipate needing to withdraw.
  • Socks should be dark and solid-colored. Black, navy blue, dark brown (not tan) are acceptable colors. Two-tone socks, patterned socks, or socks with visible lettering or stripes of any kind are not acceptable at sesshin. 
  • With respect to food: If you have food allergies or severe dietary restrictions—not preferences!— it is your responsibility to contact the head cook, Mitra Coulter, immediately after applying to sesshin. Please note that the Zen Center will not make special meals for sesshin attendees, nor are sesshin attendees permitted to use the kitchen to prepare their own meals.

    If you have any questions about the sesshin or sesshin procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the Center. Contact Roshi about any change in your sesshin status.

April Sesshin Information

Application Deadline

Saturday, March 30


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