Announcing
Greater Boston Zen Center Sesshin
July 31 – August 3
Alexandria, NH
Dear Sangha Friends,
Periods of extended, intensive practice are an important part of a Zen life. It has been too long since GBZC has offered this opportunity!
But it is finally coming about: GBZC is hosting a residential retreat (sesshin) from July 31 to August 3 near Mt. Cardigan in scenic Alexandria, New Hampshire.
The three-day sesshin will begin with dinner at 5:30pm Thursday evening, July 31 and end at noon on Sunday, August 3. Alexandria NH is about a two hour drive from the Boston area. We will do our best to arrange carpools and other transportation assistance.
Five fully paid registrations must be received by June 30 for the retreat to run, and capacity is limited to ten people. The Registrar will keep you informed about whether the minimum or maximum have been reached.
Our sesshin days will begin very early in the morning and conclude by 9pm each evening. Our schedule will include periods of sitting (zazen) and walking (kinhin) meditation, chanting, work practice (samu), formal meal practice (oryoki) and Dharma Discussions led by volunteers. Those who want them may sign up for private meetings (dokusan) with the GBZC member who has been educated in and accepts the responsibilities that come with offering individual guidance. We will be staying in a well-furnished rural home and preparing our own simple, vegetarian meals.
The fee for the retreat is $275 for GBZC members and $350 for non-members. (See the website “Membership” tab for information about joining. You do not need to live in the Boston area to join.) Most rooms will likely be shared, but single rooms may be available, and may require an additional fee. Scholarships are available for those who can’t afford the full fee.
Registrations will be accepted through July 23 (though without sufficient registrations by June 30 the retreat may have to be cancelled). Full payment is required at the time of registration. Full refunds will be given through the end of June, and partial refunds thereafter.
To reserve your place, please fill out this registration form. It asks for your contact information, retreat background, your preferences regarding rooms and roommates (if any), and your needs for special accommodations, financial aid, or transportation. It includes information on how to send your payment (payment link). Those attending the sesshin will receive more information about retreat observances, the schedule, carpools, the availability of single rooms, and what to bring as the sesshin approaches.
If you have any questions – about registration, fees, schedules, on-site arrangements, or anything else – please contact the Registrar at registrar@bostonzen.org