Dai Bosatsu Upcoming Events

To make a reservation or for more information, call Dai Bosatsu Zendo at (845) 439-4566 or e-mail office@daibosatsu.org.

Summer Samu 5-Day Sesshin, July 30–August 4 As well as being two days shorter than the traditional week-long sesshin, there will be extended periods of Samu work practice every day. It is an ideal first sesshin for beginners, and a wonderful opportunity for those who may find the regular sesshin schedule too difficult. Program Fee $350.

O-Bon and Dai Segaki, August 7–8 This traditional celebration commemorates our ancestors, parents, friends and loved ones who have passed away. It is believed that during O-Bon, their spirits return to find comfort through our remembrance and gratitude. We will begin by writing their names on a lantern. After a vegetarian dinner, there will be chanting and calling the names of the deceased, followed by a dharma talk by Eido Roshi. We will then have a silent procession to Beecher Lake and float our illuminated lanterns across the dark lake as we chant. A bonfire and refreshments complete the evening. On Sunday, there will be optional morning service and zazen followed by breakfast. Program Fee $250 (children 12 and under: $75) Cost includes O-Bon service, dinner, lodging for one night, and breakfast. Please reserve at least two weeks in advance.

Samu Weekend at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, Sept. 3–6 Join us for a weekend of zen work practice as sangha members gather to volunteer their time and energy on a variety of projects in and around the monastery. As much as the weather allows, Samu Weekends are devoted to outdoor work. Typical outdoor work assignments include splitting firewood, weeding, raking, and landscaping. Of course, some participants may also be asked to join indoor work such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc. Mindful work is emphasized.

Samu weekends can be a good way for first-timers to get an introduction to Dai Bosatsu Zendo, provided that you are able to arrive early enough on Friday afternoon to participate in an orientation. Although there is no set program fee for the weekend, donations are gratefully accepted. If you have any special talents or skills, please let us know! All participants are welcome, but you must be registered to attend. If you make a reservation but find that you cannot attend, please let us know so we can plan accordingly.

Introduction to Zen II, Sept. 17–19 Longer than the usual weekend, this intensive program will give you an opportunity to immerse yourself more fully in Rinzai Zen monastic practice. It is a perfect next step for those who have already attended Intro to Zen here, or those with some previous meditation experience. Participants will follow the residents' schedule of work practice (samu) and sitting meditation (zazen). The schedule will be more intense than the normal Intro to Zen with longer sitting and work periods allowing for a deeper level of practice.

Summer Interim, now until Fall Kessei During the summer interim period, Dai Bosatsu Zendo hosts a number of guest groups who rent some of our facilities in which to conduct their own retreats or seminars. During this period, we also accept "interim residents" -- that is, serious Zen students who wish to experience at least two weeks of residential Zen practice. This can be a wonderful opportunity for those who are interested in experiencing full-time Zen practice, but who cannot afford either the time or the fee for a full kessei. There is no fee for this program but you will be expected to follow the resident's schedule. For more information on Summer Interim, click here.

Fall Kessei, Sept. 17–Dec. 10 This three–month training period utilizes the discipline of structured daily zazen, chanting services, work practice, and formal meals, with the support and guidance of the sangha and Abbot Eido Shimano Roshi. As Kessei students follow the residents schedule, it is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Zen practice as the golden Fall gives way to the silence of winter snows. For more information on Kessei, click here.