In the spring and fall of each year, the monastery conducts a three-month training period. This tradition dates back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. The training utilizes the discipline of structured daily zazen, chanting services, work practice, and formal meals, with the support and guidance of the sangha (community) and Abbot Eido Shimano Roshi. Kessei students follow the residents schedule. Work practice ranges from splitting wood and landscaping to serving guests and zendo cleaning. Students have private rooms and there is one rest day each week for personal study.

Please see our 2009 Calendar for next kessei period.

The monastery holds three seven-day sesshins during each kessei training period. The fee for a full three-month kessei is $2000. For those who cannot come for the entire kessei period, a one-month ($750) or two-month period ($1500) can be arranged.

Daily Kessei Schedule
4:30am	Wake up
5:00	Morning Service (chanting), zazen
6:45	Silent formal breakfast
7:15	Morning Meeting
8:30-12pm	Work
12:30	Zazen
1:00	Silent formal lunch
2:30-4:30	Work
5:30-8:00	Evening chanting, dokusan (when Eido Roshi is in residence), zazen.

Interim Residency Program
Dai Bosatsu Zendo is opening its doors during winter and summer interim for serious zen students who cannot afford to attend sesshin or kessei. Whether a beginner or well-seasoned zen student, if you are interested in experiencing monastic residency, for a minimum of two weeks, between December 15 to March 15 and July 10 to August 31st, you may qualify for “interim residency”. Your sincere motivation to deepen your practice, your willingness to follow monastic rules and give of yourself while working, sitting and living with fellow residents is the most important requirement. For more information, call, email or write to the office.