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.

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, Sept. 17–19 Since it is vastly better to experience Zen directly, rather than talk or read about it, Intro to Zen weekends can provide that experience. No prior experience with Zen or meditation is required. Over the course of the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to experience basic elements in our practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), chanting, formal jihatsu-style meals and work practice.

The weekend begins with an orientation, after that participants will join in the regular daily schedule of the monastery's residents. The daily schedule for Intro to Zen can be quite full, and participants will have much to absorb and to do. But if they immerse themselves fully in every activity, they will have a true taste of Rinzai Zen 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. 15–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.