Jikoji Spring Sesshin

Dharma Walk into Nature

Led by Eric Remington & Doug Jacobson

We invite you to find stillness in the woods that cradle our temple. Our schedule features several outdoor excursions along our paths, alternating with periods of zazen and walking meditation.

"But don't get distracted by the beautiful surroundings on a Dharma walk into nature," says Jikoji's shuso Eric Remington. "What we're about is definitely not just taking a hike or a nature walk." Eric introduces us to a wider field of sensory perception, to insights findable only outdoors.

Our weekend begins Friday evening, March 23, and will conclude Sunday, March 25, with our usual Sunday program.

Buffet meals are included. Please see below for the complete schedule. You are welcome to come for all or any part of the weekend, participating in the schedule as you wish. Our zendos are always open.

PREPARATION: The weather at Jikoji can vary greatly this time of year, and over the course of a day, from chilly (if not cold!) mornings to warm afternoons. Whatever the weather happens to be, rain or shine, shouldn't affect our weekend. But please keep weather variability in mind when preparing for your visit. Eric suggests wearing shoes suitable for walking in the country, and dressing for the weather.

COST: This retreat has no registration fee and is freely offered, although donations are always appreciated. Overnight guest accommodations (Friday and Saturday evening) may be booked separately on our Reservations page. Campsites available, too!  

SCHEDULE

Friday, March 23
4-5p    Arrival & Registration
5:30     dinner
6:30     walk to ridge - help sun go down
8:00     zazen in zendo  
8:40     service
8:50     opening remarks
9:00    bed

Saturday, March 24
5:30a   wake-up bell    
6:00     morning walk to ridge - help the sun come up
8:00     BREAKFAST + CLEANUP + BREAK
9:00     zazen
9:40     kinhin
9:50     walk to Kobun's shrine, exploration of area
10:50    zazen    
11:20     outdoor kinhin
11:30     gathering miner's lettuce & milk maids for lunch salad
12:00p  LUNCH + CLEANUP + BREAK
2:00     expedition to lake, exploration of area
3:30     zazen
4:10      outdoor kinhin
5:00     DINNER + CLEANUP + BREAK
6:30     evening walk to ridge - help sun go down
8:30     zazen    
9:00     closing service
10:00    bed    

Sunday, March 25
5:30a    wake-up bell
6:00     morning walk to ridge- help the sun come up
8:00     BREAKFAST + CLEANUP + CLEAR OUT
9:00     explore area around zendo, fallen trees
             JIKOJI SUNDAY PROGRAM
10:00    zazen (or meditation instruction)
10:40    kinhin
10:50    zazen
11:20     service    
11:40     dharma talk
12:30    community lunch