Early Summer Nature Sesshin
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, and a tea and Dharma discussion.
Our Early Summer Nature Sesshin begins Thursday evening, April 18 and will conclude Sunday, April 21, with our regular Jikoji Sunday Program. Buffet meals are included. You are welcome to come for all or any part of the event, participating in the schedule as you wish. Our zendos are always open. Please see below for the complete schedule.
PREPARATION: The weather at Jikoji can vary greatly over the course of a day. April mornings can be chilly, but the days will warm up significantly. Whatever the weather happens to be, rain or shine, even some frost, 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 in layers is advised. You may wish to bring a hat and insect repellent.
Additional Preparation: Our First Saturdays Zazenkai is a 1-day retreat, and a wonderful way to get a taste of what a multi-day sesshin (retreat) is like. Please see here for more information.
COST: This Nature Sesshin retreat has no registration fee for day attendance and is freely offered, although dana (donations) are always appreciated.
Overnight guest accommodations (Thursday April 18, through Saturday April 20), if desired, need to be booked separately on our Reservations page. Camp sites are available, too! You are welcome to attend part time only.
ABOUT ERIC
Eric Remington was an early student of Kobun, Jikoji's Founder, in the early 1970s. After years spent studying with Kobun and founding a school for children, Eric was ordained and subsequently trained at Tassajara Monastery for a year. He became a biologist and naturalist before living for several years in the desert, and recently joining Jikoji as a Resident.
OUR SCHEDULE
(Schedule is subject to minor change.)
Thursday, April 18
4-5p Arrival & Registration
5:30 dinner
7:00 walk to ridge for sunset
7:45 sunset and return to Zendo 8:00 zazen
8:30 opening remarks
9:00 adjourn for bed
Friday & Saturday, April 19 & 20
5:45Walk to Ridge
6:30sunrise and return to Zendo
6:30Kinhin slow walk to Zendo
6:45Service
7:30Breakfast / Break
9:00zazen
9:40kinhin
9:50walk to Kobun's shrine,
10:50zazen
11:20outdoor kinhin
11:30gather edibles for salad
12:00pLunch – cleanup - break
1:45tea and Dharma Talk
3:30zazen in Zendo
4:10kinhin
4:20zazen
5:00Dinner – cleanup - break
7:00walk to ridge, zazen
7:45sunset and return to Zendo8:00zazen
8:309 bows
Sunday, April 21
5:30awake-up bell,
5:45walk to ridge
6:30sunrise and return to Zendo
6:45Zazen
7:15Service
7:30Breakfast – cleanup – pack
9:00explore area around Zendo
10:00Jikoji Sunday Program begins