Ancestral Zazenkai

A zazenkai is a shorter format than sesshin—a single day of practice rather than multiple days. This one-day event includes the core elements of Zen training: zazen (sitting meditation), liturgy, and a face-to-face meeting with a teacher (dokusan). A formal talk and oryoki (formal eating practice) round out the schedule.

The center frames this retreat for two audiences: experienced practitioners who use it to deepen ongoing practice, and newer students using it as preparation for a longer sesshin. If you're considering a multi-day retreat, a zazenkai is a useful way to test the schedule and format without the residential commitment.