Sacred Mirror Sesshin: A Six Day Online Meditation Retreat

Date: September 8 - 13, 2020

Time: Tuesday 7:30pm to Sunday 1pm

Location: Online

Price: $50 - $350
Email us about program

Sacred Mirror Sesshin: A Six Day Online Meditation Retreat

September 8 - 13, 2020

Tuesday 7:30pm to Sunday 1pm

During this sesshin we will take up the practice of mirror-like awareness.

A mirror does not judge, does not criticize. It simply allows and reflects.  A mirror will allow you to appear fresh, if you let it.

It will reveal the way’s the mind distorts experience through denigration, exaggeration or not wanting to see.

Across the essence traditions the mirror has long been used as a metaphor for awareness.  Mirrors are clear. Mirrors reflect. The reflections appear and are one with the mirror, yet are ungraspable.  Awareness is like this.

Various reflections, yet the surface is unscarred

from the very beginning

unclouded-

pure mirror

– Tokeiji Nun

In Japan in the 13th Century Kakuzan Shido installed a giant mirror in the Buddha Hall at Tokeiji Monastery. For centuries the nuns did mirror gazing practice. They recorded their insights as poems which became koans for generations of students.

even without a mirror to reflect things

every time one looks

there is a mirror reflecting things in the heart

– Tokeiji Nun

For at least one session everyday we will ask participants to do standing or sitting mirror-gazing practice in front of a mirror..

Take a week to know the perfect depth of yourself. Become intimate with the mind that sees all things as they are.

It is our intention to offer the supportive structure to allow you to do a week long meditation retreat at home. You can participate to whatever degree your life allows. Consider the possibility to design your own retreat. Do a work/family sesshin. Take one day this week and make it a retreat day!

This retreat will take place through the zoom app. You will receive a link to the retreat once you register. We will have a meeting with all those registered at 7:30PM Tuesday September 8 to check in about the logistics, details and answer any practical questions about the retreat format.

Doing a retreat at home can be empowering, take up the practice in your own home and know the peace and clarity of mind in your own dwelling place! To support doing home retreat we recommend doing the following:

1. Reflect on your intention
2. Create a sacred space with a simple altar and meditation supports in a clean room that allows for calm/peace of mind
3. Commit to a schedule, we have a schedule posted below. We ask that you commit to at least 4 hours of meditation a day. Part-time attendance is welcome. Join for a day, the weekend or the whole week. Please let us know the dates you plan to attend.
4. Give up or reduce media, phone and extra computer use for the duration of the retreat
5. Keep the practice going during the “breaks” by engaging with Mindful Eating during meals and choosing simple work (gardening, cleaning, etc.), body practice/exercise (walking, yoga, qi gong) or creative projects that support your meditation practice/intention.
6. Consider being in silence for the whole retreat or practicing silence for specific periods during the day.
7. If you live with others, communicate with them what your intention is for this week of practice and ask them to support you

Approximate Schedule

Tuesday Night

7:30 Orientation
8:30 Zazen/Opening Talk

Wednesday – Saturday
5:30 Zazen
7:30 Chanting Service
8:00 Breakfast

9:15 Work Practice

11:30 Zazen
12:50 Chanting Service
1:00 Lunch

3:00 Movement
3:30 Teisho (Dharma Talk)
4:30 Zazen
5:20 Chanting Service

5:30 Dinner

7:00 Zazen/Group Interview
8:50 Formal Tea/Closing Chant/Zazen

Sunday Morning

6:00 Zazen/Closing Remarks

7:00 Closing Circle

10:00 Sunday Program Chanting Service/Zazen

11:30 Dharma Talk

 

Leaders:
Amy Kisei, Sensei
Jogen Salzberg, Sensei