Sesshin is an invitation to experience awakening here and now. To sit at Kodoji is to know the compassion of the valley, to hear the wisdom of the dharma teachings surrounded by sandstone cliffs, is to embody the intimate fellowship of clouds, birds and grassy paddocks. To sit in community with sangha companions is to mutually encourage one another. Thus, amply supported, one can expand into the depths of practice. Zazen–memorably described by Dogen as the dharma gate of great ease and joy—opens the door. Endless heart-ache can be put to rest.

Come to sesshin and sit in the peaceful valley and walk the green earth. Come and hear the teachings generously offered by the many beings. Come and taste food that is delicious unto itself. Come and adventure into the unknown! Taste the mystery at the heart of who we are.

Old-timers and new students alike are most welcome.

COST:

Full Time SZC member  $620           Non-member  $780

Part time SZC member $90 per day      Non-member $120 per day

Payment due: 5th April 2025. Payment after this date incurs a 10% additional fee

Part-time attendance must be from Day 1 and for a minimum attendance of 4 days. Priority will be given to full time participants.

Sesshin flyer and interactive application form

COVID safe: The sesshin will be run on COVID-safe principles. There will be a limited number of participants allowed to attend due to social distance rules and preference will be given to full-time participants. There is very limited indoor accommodation so students will pitch their own tents, bring their own masks and yoga mats. We will be COVID careful, with social distancing, taking great care preparing food, washing and sanitising hands.

Kodoji or Ancient Ground Temple, is SZC’s retreat centre in the Upper MacDonald Valley, about 2 hours north-west of Sydney, via Wisemans Ferry and St Albans. It was built over the last thirty-five years by Sydney Zen Centre students. Limited accommodation is available if you require it. Most participants prefer to bring their own tents and camp in the paddock. We can provide some mattresses. Please plan to arrive at Kodoji by 2pm, or earlier! There’s plenty to be done in the way of setting up, putting food away, preparing for supper and organising one’s own tent or sleeping situation.

Contact: Ameli Tanchitsa ameli.tanchitsa@gmail.com

SZC’s other sesshins during 2025:

Winter Sesshin at Annandale & Online, led by Jane Andino, roshi & apprentice teacher Peter Bursky
Friday evening June 6 – midday Wednesday June 11 (incl. King’s Birthday)
Contact:

Spring sesshin at Kodoji, led by Gillian Coote, roshi with apprentice teacher Will Moon
Saturday October 4th – Saturday October 11th (including Labor Day)
Contact: Janet Selby janetselby@bigpond.com

Rohatsu sesshin at Annandale, led by Magggie Gluek, roshi
Wednesday 3rd to Monday 8th December (Bodhi Day)
Contact: Sophie Zaccone sophie.kathryn@icloud.com