Subhana Barzaghi has been practicing Buddhist meditation for 45 years. She leads Zen sesshins and is a guiding teacher for SZC and MZG. Subhana is the Director of Insight Meditation Institute and leads Insight Meditation retreats; the two-year Mindfulness & Compassion Teacher Training course; and the five-year Insight Dharma Teacher Training & Mentoring Program. Subhana is an experienced psychotherapist and clinical supervisor in private practice.

Will Moon began his Zen practice at the Sydney Zen Centre almost 40 years ago. He has spent many years pursuing activities in the outdoors including bushwalking, sea kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing and canyoning. He developed an interest in the Aboriginal archaeology that was present in all of the remote areas he visited, and from this he pursued studies in archaeology and went on to complete a Masters in Archaeology and Heritage Management at Flinders University. He presently works as a consulting Archaeologist. In 2019 Will became an apprentice teacher with Gilly Coote, roshi as his supervisor.

This sesshin will incorporate an hour of Qigong every morning led by senior practitioner Peter Wong from the Melbourne Zen Group.

Sesshin is an invitation to experience the ancient buddha way. To sit at Kodoji is to know the compassion of the valley, the wisdom of the cliffs, the intimate fellowship of clouds and 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.

Old-timers and new students alike are most welcome.

Come to sesshin 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!

COST:

Full Time SZC member $600                Non-member $750

Part time SZC member $85 per day      Non-member $110  per day

Payment due: 7 March 2024. 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

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: Julie Robinson julesandco@live.com.au 0403 192 814

*** This sesshin, previously promoted with Qigong master, Robert Rosenbaum teaching with Subhana, has been changed. Bob is unwell so isn’t coming to Australia ***

SZC’s other sesshins during 2024:

Winter Sesshin at Annandale, led by Jane Andino, roshi & apprentice teacher Peter Bursky
Friday evening June 7 – midday Wednesday June 12 (incl. King’s Birthday June 10)
Contact: Sean Loughman lettersforsean@yahoo.co.jp

Spring sesshin at Kodoji, led by Gillian Coote, roshi with apprentice teacher Will Moon
Saturday October 5 – Saturday October 12 (including Labour Day October 7)
Contact: Janet Selby janetselby@bigpond.com

Rohatsu sesshin at Annandale, led by Jane Andino, roshi & apprentice teacher Peter Bursky
Friday December 6 to Wednesday December 11
Contact: Julie Robinson julesandco@live.com.au