Photo: Zen Center Courtyard

1931 Russell Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
510-845-2403


Directions, map, parking, wheelchair access

Free zazen instruction and orientation for beginners: Saturdays 9:20-10:00 a.m. in Community Room.

Saturday morning talk: 10:10-11:00 a.m. in zendo.

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Berkeley Zen Center

Sesshin/Sitting Information

At least once a month, Berkeley Zen Center provides the opportunity to participate in extended sittings. In our tradition, these are referred to as sesshins. There are several types of sittings scheduled on a regular basis:

        Saturday One-day Sittings - 5 a.m. to 9:10 p.m.

        Sunday One-day Sittings - 5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

        Multi-day sittings - 5 a.m. to 9:10 p.m., last day 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

       

        Half-day Sittings Saturday Noon to 4 p.m., or Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

        Mountains and Rivers Backpacking Sesshins

The following information applies to the Saturday and Sunday One-day Sittings and the Multi-day Sittings. They share these common elements:

-        Alternating periods of zazen and kinhin

-        Meals served in the zendo, oryoki style

-        Lecture

-        Work Period

-        Short services consisting of bowing and chanting

See the Sample schedule below. Actual schedules may vary, so please check the bulletin board, the Newsletter or the website for up to date information.

Basic Information

        Fees.   The fee for most sesshins is $25 per day for dues-paying Members and Friends and $30 for all others.  Fees for other sittings are listed with the sitting. Please pay in advance.  Scholarships are available. Leave checks marked “sitting fee” in the kitchen porch door donation slot.

        Plan to attend the entire sesshin.  The intention for sesshin is to participate fully in an extended sitting.  If you cannot make the commitment to participate in the entire sitting, please consider a different sitting.  For multi-day sesshins, there is a minimum number of days required.

        If this is your first sesshin at Berkeley Zen Center.  Please contact the Sesshin Director before signing up.  It is strongly recommended that you participate in a full Saturday schedule (6 a..m to 11 a.m.) and that have experience in eating oryoki style.

        Meals.   Meals served during sesshin are vegetarian, but not necessarily vegan. The menu is posted in the kitchen prior to sesshin and on the bulletin board during sesshin. BZC is not able to provide special diets.  However, if you have food allergies or special requirements, speak to the Sesshin Director to determine what accommodations may be made.

What to bring (and not to bring)

        We ask that people do not wear jewelry, watches or scents in the zendo.

        Do not bring valuables. Berkeley Zen Center is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen.  It is best to leave valuables at home.

        Do bring clothes to work in.  Most sesshins include a period of work after lunch.  This work can be in the garden or doing repair and maintenance.  We recommend that you bring clothes that are suitable for work and for outdoor wear.

        Bring items that you need for your personal comfort, for example an eye pillow for rest period.

Signing Up

        You must sign up ahead of time for all sittings. The usual method of signing up is to write your name and phone number on a sign up sheet that is posted on the bulletin board at Berkeley Zen Center. The sign up sheet is posted at least two weeks before the sesshin. The sign up deadline is usually three days before the sesshin, on the Wednesday morning before weekend sesshins. If you live out of town and cannot come to sign-up, you may contact BZC by phone but make sure to do so at least 10 days before sesshin date. (Please note that it is not possible to sign up for Sesshin by e-mail.)

Staying at Berkeley Zen Center

        Berkeley Zen Center has limited space for overnight guests. However, we do accommodate people as much as we are able. If you need overnight accommodations, contact the Shika. The Shika takes care of guests. The Shika’s name and number are posted on the sign up sheet.  Messages left at Berkeley Zen Center regarding staying overnight will be passed on the Shika.


Sample Schedule

A sample schedule for a Saturday sitting is:

5:00Zazen
5:40Kinhin
5:50Zazen
6:30Service
7:00Breakfast
7:45Rest
8:30Zazen
9:10Kinhin
9:20Zazen
10:00Kinhin
10:10Lecture
11:00Kinhin
11:10Zazen
11:50Service
12:00Lunch
12:45Rest
1:45Work Meeting
3:30Cleanup
3:45Tea in the Zendo
4:00Kinhin
4:10Open Period
5:30Kinhin
5:40Zazen
6:20Service
6:30Supper
7:10Rest
7:40Zazen
8:20Kinhin
8:30Zazen
9:10Departing Refuges

Hits since 03/03/13: 11590
Last revised 01/17/08.
Copyright 2000 Berkeley Zen Center.
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