“Buddhas and ancestors continuously maintain ocean seal samadhi, and while swimming in this awareness, they teach, verify, and practice.”

Genzo-e Sesshin is a concentrated study retreat on a chapter of Dogen’s Shobogenzo. In this retreat we will investigate together Dogen’s understanding of “Ocean Seal Samadhi” – the awareness of everything in the ocean appearing and disappearing without any separate self anywhere. Each day will include morning and afternoon talks with Kokyo, zazen throughout the day, chanting services, oryoki meals, and optional dokusan meetings. 

Though participation in the whole sesshin is highly encouraged, it is also possible to join for any one full day (morning to end of day). 

This retreat is for experienced practitioners and participants should already be familiar with zazen practice and basic zendo forms.  If this is your first all day sitting, you should have enough zazen experience to follow the schedule, sitting for 25-35 minutes at a time during
morning and afternoon.  No zazen instruction is offered at this retreat.

Instruction in the meal form of orkyoki is offered at the orientation on Wednesday night, which you should attend if you are new to this form.  If unsure whether this retreat is right for you, please contact Choro (choro@austinzencenter.org). 

Limited to 25 participants.

You are also welcome to attend the dharma talks in person or on Zoom.  A donation to Rev. Henkel for his teaching is requested.  If there is room, you are welcome to sit with those fully participating by observing the schedule posted. Space is limited.  Meals will only be provided to sesshin participants. 

If dropping in for zazen or talks, please support those in retreat by maintaining silence.