Every year we gather as sangha in the middle of the Winter Practice Period to sit in sesshin (formal meditation retreat) and hear from the shuso (head student) of the practice period. This year after the success of our full day sangha sesshin in August and December we will offer the full 6am-9pm day of practice with formal meals. Joining us for part of the day is also welcome, read on.

There will be three oryoki (formal three-bowl) meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A way-seeking mind dharma talk will be given by Shuso Edie Norton.

The full day runs from 6am to 9pm. We encourage you to attend the full day - watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening from your seat in the zendo is a powerful opportunity. Sitting a full day is do-able with a little training and experience. The day includes alternating sitting and walking meditation, Dharma Talks, optional private meetings with the teachers, meals, breaks, and afternoon tea.

Part time attendance is also fine. Please indicate in the COMMENTS section of your registration which of the four sections of the day you will be there for. We need to know for meals. The day is broken into four parts: early morning, morning, afternoon, and evening.

Early Morning: 6am - 8:45am: zazen, kinhin & service, oryoki breakfast

Morning: 9:30am - 1:00pm: zazen, kinhin, dharma talk by Bob pt 1., service, oryoki lunch

Afternoon: 2pm - 6pm: zazen, kinhin, tea, dharma talk by Bob pt 2., zazen, oryoki dinner

Evening: 7pm - 9pm: zazen, kinhin, refuge chant

Oryoki (formal 3-bowl eating) training is included and can also be arranged in advance and oryoki sets are available to borrow or purchase ($40) at the Dharma Hall.

Please remember to indicate in the COMMENTS box in the online registration if you will be attending part time and which parts of the day if so. And if you would like to borrow or buy an oryoki set.

For those coming from out of town who would like to spend the night before in Bellingham some spaces at the Dharma Hall and with sangha members' homes may be available. Please indicate in your registration and register early if you would like housing.

Check back again for registration information.