Sesshin Cautions: Organizational Details of Sesshin
This document describes organizational details of sesshin (a Zen meditation retreat) as practiced by members of the Sydney Zen Center of the Diamond Sangha tradition
SESSHIN CAUTIONS
(Tanto speaks.) At sesshin, we separate ourselves from the concerns and preoccupations of our busy every day lives and sink deeply into the question, "What is my essential nature
" In these special training circumstances we are free to devote ourselves entirely to the practice of realising the Buddha Way.
At sesshin we are free to be true to our hearts. We are free to transcend the background chatter of our busy minds and to see into the fact of our own nature. Sesshin offers us the chance to make great progress on the broad path of maturity.
The forms and procedures which follow are designed to establish an optimum setting for true Zen training for everyone attending sesshin, a structure which supports each of us in giving full attention to the matter at hand. At the same time, internalising the guidelines, and practising them mindfully, creates an environment for the entire group which fosters and expresses our deepest aspirations.
There is a lot to remember. It is all right to make mistakes. You will find that you will pick it up as sesshin continues. Just practice with sincerity. If you have heard all this before, please listen carefully again with beginner”s mind.
The three essentials of sesshin.
l. Don”t talk or whisper. 2. Don”t look around. 3. Don”t greet people or make gestures.
If a practice-related problem arises and it is necessary to speak to someone about it, speak only to the Tanto or to the Teacher in dokusan. If a work-related problem arises, speak only to your work leader - the head vegetable chopper, the head server etc, or to the Jisha. Don”t speak or write notes to the cooks or to anyone else. Don”t give advice or seek help from your fellow students. Let the sesshin leaders and the Teacher handle any difficulties.
Your eyes should be kept lowered. Eye contact is distracting during sesshin. Don”t signal others with gestures. Don”t greet or acknowledge your friends as you come and go in sesshin. Continue your zazen at all times. Keeping your hands in kinhin position whenever possible will help to bring you back to your practice. During work periods, bring all your attention to the task at hand.
Schedule and seating arrangements: The schedule and seating plan for the dojos are both posted outside the door. Please keep strictly to your allocated place and don”t interfere with anyone else”s mats or cushions.
Clothing. Clothing should be plain and dark coloured, preferably black. It should be loose-fitting. Don”t wear shorts or singlets. You may keep a jumper folded at your place in case of cold weather.
Watches. Unless you have a job which requires wearing a watch - leaders and cooks - don”t wear one. Sesshin gives us a rare chance to forget time.
Perfumes and lotions. Don”t wear strong-smelling perfume or aftershave, it can be distracting. Insect repellant lotion and sunscreen is provided on the shelf outside the door.
Promptness and attendance. Attend every group function. Always be at your place early. If you are not at your place, someone will have to go looking for you. Don”t come in after the bells have rung. Don”t go too far away at the breaks or fall asleep in a far paddock, you won”t be able to hear the han announcing the next period. Always stay within earshot. Don”t leave the dojo until you have the signal to do so.
If some emergency arises, speak only to one of the leaders about it. Do not leave a note. Do not ask to leave sesshin just because you are upset. Such times can be important for your zazen. Your absence inevitably would disturb the group spirit.…
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