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Sesshin - The Light of our Ancestors
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Sesshin - The Light of our Ancestors

4.93101 reviews
Location icon
79640 Quincy Mayger Road, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016, USA
Date
May 11 - 17, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Zen is a direct Mind to Mind transmission--a transmission of light. We study with teachers who help us recognize and embody our awakened wisdom and compassion. During this sesshin, we will connect with our roots and draw strength from the stories of those who have come before us. Our ancestors are real people, walking the path of their lives and opening the Dharma truths - just as we aspire to do. Join us for this intimate week of practice.

Sesshin is a rigorous and, at times, challenging silent meditation retreat that is not recommended for beginners. In order to attend in person, we require that you attend one of our silent weekend retreats or a five-seven day silent retreat at another Zen Center before registering for our longer zen retreats. For more information about what to expect when attending a sesshin, click here.

 
$50 deposit holds your space; balance due on arrival.

Schedule

Please note: this is an approximation; sesshin schedules vary with leader and season.

First evening
5:00 p.m. Registration begins
6:00 p.m. Dinner (informal) and sesshin orientation
9:00 p.m. Zazen and formal opening of sesshin
10:00 p.m. Monastery doors locked

All full days
4:20 a.m. Wake up bell
5:00 a.m. Zazen
6:50 a.m. Service
7:20 a.m. Breakfast (oriyoki) in dining hall
8:30 a.m. Work period begins
9:50 a.m. Warning bell to clean up
10:00 a.m. End of work period
10:30 a.m. Zazen
12:20 p.m. Service
12:30 p.m. Lunch (oriyoki) in dining hall
3:00 p.m. Zazen
5:20 p.m. Service
5:30 p.m. Dinner (oriyoki) in dining hall
7:00 p.m. Zazen
9:20 p.m. Formal Tea/Zazen
10:00 p.m. Monastery doors locked

Last Sunday
4:50 a.m. Wake-up bell
5:30 a.m. Zazen
6:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Closing Circle
10:00 a.m. Sunday Program (service, zazen)
11:20 a.m. Dharma talk and formal end of sesshin
12:00 p.m. Lunch (informal)
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Zen Community of Oregon, 79640 Quincy Mayger Road, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016, USA

Accommodation

Event fee
Event fee (ZCO member rate)
Online only (sustaining rate)
Online only (scholarship rate)

Customer Reviews

4.93 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Well worth the time
I was reluctant to sign up for a full day Basic Zen Buddhism offering but the experience was well worth the time. Teachers were excellent and covered all of the basics that aren’t covered anywhere else. It’s like learning a new culture!
I loved the environment and atmosphere and all of the people attending were so pleasant. Beautiful way to spend the day.

5.0
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Heart of Wisdom Zazenkai: Sept. 20, 2025
This one-day retreat was my first with the Zen Community of Oregon (ZCO) at the Heart of Wisdom temple. I found the treat so peaceful, so calming, in such a beautiful and comfortable space. The retreat was intimate, but not too small---about 25 attendees. I found this to be perfect. I found the dharma talk to be uplifting and personally impactful. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity for extended time with the ZCO!

Chad O.

5.0
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Freedom is not in stopping thoughts, but in no longer being captive to them
My heartfelt gratitude to Teacher Edward for his patient guidances, and to Hogen Roshi for openly sharing his realization of freedom.

In this “The Work” retreat, I experienced a simple yet profound truth: the past is gone, the future not yet here—and in the present moment, when awareness turns back upon itself, there can be a glimpse of freedom beyond sorrow and anxiety.

I saw how “The Work” and Zen share the same essence: everyday situations and wandering thoughts are not obstacles, but the very ground of practice. This insight left my heart quiet and grateful, knowing that while constant freedom is not yet mine, the door is already open.

5.0
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Engaging the world with mountain mind
I always appreciate Sesshin immensely for how it challenges my preferences and assumptions about myself - I always come away learning more about how to engage the world and deepen my practice.
The teachers and residents at Great Vow are next level in their compassion and dedication to helping others awaken, not one second went by that I didn’t feel completely safe and at ease and supported. And with the lovely spaces they’ve created and the stunning great earth and trees and grasses of the monastery, it is truly a wondrous vortex of the dharma in every way. Many bows in Gassho to Kisei, Bansho, Myoyu, Onshin, and all the monastics, permanent residents and summer residents who made it so special and alive.

5.0
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Grasses, Trees, and the Great Earth Sesshin
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Great Vow and those who made the trek for this wonderful week together. The combination of practicing deep in the forest, watching the evening colors fade, or bonding with a snail crossing a pathway was moving. Being able to camp at this sesshin deepened my connection with the earth, and it was lovely to be lulled asleep to the sound of rain. I highly recommend Great Vow and this particular sesshin.

Select your options

Available Dates
May 11 - 17, 2026
  • $380.00
    Event fee
  • $280.00
    Event fee (ZCO member rate)
  • $150.00
    Online only (sustaining rate)
  • $75.00
    Online only (scholarship rate)
Secure your spot today with a $50 deposit
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Policy Info Refund & Cancellation Policy

The event is 100% refundable if cancelled 30+ days before the event start date. The event is 50% refundable if cancelled 15-29 days before the start date. There's no refund for cancellation 0-14 days before an event.

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