SPP 2025: Building the Container: Opening Remarks for Sesshin

In this opening talk for the Spring Practice Period Sesshin, Senseis Monshin, Ryotan, and Shinzan offer their remarks and suggestions to make the most of the deep quiet and practice of sesshin. Sensei Shinzan explains that the word “sesshin” means “touching your mind” or “gathering the mind” and emphasizes that Zen practice is about intimacy with oneself through simple presence rather than thinking or analysis. Sensei Monshin discusses how the forms and silence of sesshin create a container that supports deep practice, advising participants to “settle yourself on yourself” and reminding them that “following our preferences is carving our own dragon; following the schedule is meeting the true dragon.” Sensei Ryotan offers practical guidance on handling physical discomfort and the importance of maintaining noble silence. All three teachers stress the power of practicing as one body, with Monshin sharing Roshi Joan’s words that Zazen is “fully embodied presence with no separation between the mind, heart, body… in the context of our lived experience and letting openness or not knowing deconstruct our version of reality.” To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.