"Sesshin" (literally, "touching the heart") are intensive periods of practice with approximately ten hours of meditation each day. There is no better way to dive deeply into Zen and awakening.
"Retreats" - less intense than sesshins - usually involve about six hours of meditation, and typically include a full schedule of zazen, study and work practice.
In addition to the meditation hall, communal spaces, and the outdoor garden with walking paths, NZC accommodations include several 2nd floor sleeping rooms that serve as shared dorm space for retreat and sesshin participants. Vegetarian meals are provided. Cooking, eating formal meals together, and cleaning up are part of the daily practice.
**If you are interested in participating in any of the sesshins/retreats below, first contact us at nebraskazencenter@gmail.com and request an application. Then, complete and submit the application. After you have been notified that your application has been reviewed and accepted, make your payment by the registration deadline.**
Sesshin (meditation intensive) schedule for the remainder of 2018 and early 2019: September Sesshin: Thursday, September 27, 7:00pm - Sunday, September 30, 12:00pm Registration closed; sesshin is full.
November Sesshin: Thursday, November 8, 7:00pm - Sunday, November 11, 12:00pm ~Registration and payment deadline: 5:00pm, Wednesday, October 31 Fees: Standard rate $165; Sustaining Members $145; Supporting Members $125
2019 New Year Sesshin: Sunday, January 6, 7:00pm - Saturday, January 12, 12:00pm ~Registration and payment deadline: 5:00pm, Thursday, December 27 Fees: Standard rate $315; Sustaining Members $285; Supporting Members $250
Note: Our teachers, Dosho and Tetsugan, do not receive payment from Nebraska Zen Center for leading retreats but rely on "teacher dana" for compensation. $30 per day of retreat is the suggested dana per person, but if your financial circumstances allow for more or less than that amount, your gift will be received with gratitude.