This extended practice period, open to both new and seasoned practitioners, offers an intensive opportunity for meditation practice guided by ZDS Resident Teacher Dan Dorsey.

The Zazenkai/Weekend Sesshin/Extended Sesshin will begin on Friday evening, May 17 with cautions for Sesshin participants only (Zazenkai participants are welcome also as optional attendance), and at 6 am on Saturday, May 18th for everyone attending any of the three options offered. The options offered this year are a one day Zazenkai from 6 am – 3:30 pm on Saturday, a Weekend Sesshin that runs until noon on Sunday, and an Extended Sesshin that ends on Tuesday at 11 am. There is also the option for those who wish to participate via Zoom for any of the three options.

There will be periods of sitting and walking meditation (zazen/kinhin), sutras (chanting), individual meetings with the teacher (sosan/dokusan), and teisho (dharma talk). A detailed schedule can be viewed by clicking here.

For those attending in person, breakfasts will be provided along with a mid-day meal. Most participants return to their homes to sleep. Very basic “sleep over” accommodations at the zendo can be arranged if desired; send an inquiry to zds@zendesertsangha.org for more details.

Pre-registration by 5/14/24 is required; click here for the sign-up form: Late Spring Sesshin/Zazenkai Registration Form

To help meet sangha expenses, we request those who can to make a contribution of the usual fee: Saturday-only is $35 for ZDS members and $45 for non-members; weekend sesshin is $55 for members and $65 for non-members; and extended sesshin is $90 for members and $100 for non-members. Please know, however, that everyone is welcome regardless of payment. An on-line donation button is located on the ZDS website homepage.

Questions? Email zds@zendesertsangha.org  or call (520) 319‐6260.