Three Robes Retreat
8500 NE Siskiyou St
Portland, OR 97220
USA
The Three Robes Sesshin is focused on ‘right effort’ in practice. ‘Right’ effort is different for each of us. The Buddha said that monks in the original sangha could wear one, two, or three robes, as they needed. He came to this decision by trial and error, and by realizing that we need both a degree of physical comfort and a degree of challenge to move forward in our practice. That insight is the foundation of this retreat.
At the Three Robes Sesshin, a simple retreat schedule will be kept. Each participant can choose to modify the schedule in certain ways to fit their individual needs. There will be fewer bells, with long blocks of unbroken zazen. During those periods, you can sit, stand, or lie down in the zendo as needed. You may also leave the zendo to walk (kinhin) in designated areas. You may rise later than the wake-up bell or choose to stay up for late evening zazen. Two meals each day will be done oryoki style, and supper will be a simple buffet available for those who want it.
This flexibility is part of the challenge of this sesshin. How do we extend ourselves in a way we can sustain? How do we meet our aspiration from within? How do we hold the mind of retreat at all times, when the edge of the container is up to us? Together and alone, we will explore the meaning of ‘right effort.’
Here is the schedule (or see pdf).
Tuesday Evening
6:30 Registration and instruction on oryoki for those who need it
7:30 Zazen (with Sesshin Guidelines)
9:00 Vespers
9:10 Zazen/To Bed
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Wednesday-Saturday
5:00 Wake-up Bell
5:30 Zazen
6:50- Full Morning Service
7:20 Soji
7:45 Oryoki Breakfast / Cleanup
8:30- Work Practice
10:30 Zazen (Sanzen offered)
12:35 Oryoki Lunch / Cleanup
1:30 Rest / Exercise
2:30 Evening Service
2:40 Zazen (Saturday 4:00 Mondo)
5:30 Informal Dinner Available
7:00 Zazen (Sanzen offered)
8:00 Teisho (Saturday Shosan)
9:00 Vespers
9:10 Zazen/To Bed
If you have questions concerning your participation in this retreat, please contact one of the teachers who will be leading it: ">Jiko, or ">Kengan.
Registration is closed.