Rohatsu Sesshin (meditation retreat) Nov. 29 - Dec 6, 2026

You are invited to Rohatsu Sesshin, the annual retreat celebrating the Enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. During Rohatsu sesshin we celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightment by dedicating ourselves to zazen practice. As the darkest days of the year approach, we sit together with the principle of awakening, opening to the 'wisdom beyond wisdom' that becomes bright in sitting meditation. This year's Rohatsu will be led by So'on Jim Hare. The teaching theme will be the Bodhisattva's response to "sickness" as elucidated in the Vimilakirti Sutra and the koan "Dongshan is Unwell" from the Book of Serenity. To enable working people to join, this retreat is offered partly online and partly in-person. Please see the attached schedule for details. The in-person days include formal Oryoki meals for lunch and dinner. There will be Dharma talks on days 2, 6,7, and 8. For more information or to request a reduced fee or scholarship, please contact us ([email protected]). Note that this retreat is intended for experienced practitioners. Participants should have a regular sitting practice and have attended several one-day retreats at Valley Streams or elsewhere. There will be instruction in Oryoki meal practice for those not familiar with it. SCHEDULE: Valley Streams Zen Sangha Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (November 29 – December 6) (Hybrid events are held both online and in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center) Sunday evening, Nov. 29 (online) 7:30 Welcome and Orientation 8:00 Zazen 8:30 Refuges Morning Practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 (online) Thursday, Dec. 3 (hybrid) 6:00 Zazen 6:30 Kinhin 6:40 Zazen 7:10 Service Evening Practice Monday, Nov. 30 (hybrid) 7:00 Usual Monday program of Zazen, Service, and Dharma talk Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 1 – Dec. 3 (online) 5:00 Zazen 5:30 Service Break/Dinner 7:30 Zazen 8:00 Kinhin 8:10 Zazen 8:40 Refuges Friday, Dec. 4: Full-Day Sitting, 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. (in-person) Saturday, Dec. 5: Full-Day Sitting, 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. (in-person) Sunday Morning, Dec. 6: Half-Day Sitting and Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon (in person), followed by closing informal lunch and clean-up.