In addition to the weekly meditation periods and the monthly fusatsu services and teisho, the Great Plains Zen Center offers zazenkai, short one-day meditation retreats; and sesshin, multi-day retreats (usually either 3- or 7-day). These retreats are held at the Great Plains Zen Center's Myoshinji Retreat Center in Monroe, Wisconsin.

Zazenkai

Zazenkai is an all-day sitting, similar to a single short day of sesshin. The schedule begins around 6:00 AM and consists primarily of zazen until 4:00 PM. It is followed by an informal dinner. Time is set aside for personal instruction (dokusan) with our teacher, Myoyu Roshi. Breakfast and lunch are also provided. Oryoki sets (traditional monastic bowls and utensils) are required, and may be purchased or rented. There is a suggested donation of $35 for the day, and part-day attendance is fine. Please see the calendar of events for times and locations of upcoming zazenkai as well as links to our registration pages. Please note that overnight accommodations can be arranged for those who wish to arrive the night before.

Sesshin

Sesshin, whether a 3- or 7-day retreat, primarily consists of multiple meditation periods throughout each day, usually starting at about 4:30 AM and going into the early evening. Oryoki sets (traditional monastic eating bowls and utensils) are required for meals and may be purchased or rented. Part-time attendance is acceptable. As with zazenkai, time is set aside for personal instruction (dokusan) with our teacher, Myoyu Roshi. Fees for sesshin are $50 per day for members and $60 per day for non-members. For dates and locations of sesshin and related registration pages, please check our calendar.