Retreats(Sesshin)
2026 Retreats at
Compassionate Ocean Zen Center
Friday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 25
Friday, Feb. 27 – Sunday, March 1
Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29
Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19
Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7
Friday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 25
Location: 652 17th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Led by: Genpo and Joen O’Neal
By Donation
Weekend sesshin include sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, a work period, and an opportunity to meet with a teacher. They also include four vegetarian meals, three on Saturday and one on Sunday. Participants typically go home overnight, but can stay at the Center with prior approval.
Registration is required for all sesshin (retreats)
and practice periods.
Please register at least one week in advance.
Early registration is encouraged
Sesshin begin at 7:00 P.M. on their start day
and conclude at noon on their final day.
Other Special Practice Opportunities
July Sesshin at Ryumonji Monastery
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
Summer Practice Period at Hokyoji
Monday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sep. 7
(Partial participation options are available)
A sesshin (literally, “to gather the mind”) is a time when formal Zen practice is the primary focus of what we do. Sometimes these are informally called “retreats,” but in actuality they involve going forward into the heart of our lives.
Participation in sesshin is open to community members and others who have had some experience with Buddhist practice and meditation. Each sesshin offers an extended opportunity to settle the mind and body and open to the deep wisdom of human life. These are excellent opportunities to strengthen and deepen the practice of presence, including benefiting from the support of others.