Calendar

Classes

There is a formal lecture, Teisho, on Sunday mornings whenever Dr. Yoshida is in St. Louis. Otherwise, there is a lecture and/or informal discussion on Sunday mornings.

Beyond this, the Missouri Zen Center frequently offers classes, lectures and workshops on a variety of topics. Watch this section for information on Sitting 101 & 102 (classes for beginners), study/discussion courses on Voluntary Simplicity, etc.

Sesshins

Sesshin means “directly pointing to the mind” or “touching the mind.” Sesshin is an opportunity for sustained and deepened zazen practice—sort of a retreat from everyday activity for increased focus on practice. Sesshins can be of various lengths: 5 day, 3 day, etc. Sesshin at The Missouri Zen Center usually includes three zazen periods on Friday night, seven on Saturday and three on Sunday, with kinhin (walking meditation) as a break between zazen periods. Also included in sesshin is oryoki (formal meal) which includes meal chants and some protocol, samu (work practice), a dharma talk and sometimes Dokusan (a private interview with the teacher).