Dear Sangha Member,

Our teacher Kyozan Joshu Roshi has accepted an invitation to guide us in Spring Kessei April 28 to May 29, 2011.  Our 104 year-old Master will be here, teaching and supporting us in this practice of Zen, a practice pointing to the tranquil manifestation of each moment.

Kessei is a designated monastic training period, specially devoted to maturing our innate wisdom. Traditionally, Kessei is based on daily practice of chanting, zazen, samu, and sanzen (private interviews with the Roshi). Intensive week long retreats called Dai-sesshin are scheduled regularly within Kessei. These are valuable opportunities to test the depth and clarity of our practice. In between Dai-sesshin, daily sanzen provides ongoing contact with the Roshi as we work through our difficulties in ordinary, everyday practice.

Kessei is best experienced in totality with the movement between daily sanzen and Dai-sesshin for a complete practice of surrendering. Though the Kessei training is rigorous, new students are most welcome. Requirements are: 1) completed application form, 2) letter of recommendation, if possible, and 3) participation in a general sesshin before a Dai-Sesshin.

Cost for the entire Kessei: $1,300 members, $1,500 non-members. Dai-Sesshin $400 members, $450 non-members. General Sesshin per day $60 members, $75 non-members. Due to limited space, priority will be given to full-time students and practitioners.

For more information please contact Bodhi Manda Zen Center at 575-829-3854 or at office@bmzc.org. We look forward to practicing together with you.

Jiun Hosen, Osho Vice-Abbess