OVERVIEW
Thank you for your interest in our 2026 Fall Sesshin, Dogen’s fascicle #84 “Eight Qualities of a Great Person”. This fascicle is considered Dogen’s last teaching, in which he describes and comments on the Buddha’s last teaching to his own disciples. Through sitting practice, study and reflection we’ll look deeply into this text. The retreat includes periods of zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and Dharma talks.
SCHEDULE
The retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening with an introductory teaching, followed by zazen and kinhin. Please arrive by 6:50 to get settled on your cushion by 7:00 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, periods of meditation and study will be scheduled throughout the day from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, following morning practice and lunch, the retreat will formally end with a closing circle at 3:30 p.m.
FEE
The retreat fee is based on a sliding scale from $125-$250. Those who are able to pay at the higher end of the scale help make the lower end possible. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. For information on scholarships, please contact our registrars, Annika Lund or Michelle Reed at sszc.registrar@gmail.com.
PAYMENT OF FEES: Retreat fee payment may be completed via PayPal by inserting a payment amount at the bottom of this form, or by e-transfer to the saltspringzencircle@gmail.com address. Please Note: If paying by e-transfer, You will need to submit this form, and then pay the fee by going to your on-line banking portal. Only Canadian citizens can use the e-transfer option at this time. Please note that retreat fee payments are not tax deductible.
You will be notified by email that your registration is complete when your retreat fee payment is received. Zoom links will be sent shortly before the retreat begins, along with the retreat guidelines.
DANA
In addition to the retreat fee, participants are asked to offer a donation to our lay entrusted teacher Simon Rompre, who, in keeping with Zen tradition, serves at our retreat without remuneration. This donation is part of the traditional practice of a mutual exchange of generosity, since it nourishes all who are involved. In that spirit, donations are offered during the retreat in an amount each participant finds appropriate. E-transfers can be made to Simon at simonrompre@gmail.com. The same email addresses can be used to offer dana via PayPal.
INFORMATION:
Please direct questions regarding registration to our Registrars, Annika Lund or Michelle Reed at sszc.registrar@gmail.com
Please direct questions regarding the retreat itself to Retreat Steward, Sheila Dobie, at ssidobie584@gmail.com.