It is said that the Buddha sat down beneath the Bodhi tree and made a great resolve: “Though only my bones and sinews remain and my skin and flesh wither away, I will not leave this place until I realize complete enlightenment”. He practiced through the night.

“Shakyamuni Buddha realized enlightenment on seeing the morning star. He said, “I and all beings on earth together realize enlightenment simultaneously.” After this great realization, he spent the forty years of the rest of his life helping others to find what he’d found. This is the essence of Zen – to find the happiness that doesn’t depend on external conditions and to be a useful person in the world.

Rohatsu Sesshin is held ever year to commemorate the Buddha’s enlightenment.

This sesshin begins with arrival around 3 pm on Sunday December 1 and ends on Sunday December 8. The fee for the sesshin can be found on our Fees and Rates page.

Everyone is invited to enjoy the natural hot springs during off hours.