Rohatsu Sesshin at the Confluence Zen Center STL.

This is the only sesshin that CZC hosts in-house. “Ro-hatsu” literally means December the eighth, the day that the Buddha’s Great Enlightenment is typically celebrated and commemorated. “Sesshin” means “to gather the mind.”

This is an excellent opportunity to put aside our busy lives and sit quietly in zazen throughout the day, devoting ourselves to the vow of realizing the unsurpassed Way of Buddha.


Start each day (except on Sunday, the last day): 06:20am.
Approximate end each day (except on Sunday, the last day): 08:10pm.

Join us in full or in part. If you plan to come for a meal, please let us know beforehand.

2026 Rohatsu Sesshin Schedule (Nov. 30th – Dec. 6th )
6:20 a.m. Zazen (Robe Verse at the end of the period)
7:00 Service (Chanting Gion Shōgi)
7:20 Breakfast/Clean-up/Work/Break
9:30 Zazen
10:10 Kinhin
10:20 Break
10:30 Zazen
11:10 Kinhin
11:20 Break
11:30 Zazen
12:10 p.m. Lunch/Clean-up/Break/Tea
2:00 Zazen (Dokusan)
2:40 Kinhin
2:50 Break
3:00 Zazen
3:40 Kinhin
3:50 Break
4:00 Zazen
4:40 Service (Chanting Hotsu Bodaishin)
5:00 Supper/Clean-up/Break
6:30 Zazen
7:10 Kinhin
7:20 Zazen
7:50 Chanting Fukan-zazengi (Half each evening)
8:00 Three prostrations facing altar from the place people are sitting.

Sunday Dec. 6th
8:00 a.m. Zazen (Robe Verse chanted before Kinhin)
8:40 Kinhin
8:50 Break
9:00 Zazen
9:40 Kinhin
9:50 Break
10:00 Zazen
10:20 Morning Sutra Service (Heart Sutra)
10:30 Zazen (Dharma Talk)
11:00 Kinhin
11:10 Break
11:20 Enlightenment Day Ceremony (The Samadhi of Self Fulfillment)

This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to sit zazen for longer periods of time.Sign up if you intend to stay for a meal. We will be eating Oryoki style. If you do not have bowls they will be provided.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to email confluencezen@gmail.com

Cost: Donations (Dana)


Please be the moment ‘now’ as-it-is, not only with zazen in the zendo, but in all activities throughout the day.
Harada Sekkei Roshi