Rohatsu Sittings and Schedule
When Shakyamuni Buddha resolved to realize the end to old age, sickness and death, he sat beneath a tree and did not rise until finally, at dawn on December the 8th, a glimmering star caused him to awaken to his own true nature. The enlightenment of Shakyamuni is commemorated around the world by eight days of sesshin, during which particpants sit longer and longer each night, recognizing the unshakable faith and determination of Shakyamuni.
The Zen Center of Syracuse HoenJi offers an intensified schedule of zazen from November 30th through December 8th. Sitting with each other, we not only commemorate Shakyamuni's great struggle and enlightenment, but we also offer our silent support for those sitting Rohatsu Sesshin at Dai Bosatsu Zendo and around the globe.
Please join us in the zendo or on Zoom as much as you are able.
If you can't come at the start of the sit, plan to arrive during kinhin (walking meditation). In the early morning, that is between 6:45 and 7 a.m. In the evening, kinhin is from 6:55 to 7:05 p.m.
All sittings will also be on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 742 716 369
Password: 444630
Rohatsu sitting schedule at HoenJi:
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 6-8pm | Opening Rohatsu, Han, Zazen |
Sunday, Dec.1 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
9-11:30pm | Regular Morning Service | |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Monday, Dec. 2 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
8:30-9:30am | Regular Tue morning sitting | |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Wednesday, Dec 4 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Thursday, Dec 5 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Friday, Dec. 6 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen | |
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 6-7:45am | Zazen |
6-8pm | Rohatsu Exhortations, Zazen (Optional unstructured all night sitting) | |
Sunday, Dec 8 | 6-7:45am | Zazen, Jo Do E chanting, Han |
9-11:30pm | Regular Morning Service |