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
Date: 
Sat, Nov 30, 2024 - 6:00pm - Sun, Dec 8, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: 
Carriage House Zendo and online via Zoom
Program fee: 
Donations are gratefully accepted