Backpacking Sesshins

We are eagerly awaiting the chance to hold our next backpacking sesshin. BZC offers two separate backpacking sesshins, the first in April called “Hills & Streams,” which is run by and offered to our young (under 45’ish) practitioners. The second typically takes place the last weekend of July, is called “Mountains & Rivers,” and is open to participants of all ages.

The sesshin begins with an orientation meeting where logistics are reviewed and participant’s gear is assessed to ensure it’s adequate. The first day of sesshin (Thursday or Friday) participants carpool to Point Reyes, then hike to camp, moving at a moderate pace with frequent rest stops and lunch along the way. Post-sesshin, we aim to arrive back in Berkeley around 5:00 pm Sunday. All meals are provided and camping experience is not required. Everyone is encouraged to do the full sesshin, but provisions can occasionally be made for those who may have to arrive late.

If you have any questions or would like to receive early notice of these sesshin, please email backpacksesshin@gmail.com.

Sample Schedule:

Wednesday

  • 6:00 – 7:30 pm: Orientation meeting in BZC Community Room

Thursday

  • 6:30 am: Meet in front of BZC Drive to PointReyes
  • 8:00 am: Breakfast at restaurant near Point Reyes
  • 9:45 am: Gather at trailhead
  • 10:00 am: Hike in silence
  • 12:30 pm: Lunch
  • 1:30 pm: Hike in silence
  • 2:00 pm: Arrive at campsite (total hike about 5.5 miles); set up tents; free time
  • 5:00 pm: Zazen at campsite
  • 5:25 pm: Service (Heart Sutra).
  • 5:30 pm: Dinner
  • 6:30 pm: Break
  • 7:30 pm: Zazen on the beach (two 30-minute periods)
  • 8:40 pm: To bed

Friday and Saturday

  • 6:00 am: Wake up
  • 6:30 am: Zazen at campsite (two 40-minute periods)
  • 7:40 am: Service
  • 8:00 am: Breakfast
  • 8:45 am: Hot drinks and break
  • 9:30 am: Mountains and Rivers Sutra(reading and discussion)
  • 11:00 am: Free time for day hikes, hanging out at beach, picnic lunch, etc.
  • 5:00 pm: Zazen at campsite
  • 5:25 pm: Service
  • 5:30 pm: Dinner
  • 6:30 pm: Break
  • 7:10 pm: Zazen on the beach (two 40-minute periods)
  • 8:20 pm: To bed

Sunday

  • 5:30 am: Wake up
  • 6:00 am: Zazen at campsite (two 40-minute periods)
  • 7:05 am: Service
  • 7:15 am: Breakfast
  • 8:00 am: Hot drinks and break
  • 8:30 am: Mountains and Rivers Sutra(reading and discussion)
  • 9:30 am: Packing up
  • 10:30 am: Hike in silence
  • 12:15 pm: Lunch
  • 1:15 am: Hike in silence
  • 3:00 pm: Arrive at trailhead; closing meeting
  • 3:30 pm: Drive to Berkeley
  • 5:00 pm: Arrive at BZC