To study the way of awakening is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self if to be verified by all things. To be verified by all things is to let the body and mind of the self and the body and mind of others drop away. There is a trace of realization that cannot be grasped. We endlessly express this ungraspable trace of realization. – Dogen
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A Shared Sesshin with
Northern California Ordinary Mind Zen School Sanghas
Exploring the Illusion of A Separate Self
Bay Zen Center Meadowmind Zen Santa Rosa Zen Goup
July 23 to July 26, 2026
Teachers: Dan Birnbaum Diane Moore Robert Rosenbaum
Much of the suffering and difficulty we encounter in our lives arise because we do not see clearly and become caught in the illusion of a separate self. This 4-day retreat offers a precious opportunity to deepen our mindfulness and concentration. In the alert stillness we cultivate during Sesshin we can investigate the sensations, feelings, thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and requirements that we identify as our self. The Sesshin features scheduled periods of sitting and walking meditation, Oryoki meal practice, Dharma talks and practice discussions. There will be opportunity for individual meetings with teachers.
This Sesshin will have a unique format. It will begin Thursday July 23 at 6:30 PM and end on Sunday, July 26 at 5:00 PM. During the first 3 days, each Sangha will meet at their usual location and we will all practice together in Santa Rosa on the final day. Each Sangha will follow a similar schedule, and we will meet for dharma talks and practice discussions over Zoom the first 3 days .
For the Santa Rosa Zen Group members: There will be an In-person Sesshin at Diane's Kenwood home for Thursday through Sunday with Meadowmind and Bay Zen joining in Kenwood for the final day on Sunday. Attendees can choose to sleep at Diane's home or commute from their own homes.
A donation of $150–$400 is suggested, though no one will be turned away if they are not able to pay.
The deadline to register for the Sesshin is July 13.
For questions about the Sesshin, please contact Emily Esner at emily.esner@comcast.net
Please use this link to register for the Sesshin: