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 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 .

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: