We are pleased to once again be offering Rohatsu Sesshin at Zen Desert Sangha — this year, due to Covid restrictions, via Zoom.

Rohatsu, conducted at Zen centers and monasteries throughout the world, commemorates the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment, which is traditionally celebrated on December 8. Leading up to that date, it is traditional to engage in intensive meditation practice that manifests the Buddha’s original determination as he sat beneath the Bodhi tree, vowing not to rise until he achieved true awakening.

In that spirit, we will be having fairly continuous practice from Friday, December 4 through Tuesday, December 8 -- in which you are invited to participate. The Rohatsu schedule, led by Dan Dorsey Roshi, will include zazen, liturgy, dokusan (private interview with the teacher), and public dharma talks -- with options to attend as little or as much as is right for you. The various options are described on the Rohatsu 2020 registration form here. (Please note: this is a fillable form. You will need to download it to your device before filling it out — otherwise your entries will not be saved.)

We are hoping that everyone will take part in this intensive practice period that draws upon the strength of sangha and people practicing together. In order to help us with planning, we ask that you consider how you would like to participate and let us know by completing and returning the registration/commitment form. We’ll send you to Zoom link prior to the starting date.

Questions? Please reach out by calling (520) 319‐6260 or e‐mailing us at zds@zendesertsangha.org.