Jikoji Retreat Center, 12100 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95030, phone: (408) 741-9562

Activities, Events and Schedules

Daily Group Practice of Zazen

Jikoji's Residents usually practice Zazen meditation at scheduled periods once or twice daily. Guests are welcome to join these scheduled practice periods.

Click on Resident Practice Schedule for details.

Sunday Programs welcome everyone at any time.

The Sunday program begins with zazen at 10 am, and includes two periods of zazen and a dharma talk, followed by a social lunch. After lunch, guests are welcome to continue to visit or enjoy the surrounding open space and trails. Various classes, ceremonial japanese tea services, and group sessions are frequently offered.

Click on Sunday Program for details, including dates and scheduled speakers.

2012 Activities Schedule

• February 3-10: Nehan-e Sesshin - Friday, February 3 to Friday, February 10, led by Angie Boissevain
• April 2-8: Tanjo-e Sesshin - Monday, April 2 to Sunday, April 8, led by Ian Forsberg
• April 8: Buddha’s Birthday Celebration - 12:30pm - 3pm, lunch, ceremony and party celebrating the birth of the Buddha
• April 11 - June 3: Practice Period (Ango) - beginning April 11 to the end of Genzo-e sesshin, June 3rd. Cliff Isberg will be shuso, leading Wednesday evening programs of practice, potluck dinner and a comparitive study of science and Buddhism. More intensive practice or home practice commitments, practice discussions, talks and meetings with teacher and shuso, during the ango weeks, followed by a shuso ceremony Sunday, June 3rd.
• May 4 - 6: Just Sitting and Walking with Awareness - Friday, May 4 to Sunday May 6, a weekend of nature walks and zazen, led by Peter Szydlowski, Charles Ewing and Ingrid Mednis
• May 30 - June 3: Genzo-e Study Sesshin (on Dogen’s Yui Butsu, Yo Butsu - “Only a Buddha and a Buddha”) - Wednesday, May 30 to Sunday, June 3, a co-sangha sesshin, Jikoji joining with the Santa Cruz Zen Center and Kokyo Henkel.
• July 25 - 28: Kobun Chino Roshi Memorial Sesshin and Celebration - Wednesday, July 25 to Saturday, July 28, Sesshin lead by Vanja Palmers; ordination ceremony for Katherine Kauffman.
• July 29: Sunday Celebration All-day celebration remembering Kobun Chino Roshi. This will include ceremonies, buffet lunch and dinner, sharing talks, video, music, ceremonial tea, arts, kyudo, etc.
• August 10-17— Floating Zendo Sesshin is hosting their annual sesshin with Angie Boissevain, Sensei at Jikoji, and including Jikoji sangha. Sesshin will start on Friday with check-in & oryoki instruction at 4:00 with a social dinner at 6:00 pm. It will end after clean-up & breakfast on Friday. For more information, click on Floating Zendo. Registration required with Floating Zendo – not Jikoji.
• September 7-9— Work Weekend
• October 16-21 — Denko-e Sesshin ("Gathering of Light Sesshin") is part of a cycle of four traditional sesshins initiated by Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi, to be co-led this year by Michael Newhall and Val Szymanski. Denko-e has a lighter schedule and emphasis on teaching. This year, as it was last year, Denko-e's focus will be the "Aspect of the Practice." As with all Jikoji sesshins, you may also attend part-time, but please call ahead to sign up for meals and lodging.
• November 30-December 7— Rohatsu Sesshin, the traditional winter sesshin commemorating Buddha's enlightenment, will begin on Friday, November 30 this year. As in the previous years, Rohatsu will begin with two days of the usual practice form - talks, service, chanting, etc., followed by four days of completely silent practice. Led by Peter Szydlowski (inspired by the Antaiji way of Kodo Sawaki, one of Kobun's Teachers).
• December 31 - NY's eve program

All sesshins sponsored by Jikoji can be attended on a part-time, drop-in basis, as well as for the full duration. A donation of $40 a day for sesshin meals & dormitory lodging is suggested. Please call ahead if staying for meals or needing lodging. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information about sesshins and other activities.

Landscaping

Gerow Reece has suggested some plants that may improve the aesthetic of Jikoji's grounds. If you can donate a plant, some being considered for the area below the Community Building (between the upper zig- and lower zag of the handicap access pathway that leads down to both the small and the large zendo) are:

Most shade-loving or shade-tolerant plants that are native are welcome.

A few large stones have been brought to the area to serve as focal points: to begin the dry stream which "flows" down near the dorm building and to bolster the "mountain" over toward the residents' building. A small dry pond has also emerged in front of the small zendo.

As this is a large project any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Gerow Reece at Jikoji (408-741-9562) with suggestions, questions to to volunteer some work time.

Visitors Note:

HOME