Sesshin 2010 (a very Aussie Sesshin)

This year we sat in a Scout Bunk House! Eprapah Environmental Conservation Centre was the perfect Australian setting for a sesshin. It is situated within a nature reserve which contains goannas, bush turkeys, kookaburras and loads of mosquitoes and flies.

The traditional Zen Master has a hossu to whisk around - our teachers have the great Australian salute and clouds of smoke from mosquito coils. It was perfect.

One wonderful thing about our group is that we practice whatever the circumstances. So if there's not enough room for dokusan we simply move outside to a tent. Koan practice in a tent was a treat complete with mini-fan, raindrops, and something mysterious which threw itself against the sides of the tent very ominously. At night koalas, kookaburras and crickets could be heard.

One morning Liyeah and I saw a little wallaby near the hut and on another day John lead us all to a tree where the most magnificent koala sat. Blinky Bill looked happy, and so were we. When we sit we sure do sit with the whole universe, including wildlife!

The fact that every sesshin goes smoothly is a reflection not only of organization and good training under the keen eye of our founding teacher Seiun An Roshi, but generosity. The teachers are giving with their time, encouragement and the Dharma.

Everyone pitches in with chores, roles, and the provision of culinary delights. Speaking of which, after every sesshin I think we need to collect our recipes and make a MMZS cookbook. We sure do eat well.

Sitting for such a length of time can be both challenging and comforting. I am always heartened by the support and strength we find in each other. Sesshin can be tough but it is fulfilling regardless. Just knowing that whatever we are going through is Ok with everyone else strengthens our practice. There are always insights to be found at sesshin (as well as giggles and some shenanigans by unnamed people).

Sesshin always leaves me with an immense sense of gratitude to the teachers, the lineage, the practice, my fellow sitters and the old Buddha Shakamuni. How fortunate we are to walk together on the Way.

Jo Miller – Sesshin participant