Schedules and calendars

Upcoming extended practice activities

Most (but not all) of these practice activities require prior registration to participate. Most also allow for both in-person and virtual participation (see below), and a few are only available virtually. Click on linked practice activities below for more information and to register:

Rohatsu sesshin (Dec 3 - 8, 2025) -- Register by Nov 23rd.
3-day Uchiyama Roshi memorial sesshin (Mar 5 - 8, 2026)
Virtual dharma study intensive with Okumura Roshi (late April/early May, 2026)
5-day sesshin (June 2 - 7, 2026)
5-day precepts retreat (June 30 - July 5, 2026) - If you are interested in receiving the precepts in 2026, please visit the retreat page to learn more.
3-day sesshin (Sept 3 - 6, 2026)

Learn more about sesshin, a central practice offering at Sanshin, as carried out here in the style of Uchiyama Roshi.

Our practice theme for 2025: Tangible Thusness

Throughout this year, we're undertaking an exploration we've named Tangible Thusness, a deep investigation of the teachings of nyoho: things done or made according to the dharma.

From September through December, we're focusing primarily on nyoho teachings related to shelter, from traditional training temple building layouts to the structures in which we live and work every day. Turning our attention to the spaces within which we move and interact, what can we learn about attachment and interconnectedness? LEARN MORE

Virtual practice

Many of the practice activities offered here at Sanshin are also streamed online via Zoom. For a full schedule of our virtual practice offerings and the link to participate from home as able, please visit our virtual practice page.

And, if circumstances allow, please continue to support and participate with your local or regional dharma center. While you're welcome to participate in our virtual practice no matter where you live, it's no substitute for in-person practice with a sangha. Not only does practicing with others benefit you, your presence supports that local group and makes it possible for others to practice. Please stay connected with your local or regional practice community and practice there to the degree possible.

Mud and Lotus Collective recovery dharma group
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church,
2120 N Fee Lane in Bloomington; enter at the north portico entrance

This in-person group, which includes participation from Hosshin Shoaf (a dharma heir of Okumura Roshi, and one of Sanshin's practice leaders), explores the intersection between Buddhist teachings and practice and addiction recovery. Following 20 to 30 minutes of guided meditation, participants read and discuss books or other materials related to recovery and the dharma. No registration is necessary; simply attend as your life permits. No fee, but donations are welcome.

Regular practice

All times listed are Eastern time.

Weekday mornings
Please be in your seat and ready to go before 6:05 if joining us for the first zazen period, in time for the doshi's bows.

6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 am Kinhin
7:10 am Zazen
8:00 am Robe chant
8:05 am Service
8:30 am Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:45 am Bow out

Weekday evening zazen
Wednesdays: 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Wednesday evening dharma book discussion (7 - 8 pm): On The Roots of Goodness by Kosho Uchiyama. You're welcome to drop in as your schedule allows, even if you're not familiar with the text. For background on the roots of goodness as a Buddhist teaching, see this recent essay from Hoko.

Saturday is our day off; there's no public practice.

Sunday morning zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am):

First Sunday: Talk by Okumura Roshi following sesshin or retreat
Second Sunday: Hosshin leads a sangha work day or Hoko gives a talk
Third Sunday: Talk by a novice teacher followed by World Peace ceremony
Fourth Sunday: Talk by Hoko on Tangible Thusness (nyoho)
Fifth Sunday: Talk by Hoko or a senior practitioner

Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.

Getting Started in Zen Practice, second & fourth Tuesdays (Oct 28 online & Nov 11 in-person), 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- sign-up and more information is here.

Ryaku fusatsu: Monday evening closest to the 15th day of the month (Nov 17), 7 - 8 pm
Our monthly ceremony of renewing our aspiration to follow the precepts. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether or not you've formally taken precepts.

Sesshin: 3, 5, or 7 days, typically covering the first weekend of the month (Mar, June, Sep, Dec)
A retreat consisting only of 14 50-minute periods of zazen, 3 meal periods, and sleep each day.