This page is for storing seasonal or occasional page elements so they don't have to be recreated every time they're needed.
Virtual practice page donation language
We appreciate the financial support of our many friends and community members, locally and worldwide. Coming together as a sangha to take care of our temple and practice in this way is simply an instance of the universe carrying out its functioning. Thank you for your participation!
DT Retreat registration options
Lectures-only: payment options
There are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: base and sponsor.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with the retreat and Sanshin's daily operations.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to offer the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can, below or above these designated amounts, based on your own circumstances and discernment.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with the retreat and Sanshin's daily operations.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to offer the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can, below or above these designated amounts, based on your own circumstances and discernment.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Hoko will give five lectures during the course of this retreat, as listed in the schedule. The lecture on Sunday, Oct 4th is freely open to the public. Recordings of the other four lectures will remain available to all registrants for a period of one month following the retreat. Click a given button below to be redirected to a payment screen.
registration form
Please fill out and submit the Registration Form HERE.
Then, proceed to Payment Options in the dropdown menu below.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the Payment Options menu below.
Then, proceed to Payment Options in the dropdown menu below.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the Payment Options menu below.
payment options
There are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: base and sponsor.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with sesshin.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can, below or above these designated amounts, based on your own circumstances and discernment.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with sesshin.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can, below or above these designated amounts, based on your own circumstances and discernment.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Click a given button below to be redirected to a payment screen, which includes options for participation in the whole retreat or a selection of full days.
The button above will take you to our online donation page via PayPal. If you prefer, you are welcome to mail a check made out to Sanshin Zen Community to:
PO Box 1577, Bloomington, IN 47402.
PO Box 1577, Bloomington, IN 47402.
Registration - Sharing the Reality of Buddha
In order to successfully register, you'll need to complete the prompts listed under both the Registration Form and Payment Options tabs below.
registration form
payment options
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: base and sponsor.
Base contributions are calculated to contribute to Sanshin's regular operating costs.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, below or beyond these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Base contributions are calculated to contribute to Sanshin's regular operating costs.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, below or beyond these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Click a given button below to be redirected to a payment screen.
Related resources for ongoing study (Kesa Kudoku DSI)
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The Sawaki Nyoho-e Treasury arises from Sanshin's aspiration to accurately preserve, embody, and transmit Kodo Sawaki's teachings about sewing, wearing and encountering Buddha's robe. The following materials linked from the Treasury may be particularly helpful to explore ahead of this spring's lectures:
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- Key Points of Kesa-Kudoku from Hoko
- Kesa kudoku as a key Soto Zen teaching term (short paper by Kenshu Sugawara for Sotoshu)
- The Robe and the Dharma are one thusness (article by Kodo Sawaki, translated by Issan Koyama & Michele Sevik)
- What does it mean to wear a rakusu? (transcript of a short talk from Hoko during the 2025 rakusu sewing retreat)
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Great Robe of Liberation: A Study of the Kesa
Compiled by Echu Kyuma under the supervision of Kodo Sawaki Translated by Koun Franz and Yuko Okumura Yuko's Kesa Study Youtube channel
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RSVP: I'll be there at the Sanshin salon!
If you plan to attend in person, please fill out this RSVP Form to let us know that you're coming and whether you're bringing a guest by July 30th. We want to make sure there's enough food and seating. We're not charging a fee, but donations are welcome here or at the event to help cover costs.
Those participating virtually may simply join us through our virtual practice page, beginning with Hoko's opening remarks at 7:15.
Those participating virtually may simply join us through our virtual practice page, beginning with Hoko's opening remarks at 7:15.
Annual Board of Directors Retreat: Additional practice opportunities with directors July 17 & 18
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As part of their annual meeting and retreat, Sanshin's board of directors will be carrying out the practice schedule at right (in addition to regular practice opportunities on Friday and Sunday mornings). Practitioners are welcome to participate, virtually or in-person.
One of our directors will report out on the board's weekend activities and meeting during Sunday announcements as usual, following the World Peace Ceremony. |
Friday, July 17:
5 - 5:30 pm Zazen Saturday, July 18 7:10 am Zazen 8:00 am Robe verse 8:05 am Service 8:25 am Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, soji (cleanup) 8:45 am Bow out 5:00 - 5:30 pm Zazen followed by board's regular monthly business meeting (open to the sangha) |
NOTE: During the course of the precepts retreat, Tues, June 30 - Sun, July 5, regular practice activities are replaced by the daily schedule of the retreat. In-person drop-in participation in scheduled zazen, work periods, and discussion periods is welcome. There is no designated fee, but drop-in participants are encouraged to offer what you can.
All are also welcome to attend the concluding jukai-e ceremony and potluck on Sunday beginning at 10am.
All are also welcome to attend the concluding jukai-e ceremony and potluck on Sunday beginning at 10am.
Precepts retreat registration -- by June 23rd
In order to successfully register, you'll need to complete the prompts listed under both the Registration Form and Payment Options tabs below.
The base registration fee for the full retreat in-person is $375, with options for offering what you can and/or signing up for a selection of days (as listed under Payment Options).
Note: There is no designated fee for virtual participation, but discussion participants are encouraged to use the "offer what you can" button below, with a suggested donation of $10 per session. You can join for scheduled zazen and discussion periods through our virtual practice page.
The base registration fee for the full retreat in-person is $375, with options for offering what you can and/or signing up for a selection of days (as listed under Payment Options).
Note: There is no designated fee for virtual participation, but discussion participants are encouraged to use the "offer what you can" button below, with a suggested donation of $10 per session. You can join for scheduled zazen and discussion periods through our virtual practice page.
registration form
Please fill out and submit the Registration Form HERE, and then proceed to payment.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the payment options below.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the payment options below.
payment options
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: base and sponsor.
Base payments are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with this retreat.
Sponsor payments help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Base payments are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with this retreat.
Sponsor payments help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Click one of the buttons below to be redirected to its associated payment screen, which includes options for participation in the whole retreat or a selection of full days.
Doshin Johnson
Email Doshin
Rev. Dōshin Diana Johnson is a Soto Zen Buddhist kokusai fukyoushi (international teacher/missionary). Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri within the Catholic religious tradition, she served over 3 decades in Chicago as a bilingual social worker and local government administrator. She experienced a ‘call’ to interfaith chaplaincy, began a divinity program at Chicago Theological Seminary and, following early retirement and a move to the southwest, started zazen practice with Rev. Daiho Hilbert of Clear Mind Zen who introduced Dōshin to Rev. Okumura’s Living by Vow. She has a BA dual major in political science and foreign languages; a Master’s of Public Administration; and a Master’s of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy. She completed the Foundations Program at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care as well as chaplaincy internship and residency units at hospitals in Whittier and La Jolla, CA. In addition to 11-months of monastic training with Rev. Seido Suzuki Roshi at Toshoji Senmon Sodo in Okayama Japan, Dōshin has trained with her teacher, Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama at Long Beach Buddhist Church and Sozenji Buddhist Temple, and continues to serve with: Rev. Shumyo Kojima Roshi and the lay leadership at Zenshuji Soto Mission in Los Angeles; Rev. Mumon Savoy and the Jirando la Rueda del Dharma (Turning the Dharma Wheel) sangha in Veracruz Mexico; and Rev. Sozui Schubert at Hidden Valley Zen Center in San Marcos CA. Recently at the Cedar Rapids Zen Center she served for six months as interim practice director following the death of founding teacher Rev. Jien Zuiko Redding.
Email Doshin
Rev. Dōshin Diana Johnson is a Soto Zen Buddhist kokusai fukyoushi (international teacher/missionary). Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri within the Catholic religious tradition, she served over 3 decades in Chicago as a bilingual social worker and local government administrator. She experienced a ‘call’ to interfaith chaplaincy, began a divinity program at Chicago Theological Seminary and, following early retirement and a move to the southwest, started zazen practice with Rev. Daiho Hilbert of Clear Mind Zen who introduced Dōshin to Rev. Okumura’s Living by Vow. She has a BA dual major in political science and foreign languages; a Master’s of Public Administration; and a Master’s of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy. She completed the Foundations Program at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care as well as chaplaincy internship and residency units at hospitals in Whittier and La Jolla, CA. In addition to 11-months of monastic training with Rev. Seido Suzuki Roshi at Toshoji Senmon Sodo in Okayama Japan, Dōshin has trained with her teacher, Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama at Long Beach Buddhist Church and Sozenji Buddhist Temple, and continues to serve with: Rev. Shumyo Kojima Roshi and the lay leadership at Zenshuji Soto Mission in Los Angeles; Rev. Mumon Savoy and the Jirando la Rueda del Dharma (Turning the Dharma Wheel) sangha in Veracruz Mexico; and Rev. Sozui Schubert at Hidden Valley Zen Center in San Marcos CA. Recently at the Cedar Rapids Zen Center she served for six months as interim practice director following the death of founding teacher Rev. Jien Zuiko Redding.
3-day uchiyama roshi memorial march sesshin schedule
Note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Thursday, Mar 5
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki meal orientation 5:10 - Opening comments and zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, Mar 8 5:00 am - Participants in their seats 5:05 - Doshi entrance 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 6:45 - End of sesshin; cleanup 7:30 - Closing meeting Participants are welcome and encouraged to join regular public Sunday practice activities immediately following sesshin:
9:10 - Zazen with sangha 10:00 - Setup & break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:10 - Memorial service for Uchiyama Roshi followed by informal tea & snacks |
Fri & Sat, Mar 6 & 7
4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
5-day June sesshin daily schedule
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Tuesday, June 3
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting followed by oryoki meal orientation 5:10 - Opening comments and zazen 6:00 - Dinner & personal time 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, June 8 4:00 am - Participants in seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 6:45 - Temple cleaning/reset 7:30 - Closing chat & break Participants are encouraged to join our regular public Sunday practice which immediately follows sesshin:
9:10 am - Zazen with the sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:30 - End of Sunday practice; informal social tea & snacks |
Wednesday - Saturday, June 4 - 7
4:00 am - Participants in seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast & personal time 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch & personal time 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner & personal time 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
Rohatsu sesshin daily schedule
PLEASE NOTE: The dates for this year's Rohatsu sesshin have changed to Wed, Dec 3rd - Mon, Dec 8th., as reflected now throughout this page.
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Rohatsu sesshin is carried out each year across the Buddhist world in recognition of Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening under the bodhi tree. It offers a particularly intensive opportunity to come together to embody the Buddha's practice.
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Wednesday, Dec 3
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki meal orientation 5:10 - Opening comments and zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, Dec 7 same as Dec 1 - 6, except: 9:00 pm - Silent tea 9:20 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 am - Heart Sutra service Monday, Dec 8 7:30 am - Cleanup 8:00 - Informal breakfast 9:00 - End |
Thurs, Dec 4 - Sat, Dec 6
4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
Simplified Quiet February practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except Feb 15 - see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 15th (Nehan - Buddha's Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Nehan ceremony
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except Feb 15 - see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 15th (Nehan - Buddha's Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Nehan ceremony
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
Simplified Quiet August practice schedule - replaces regular practice schedule throughout August
During February and August at Sanshin, the regular practice schedule becomes quieter, less busy, and more focused on zazen. We let go of chanting services and Shobogenzo Zuimonki readings on weekday mornings, most Sunday dharma talks (which are replaced by one more period of zazen), and all evening practice activities.
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings* (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Announcements & bow out
*On Sunday, Aug 16th, we'll carry out a temple work day after one period of zazen. Lunch is provided, and all are welcome to participate.
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Aug 11 in-person & Aug 25 online, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings* (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Announcements & bow out
*On Sunday, Aug 16th, we'll carry out a temple work day after one period of zazen. Lunch is provided, and all are welcome to participate.
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Aug 11 in-person & Aug 25 online, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
Sesshin registration
Sesshin Registration
In order to successfully register, you'll need to complete the prompts listed under both the Registration Form and Payment Options tabs below.
If you intend to participate virtually, you may drop in freely (no registration) for scheduled periods of zazen through our virtual practice page.
If you intend to participate virtually, you may drop in freely (no registration) for scheduled periods of zazen through our virtual practice page.
registration form
Please fill out and submit the Registration Form HERE, and then proceed to payment.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the payment options below.
If you've already filled out the Registration Form for a previous sesshin or retreat, and all of your information remains the same as last time, you may proceed directly to the payment options below.
payment options
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: base and sponsor.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with sesshin.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Base contributions are calculated to cover the operating costs associated with sesshin.
Sponsor contributions help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the base amount.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Click a given button below to be redirected to a payment screen, which includes options for participation in the whole sesshin or a selection of full days.
I'm interested in receiving the precepts at Sanshin: Request form
I'm interested in receiving the precepts at Sanshin.
If you wish to receive the precepts in 2026, please fill out and submit the request form below after taking a thorough look around this webpage. We will follow up with you within a few days to continue the conversation. (If we don't, please contact us).
We'll close applications here when the maximum number of recipients is reached or sufficient lead time no longer remains - likely mid February, 2026 at latest.
We'll close applications here when the maximum number of recipients is reached or sufficient lead time no longer remains - likely mid February, 2026 at latest.
RSVP: I'll be there at the Sanshin salon!
Please fill out this RSVP Form to let us know that you're coming and whether you're bringing a guest by Jan 28th. We want to make sure there's enough food and seating. We're not charging a fee, but donations will be welcome to help cover costs.
Karla Passalacqua
Email Karla
Karla started practicing with Sanshin in 2016 and received lay precepts from Okumura Roshi in 2018. She has recently made a career change away from investigating microbes in the laboratory to her current role as Medical Writer & Editor in Medical Education at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She has a Master’s degree in Painting from Wayne State University and a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Michigan. Karla has experience practicing in the Korean Seon tradition, and she has been to India three times to teach biology at Tibetan Buddhist monasteries for the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative. A resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, she is a bit of a bird and bug nut, a walking enthusiast, and a book lover.
Email Karla
Karla started practicing with Sanshin in 2016 and received lay precepts from Okumura Roshi in 2018. She has recently made a career change away from investigating microbes in the laboratory to her current role as Medical Writer & Editor in Medical Education at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She has a Master’s degree in Painting from Wayne State University and a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Michigan. Karla has experience practicing in the Korean Seon tradition, and she has been to India three times to teach biology at Tibetan Buddhist monasteries for the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative. A resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, she is a bit of a bird and bug nut, a walking enthusiast, and a book lover.
Dharma leadership dana
Information about giving in support of dharma teaching at Sanshin is available here.
Dharma leadership dana
Sanshin honoraria fund
Sanshin offers an honorarium (a modest financial gift) to non-staff members leading a given practice activity at Sanshin. You can help Sanshin continue to support dharma leadership here.
Give to Doju
To make a donation directly to Doju (not tax-deductible), mail a check made out to "Daniel Layton" to:
P.O. Box 1577
Bloomington, IN 47402
P.O. Box 1577
Bloomington, IN 47402
Coming up: Introduction to Zen Buddhism
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Abbot Retirement Plan Fund
Sanshin Zen Community has established a deferred compensation plan to fund Okumura Roshi’s retirement. Annually, the board of directors will determine an amount to be contributed towards the plan. In making its decision, the board shall consider, among other things, the fundraising support it has received as well as the organization’s overall current and projected fiscal needs and demands.
Donors who wish to contribute to the fund may indicate their preferences when making their gifts. Sanshin Zen Community will strive to honor donor preferences but reserves the right to apply funds as needed. If you have any questions, please contact us.
To pay online: Click the Donate button below to give securely online using credit card or PayPal.
Sanshin Zen Community has established a deferred compensation plan to fund Okumura Roshi’s retirement. Annually, the board of directors will determine an amount to be contributed towards the plan. In making its decision, the board shall consider, among other things, the fundraising support it has received as well as the organization’s overall current and projected fiscal needs and demands.
Donors who wish to contribute to the fund may indicate their preferences when making their gifts. Sanshin Zen Community will strive to honor donor preferences but reserves the right to apply funds as needed. If you have any questions, please contact us.
To pay online: Click the Donate button below to give securely online using credit card or PayPal.
Virtual sesshin drop-in notice
Note: We'll be carrying out sesshin at Sanshin from June 2 - 7. During this time, regular practice activities are replaced by the sesshin schedule. Practitioners are welcome to drop in virtually for scheduled periods of zazen, using the regular green button below. There is no fee, and donations are welcome and appreciated.
Sunday, June 8th will follow our regular Sunday practice schedule.
Sunday, June 8th will follow our regular Sunday practice schedule.
=== DSI Announcements ===
Please refresh this page each morning to ensure you have the latest updates. The latest lecture recordings will be posted below.
It's helpful to enter the Zoom room at least five minutes prior to the start of each morning's lecture. If there are pre-lecture announcements scheduled (see above), please arrive earlier as needed. You can check the time at Sanshinji (in Bloomington, IN) relative to the time in your hometown here.
If you are interested in receiving the precepts at Sanshin in 2025, you'll need to fill out the form at the bottom of this page by Thursday, February 27th, to begin the process. As part of your discernment beforehand, it would also be helpful to visit our page on the precepts at Sanshin Source. Please also take a thorough look at the practice-context and logistical information provided throughout this page.
Sesshin descriptions
7-day Rohatsu: Rohatsu sesshin is carried out each year across the Buddhist world in recognition of Shakyamuni's awakening under the bodhi tree. Rohatsu is one of the sanbukki, the Three Buddha Days, marking the important events in Shakyamuni's life -- his birth, awakening, and death. Rohatsu sesshin is the longest sesshin we do at Sanshin, and on the final night we sit until midnight and then hold a brief chanting service.
3-day September: We will sit together for three days, carrying out our usual steady Sanshin-style sesshin practice.
The five-day June sesshin: is typically part of our annual three-month practice period, or ango. During the ango, a shuso, or head novice, serves as an apprentice teacher in order to develop leadership skills as Soto Zen clergy. While Hoko will lead the sesshin, the shuso will also serve as a model of practice in the zendo for the community. Learn more about our 2024 ango here.
Click here to make your gift of financial support today!
Monthly or one-time donations
Complete your transaction via PayPal or credit card
Complete your transaction via PayPal or credit card
Already a monthly donor and want to increase your giving amount?
First of all, thank you! To change the amount of your monthly gift, sign in to your PayPal account and delete the existing payment profile for Sanshin. Then create a new one for the new amount of your donations.
First of all, thank you! To change the amount of your monthly gift, sign in to your PayPal account and delete the existing payment profile for Sanshin. Then create a new one for the new amount of your donations.
To mail us a check: Please send to us at P. O. Box 1577, Bloomington IN 47402.
Quiet February & August: simplified practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Fourth Tuesday (), 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Fourth Tuesday (), 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
Coming up: Shuso ceremonies (web announcement)
- Saturday, June 29th: Honsoku gyocha (7 pm)
- Sunday, June 30th: Shuso hossen (hossenshiki) -- (10 am); followed by potluck lunch
Sanshin will mark the ending of the ango and of Esho's term as shuso (head novice) with two annual ceremonies. Everyone is welcome to participate, either in person or virtually -- no registration necessary. As part of her role as shuso, Esho has chosen a case (koan) from the Shoyoroku, or Book of Serenity, and Hoko will talk about it during the honsoku gyocha (formal tea) on June 29th. Esho will answer formal questions about it from the sangha during the shuso hossen on June 30th, which will be followed by a public potluck lunch. Visit our ango page for the complete case as well as further context and information.
Virtual page ango notice
Ango 2024 (Apr 1 - July 7)
Visit our Ango with Esho webpage to learn more about the context of ango (practice period) and its practice opportunities, and about Esho Morimoto, our shuso (head novice) for the next three months. Recordings of Esho's Sunday dharma talks and any associated resources and practices she provides will also be posted to the Ango page as they become available.
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February & August: Simplified in-person practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except for Sunday, Feb 18th -- see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 18th (Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Q & A
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except for Sunday, Feb 18th -- see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 18th (Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Q & A
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
February & August: Simplified virtual practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put them on before zazen. In the zendo, the doshi enters at 6:05 am, so practitioners at home may wish to be in your seat ready to go by then, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put them on before zazen. In the zendo, the doshi enters at 6:05 am, so practitioners at home may wish to be in your seat ready to go by then, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Regular virtual practice schedule
Weekday mornings
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
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
Wednesdays: 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday evening book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
- You may wish to view this talk by Okumura Roshi, in which he introduces Ryokan's life and work.
- Here is the Shushogi, to which reference has recently been made in our reading of the book.
Regular in-person practice schedule
Weekday mornings
Please be in your seat and ready to go by 6:05, in time for the doshi's bows.
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
Please be in your seat and ready to go by 6:05, in time for the doshi's bows.
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
- See this talk by Okumura Roshi, in which he introduces Ryokan's life and work
- Here is the Shushogi, to which reference has recently been made in our reading of the book.
Saturday is our day off; there's no public practice.
Sunday morning zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am):
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
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 Hoko followed by World Peace ceremony
- Fourth Sunday: Talk by Doju
- Fifth Sunday: Talk by Hoko or a senior practitioner
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
David Fukudō Thompson
Director of the Dōgen Institute
Email David
David joined the board of Sanshin in February 2012. He has been practicing with Okumura Roshi since 2004 – in Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Bloomington. David has also practiced at other Zen Centers on the East Coast. He began sitting in 2001 with a student of Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi and received the precepts from Reb in 2009. David is currently editing one of Hojo-san's books-in-progress. He is a retired IT strategy consultant, with Master’s degrees in American Civilization and in Organization Development. He is thrilled to have been leading the Dōgen Institute since 2012 and enjoys working and corresponding with its many volunteers across the world. David is a native of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys hiking, and is an avid student of Japanese.
Director of the Dōgen Institute
Email David
David joined the board of Sanshin in February 2012. He has been practicing with Okumura Roshi since 2004 – in Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Bloomington. David has also practiced at other Zen Centers on the East Coast. He began sitting in 2001 with a student of Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi and received the precepts from Reb in 2009. David is currently editing one of Hojo-san's books-in-progress. He is a retired IT strategy consultant, with Master’s degrees in American Civilization and in Organization Development. He is thrilled to have been leading the Dōgen Institute since 2012 and enjoys working and corresponding with its many volunteers across the world. David is a native of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys hiking, and is an avid student of Japanese.
Template for virtual talks for other temples:
Hoko's talk for Great Tree Zen Temple (Asheville, NC):
What Drives Our Practice?
Connection without Dependance
Saturday, September 23 at 9:30 am EDT
Open to the public -- click here to join
Sanshin's approach to practice is one of nonreliance, or connection without dependance. It's a continuing exploration of an important question: what's driving our practice? It's not calendars, teachers, systems or doctrines -- but without those things, how do we keep practice from becoming a free-for-all based only on our own opinions and preferences? How do we know we're succeeding, and how do we keep from flying apart as a community?
Hoko's talk for Great Tree Zen Temple (Asheville, NC):
What Drives Our Practice?
Connection without Dependance
Saturday, September 23 at 9:30 am EDT
Open to the public -- click here to join
Sanshin's approach to practice is one of nonreliance, or connection without dependance. It's a continuing exploration of an important question: what's driving our practice? It's not calendars, teachers, systems or doctrines -- but without those things, how do we keep practice from becoming a free-for-all based only on our own opinions and preferences? How do we know we're succeeding, and how do we keep from flying apart as a community?
