Many Flowers of ZEN
Zen Simply Sitting is an open network with Sanghas, Dojos and individuals from all over Europe who maintain and develop the Zen practice in the West, without depending from traditional institutions or from each other.
Most of the participants come from the Lineage of Deshimaru but the Sesshins are of course open to practitioners from all directions and traditions.
Over the last 50 years, a vibrant and diverse Zen practice has been established throughout Europe. Within this diversity, however, it may happen that one loses contact with each other. The Zen Simply Sitting Sesshins offer a unique opportunity for practitioners to meet and enrich each other and to recognize this diversity of Zen across Europe again. For this reason, the Godos, the places and the organizations always change.
Practicing together with others from different sanghas and the mutual exchange are in the focus of the Zen Simply Sitting sesshins.
In the past such Sesshins have taken place in Spain, France, and Ireland. The last Sesshin in Germany planned in 2020 had to be cancelled due to the Corona pandemic. The participants usually come from all over Europe: Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, England, Germany, Hungary, Croatia...
A Summer Camp in the Forest
Last year, the Zen group Halle managed to hold Sesshins and summer camps despite the pandemic, by moving our practice completely into nature, just like in Buddha’s time.
This year again we will set up our dojo and tents in the forest for the period of the summer camp. This time, however, not just for ourselves but for the open summer camp of Zen Simply Sitting.
The site is located at an altitude of about 600 m in the direct vicinity of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz mountains. The forest and the area belong to the holiday camp Benneckenstein. So we will practice and sleep outdoors, but at the same time we can use all facilities of the site like the kitchen, showers, and toilets.
Same Practice - Different Circumstances
Please note, the outdoor summer camp is NOT like camping holidays plus a little bit of Zazen. The focus lies on practicing Zen together: the preparation period will consist of three Zazen per day, with Samu and activities in between. After that, there will be a day off, and then follows the Sesshin period with about 4 to 5 Zazen per day.
All activities—this includes Zazen, the meals, samu and the accommodation—take place outside, and, in addition to that, in the mountains. That’s why we must be adaptive to circumstances for our Zazen, for the meals, or even we might require possible construction work in the forest. Thus, be sure to come with an open mind, with two strong hands and, just in case, good rain gear!
The Godo
The persons who conduct a Zen Simply Sitting Sesshin change each time. For this time, our Godo will be Tom Jikai Cleary from Galway, Ireland. Tom has been practicing Zazen since 1992 in the lineage of Mokudo Taisen Deshimaru. He received his ordination as a Zen Monk in 1996 and is now head of the Zen Dojo Galway.
The Organisation
This year, the Dojos Halle and Rostock will organise the Sesshin. You can contact us in German, English or French.
Covid and more
Currently (March 2021) it appears that the Covid vaccinations are progressing well.
Nevertheless, we are still planning the summer camp under Covid conditions. That means, there will be no group dormitory, we will apply clear hygiene rules at the kitchen samu, service and kitchen work strictly separated, during the ride between the location and the train station the car windows stay open and masks are worn, etc.
As far as ticks are concerned, the Upper Harz is not a TBE risk area. Moreover, the terrain is in a fir forest without grass cover, so tick bites are rather rare.
Dates and Times
We scheduled the sesshin so that the arrival falls conveniently on a Saturday. Then, from Sunday to Friday, we dedicate the time to the Zen practice, and on the following Saturday, we can return home in peace and slowly get used to our everyday life again.
Arrival and Sesshin Start
Saturday, 12 June is the day of arrival. For those who come by train we are organising a drive service from and to the train stations of Nordhausen and Bad Lauterberg.
Summer Camp lasting from Sunday to Saturday
The summer camp starts Sunday morning, June 13, and lasts until Saturday morning, June 19.
Departure on Saturday
We wll leave the site on Saturday, June 19 in the afternoon.
Arrival of the Installation Team
The set-up will be more demanding than usual. Therefore, all those who are part of the installation team will arrive already on Friday evening, June 11.
Anreise und mehr
Arrival via Public Transport
If you come by public transport, then you have to contact us in time so that we can organise a transport service to the nearest train station to Nordhausen or Bad Lauterberg.
Arrival with Own Car
The exact address for your navigation system is: Schullandheim Benneckenstein, Waldschlößchen 6, 38877 Oberharz am Brocken
Everything else
Your Packing List
Since the procedures will be a bit different due to Corona, you will also need more or different things than usual.
Bring with you:
Tent + sleeping mat
You have to bring your own tent. A sleeping pad is recommended, an air mattress is not necessary. The forest floor is very soft and bouncy.Really good and waterproof rain gear!!!
The mountain region where we are is relatively arid. But of course it can rain for a few days and if your clothes get wet then you have a real problem.Eating bowl, spoon and dish cloth
Thermos and own mug
There are no dishes there, zero, niente. That means you have to take care of your drinking utensilsZafu and Zafuton, if possible. There will be only very few guest zafus available.
Sharp kitchen knife
Clothing: If you do not have a kimono or kolomo, please bring loose, comfortable, dark clothing.
Flashlight or mobile phone with lamp. It is completely dark in the forest even when there is a full moon. You will not find your tent without a flashlight.Music instruments are welcome :)
Contact and Registration
Please find the registration form form here.
Hotline
Call Lucius at +49 170-75 95 117 for any questions or if you got lost during your trip etc..