Explore the heart of wisdom and compassion with the Village Zendo in two back-to back summer sesshins—July 18th through August 2nd 2026 at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut.

You may join for a whole week or both weeks.

Returning to Silence Sesshin: July 18 – 24

A refreshingly quiet week of sitting and walking meditation, without dharma talks, but including daily work practice, body practice, liturgy and private interview with Roshi Shinryu Thomson and Village Zendo teachers.

The week will conclude with a Precepts Ceremony (Jukai), in which several VZ students will receive the Buddhist Precepts from Shinryu Roshi. The ceremony provides an opportunity for all of us to renew our vow to manifest the mind of wisdom and compassion by embodying the Buddhist ethical teachings.

Voice of Wisdom Sesshin: July 25 – August 2

A “classic sesshin” including dharma talks around the theme of our ango study text and private interview with Roshi Shinryu Thomson and Village Zendo teachers. We will be returning to family style Oryoki (a traditional Zen way of taking a meal together). The week will conclude with a Shuso Hossen ceremony in which our Shuso (ango practice leader) will give voice to their wisdom by giving their first dharma talk and the sangha will respond with wisdom of its own by challenging them in “Dharma Dialogue”.

Important Note for First-Time Retreatants

If this is your first time attending a retreat with the Village Zendo, we kindly ask that you speak with Ryoshin before registering. Sesshin can be a rigorous and intense experience, and this conversation is meant to help ensure that it is an appropriate and supportive step for you at this time.

For additional information and to register on the Village Zendo website, follow this link.