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AUGUST SESSION
9–16 August 2026
A Tradition of Spiritual Retreat
Since the time of the Buddha, certain periods of the year have traditionally been devoted to long-term spiritual retreats, in connection with the rainy season in India.
This custom has been preserved over the centuries and continues to this day, including in Europe.
It is a precious opportunity to withdraw from the world and dedicate oneself fully to the practice of zazen, the seated meditation of the Sôtô Zen Buddhist tradition.
An Immersion in Monastic Community Life
At Ryumonji Monastery, every moment of the day is an opportunity to cultivate concentration and to live fully in the present moment.
Retreat participants share the daily rhythm of the monks and nuns, marked by:
- Zen meditation (zazen)
- teachings
- samu (voluntary activities in the service of the community)
- ceremonies
All teachings are offered by Master Reigen Wang-Genh, abbot of the monastery, with the support of experienced monks and nuns.
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The retreat is divided into two parts:
1. Preparation
From Sunday, August 9 to Tuesday, August 11 – 3 zazen per day
Arrival is scheduled for Saturday, August 8 in the evening (5–6 pm).
During this period, the rhythm alternates between meditation (zazen), samu (voluntary activities in service of the community), rituals, and teachings on the precepts.
A friendly communal meal is organized on Tuesday evening, followed by a rest day on Wednesday, August 15.
2. The sesshin
SESSHIN - From Thursday, August 13 (6 pm) to Sunday, August 16 (2:30 pm) – 4 zazen per day
Arrival takes place on Wednesday, August 12 between 5 and 6 pm.
This second part is more intensive, focused on the practice of zazen and teachings.
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Une journée type d'une sesshin
| 6h00 | Wake-up |
|---|---|
| 6h30-8h15 | Zazen - zen meditation - then morning ceremony |
| 8h15-9h00 | Guen-mai - breakfast in silence - coffee |
| 9h30-10h30 | Voluntary Participation in Community Tasks – Samu |
| 11h00-12h30 | Zazen & Teisho - teaching by master reigen Wang-Genh |
| 12h30-13h15 | Lunch in silence - coffee |
| 14h45-17h00 | Voluntary Participation in Community Tasks – Samu |
| 17h30-18h45 | Zazen et mondo - question/answer with Master Wang-Genh |
| 18h45-19h15 | Dinner |
| 20h30- 21h45 | Zazen - Zen meditation - Then evening ceremony |
| 22h15 | Bedtime |
RATES
(Teaching, accommodation, and meals included)
- Full session (preparation + sesshin):
€545 (€408 for students and job seekers) - Preparation (first 3 days):
€290 (€218 for students and job seekers) - Sesshin (4 days):
€280 (€210 for students and job seekers)
SPECIAL NOTICE – Long-time and regular participants, please contact us directly by email.
To take part in the monastery’s activities, it is necessary to be a member of the Zen Temple of Weiterswiller Association. The annual membership fee is €15.
*The Communauté de Communes Hanau La Petite Pierre has introduced a tourist tax throughout its entire territory to support the development of tourism initiatives. It has been in effect since May 1, 2022, and for the year 2026 amounts to €0.85 per person per night (to be paid in addition).
INSCRIPTION PREPARATION AUGUST
Please indicate whether you are attending the full retreat, the preparation, or the sesshin
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT - please take note of :
- membership conditions
- what to bring with you
- access to the temple (by train or car)
- the possibility of car pooling
By logging on to the :
SHALL WE TRAVEL TOGETHER?
As a participant, we offer you the opportunity to organise car pooling so that you can share the cost while reducing your carbon footprint. And all this while sharing a moment of conviviality with other retreatants :)
