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JULY SESSION & JUKAI
12–19 July 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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Jukai Ceremony
During this retreat, Jukai will take place — the ceremony for receiving the precepts of Sôtô Zen.
Preparatory teachings will be given on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the ceremony will be held on Sunday.
For all those wishing to receive the precepts, arrival is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th, around 5:00 p.m.
The retreat is divided into two parts:
1. Preparation
From July 12 to 14 – 3 zazen per day
Arrival is scheduled for Friday, July 11th in the evening (between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.).
During this period, the rhythm alternates between meditation (zazen), samu (voluntary activities in service of the community), rituals, and teachings on the precepts.
These teachings are open to everyone:
- those who have already received the precepts (Jukai),
- as well as those who wish to receive them in the future.
A convivial meal will be organized on Tuesday evening, followed by a rest day on Wednesday, July 16th.
2. The Sesshin
From Thursday, July 16 (6:00 PM) to Sunday, July 19 (2:30 PM) – 4 zazen per day
Arrival takes place on Wednesday, July 15 between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
This second part is more intensive, focused on the practice of zazen.
It will conclude with the Jukai ceremony, the formal transmission of the Buddhist precepts.
All the information about the Jukai sesshin
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A Typical Day
| 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) - Registration fee for the Jukai ceremony: €50
- 1 kit to sew the Rakusu yourself: €50 – OR – Pre-sewn Rakusu: €250
- Please plan a donation (fuse) for the teacher
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).
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 :)
