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Kesa Sewing
21–23 August 2026
One of the traditional practices of Soto Zen Buddhism is the sewing of the kesa, a garment identical to the one worn by Shakyamuni Buddha 2500 years ago. He had gathered pieces of cloth from various sources to form a long robe and cover his body. This tradition has been passed down from master to disciple through the ages in a spirit of simplicity and deep faith.
The kesa exists in a smaller version, the rakusu: worn on a daily basis, it reminds the practitioner of his or her commitment to the Zen path.
During the sewing weekends, everybody has the possibility to learn the rules for assembling these garments, to discover a peaceful and concentrated form of work and to develop qualities of patience and perseverance. Each stitch like a grain of rice, the work like a rice field, and the teaching of the monks and nuns like the water irrigating the whole.
The necessary materials will be at your disposal: black cloth, needles, thread, silk, etc.
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Program
- The course will take place from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, 2026.
- Arrival is on Thursday, August 20 at 5:00 PM (dinner at 8:30 PM).
- Departure is on Sunday, August 23 after lunch.
RATES
(Teaching, accommodation and meals included)
- Sewing Weekend: 246 € (184€ for students and job seekers). For those who wish to start sewing rakusu, please allow 50€ (check or cash) for the sewing kit.
- To participate in the activities of the monastery, you must be a member of the Association of the Zen Temple of Weiterswiller. Annual fee: 15 €.
SPECIAL NOTICE – Long-time and regular participants, please contact us directly by email.
*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).
Or I send an email to info@meditation-zen.org
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 :)
