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There is a coin. On one side is birth. On the other side is death. This coin is called life. The totality of birth and death is life itself.

We can honor each moment as each moment contains birth and death. The continuity of moment is life.

Buddha’s birth speaks of Buddha-nature. The nature of all beings. Within the mystery, the Buddha’s birthday is every being’s birthday. Buddha’s birthday is celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world. We come together at Ashland Zen Center for our celebration this April fourth to sixth.

Buddha’s Birthday Sesshin registration is open. Attached is a registration form. Registration forms are also available on the bulletin board in the hallway of the zendo building.

'Sesshin' from the Japanese, means to touch, or gather, heart-mind.  In order to do this, we set aside personal routines, step away from home life, and completely enter sesshin together. The schedule is simple: zazen, kinhin, bowing, chanting, oryoki, work, rest, sleep. To receive the full benefit of sesshin it is strongly encouraged to attend the entire sesshin and sleep at Ashland Zen Center.

If it is not possible for a person to attend all three days, registration for a minimum of one full day will be accepted with permission of the leader, Tendo Stacy.  For example, Dawn is not able to take Friday off work so she will register for two days.  She will arrive Friday evening to wake up at Zen Center on Saturday morning. 

Registration for partial days is permitted for medical reasons.  Please communicate your needs to the sesshin leader.
 

Tendo Stacy and Kigetsu Ramana will offer dokusan (going alone to the teacher) during sesshin. Dokusan is face to face sharing of understanding and a time to ask questions about practice.

It is our tradition to make an offering for the teachings. For this purpose, a dana (offering) bowl will be out during sesshin. All the money collected there will go directly to the teacher.
 

Sesshin fees are $150, or $120 for pledging members. For those able to sit only part of sesshin, this is $50/day, or $40/day for pledging members. A donation for overnight accommodation is appropriate and can be added to your payment. You may also add a donation to the Scholarship Fund if you wish.  Payment will be due at the time of registration. There are no refunds for canceling.  Religious Education is fully tax-deductible in the State of Oregon. Ashland Zen Center's Tax-ID Number is 93-1146070.  Partial scholarships may be available for those for whom the registration fee is the only barrier to attending.  Ask the sesshin leader.

After you register and before sesshin you will receive information about accommodations, a list of what to bring to sesshin, and sesshin guidelines.

The registration deadline is Friday, March 21st 2025

Download the registration form here.

Fill it out and return to the Zen Center or email it back

Fill out registration form, make check payable to AZC, and mail or deliver both to:

Ashland Zen Center

740 Tolman Creek Road

Ashland OR 97520

Pay by PayPal

You may pay here online for an additional 3.6% to cover PayPal fees. Religious Education is fully tax-deductible. Ashland Zen Center's Tax-ID Number is 93-1146070.