Summer Sesshin
5-Day Meditation Retreat
Teacher: Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, Sensei
July 21-26, 2026
6:30pm Tuesday - 1:00pm Sunday MT
Sesshin, which means “to unify the heart-mind,” is a profound opportunity to fully immerse and deepen in our practice of awakened mind over an extended period of time.
The intention is to concentrate our meditation and mindfulness in all our activities. We will hold noble silence throughout the retreat as we sit eight to twelve periods of zazen together and join in walking meditation, mindful movement, work practice, dharma talks, and liturgy chant service each day.
Individual direction is also offered in private meetings (dokusan or daisan) with the teacher or assistant teacher.
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Willow Farm Contemplative Center east of Longmont, CO. Online participation is also available. All are welcome.
Sesshin Program Overview
Tuesday, July 21st
6:30pm-8:20pm evening program + introductory guidelines
Wednesday - Saturday July 22-25
5:30am-8:00am early morning (includes breakfast)
8:00am-5:00pm daytime (includes lunch)
5:00pm-8:20pm evening (includes dinner)
Sunday, July 26th
5:30am-8:00am early morning (includes breakfast)
8:00am-12:00pm daytime
12:00pm-1:00pm celebratory sangha lunch at Willow Farm
We encourage you to attend the Full Day if you are able — and, regardless of participation, to maintain the mind of sesshin throughout the week as much as possible.
Options for Overnight: Tent/Car Camping on the grounds at Willow Farm will be available. You will need to bring your own camping gear and be prepared for mid-summer weather conditions. Otherwise, in-person participants may commute from home, or arrange to stay on your own or with others nearby in a hotel or vacation rental.
We look forward to joining in deep practice together.
Registration will open soon.
Sliding Scale will be offered for this retreat.
In-person and online registration options:
Full Retreat - Full or 3/4 Day (daytime + early morning and/or evening, includes three meals)
Full Retreat - Daytime only (8am-5pm, includes lunch)
Part-Time - Half Days or select days
We are committed to making Zen practice available to all regardless of financial situation. If finances are limited, a Dana Registration will also be available (pay what you can). Please write to us at staff@eonzen.org to inquire.
Sample Schedule - more details to come (subject to change)
Tuesday Evening July 21
4:30pm - 5:30pm Campers Arrive - dinner on own
5:30pm - 6:00pm Commuters Arrive
6:30pm - 8:20pm Evening Program + Introductory Guidelines
8:20 Four Vows, Evening Gatha
9:00pm Lights Out - Willow Farm
Wednesday - Saturday
July 22-25 (Full Days)
5am Wake Up - Campers
5:30am - 7:20am Early Morning Zazen
7:20am Meal Service - Breakfast
8:00am - 5:00pm Daytime - Morning Program
12:15pm Meal Service / Rest
1:30pm - 5:00pm Daytime - Afternoon Program
5:00pm Meal Service - Dinner
6:30 - 8:20pm Evening Program
8:20 Four Vows, Evening Gatha
9:00pm Lights Out - Campers
Sunday July 26
5am Wake Up - Campers
5:30am - 7:20am Early Morning Zazen
7:20am Meal Service - Breakfast
8:00am - 10:50am Morning Program
10:50am - 11:50am Closing Circle
12:00pm - 1:00pm Celebratory Lunch at Willow Farm