Summer Sesshin
5-Day Meditation Retreat
Teacher: Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, Sensei
July 21-26, 2026
6:30pm Tuesday - 1:00pm Sunday MDT
Sesshin, which means “to unify the heart-mind,” is a profound opportunity to fully immerse and deepen in the practice of awakened life together over an extended period of time.
We concentrate our meditation and mindfulness in all our activities. We will hold noble silence throughout the retreat as we practice zazen, walking meditation, mindful movement, work practice, dharma talks, and chant service together each day.
Individual direction is also offered in private meetings (dokusan or daisan) with the teacher or assistant teacher.
Sesshin Overview
Begins: Tuesday, July 21st 6:30pm
Ends: Sunday, July 26th 1:00pm MDT
The retreat will be held in person at the beautiful Willow Farm Contemplative Center 11898 N 75th St, Longmont, CO 80503.
Online participation is also available. All are welcome.
Daily Schedule and Participation
We encourage you to attend the Full Retreat which provides a strong container for deep practice. Daytime and Part-time participation is an option on a space-available basis.
Full Retreat
Tuesday, July 21
6:30pm-8:20pm Opening program + guidelinesWednesday - Saturday, July 22-25
5:30am-8:20pm Includes 3 mealsSunday, July 26
5:30am-12:00pm Includes breakfast
12:00pm-1:00pm Celebratory Sangha lunch at Willow FarmDaytime only:
Tues 6:30pm-8:20pm, Wed-Sat 8am-5pm
Sun 8am-1pm. Includes lunchesOnline: same as above, without meals
Part-Time: Half days or select days
A more detailed schedule is below. If you need to adjust your participation based on personal circumstances, please note that on the form when you register or write to us at staff@eonzen.org before the retreat begins.
If you have not attended a multi-day retreat before, we recommend you join in one of the shorter Zazenkai (one-day) or 2-Day Weekend Sesshin leading up to the 5-Day Summer Sesshin. View all upcoming retreats here.
Overnight Accommodations:
Tent/Vehicle Camping at Willow Farm is available along with two small campers and a hermitage on the grounds for use, with priority given those from out-of-town. Tent/vehicle campers will need to bring your own tent/camping/sleeping 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 near Willow Farm in a hotel or vacation rental.
Please indicate your desired overnight accommodations when you register.
For questions, please write to us at staff@eonzen.org.
We look forward to joining in deep practice together.
Registration
This retreat is offered by sliding scale to ensure access and equity within our sangha. “Dana” means generosity in Pali, and is the first of the six paramita practices, or perfections. For some, it is an act of dana to support other community members; for some, it is an act of dana to receive support.
Deadline to Register: Friday, July 17th
Contribution
Please select an amount you can pay to participate that is both generous and reasonable for you. Contributions support the meals, facilities, and other resources required for Willow Farm Contemplative Center and Eon Zen Center to host the retreat.
If you are called and able, you can also contribute separately to our Sangha Practice Fund when you register to support the participation of others with less means.
Suggested Contribution to Attend:
Eon Zen Members
Full Day: $50-70/day $250-$350 full retreat
Daytime: $40-60/day $200-$300 full retreat
Online: $20-$30/day $100-$150 full retreat
Non-Members
Full Day: $60-80/day $300-$400 full retreat Daytime: $50-70/day $250- $350 full retreat Online: $30-40/day $150-$200 full retreat
Pay What You Can
If you have financial constraints, please choose any amount when you register to pay what you can for either the full retreat or part-time. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Whatever you are able to contribute will be of benefit.
Part-Time Attendance:
Please calculate your total contribution based on the number of days or half-days you plan to attend.
Sample Schedule - more details to come (subject to change)
Tuesday Evening July 21
3:30pm - 5:30pm Campers Arrive - dinner on own
5:30pm - 6:00pm Commuters Arrive
6:30pm - 8:20pm Sesshin Opening Program + Introductory Guidelines
8:20 Four Vows, Evening Gatha
9:00pm Lights Out - Campers
Wednesday - Saturday
July 22-25 (Full Days)
5am Wake Up - Campers
5:30am - 7:20am Early Morning Program
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 Daytime - Morning Program
10:50am - 11:50am Closing Circle
12:00pm - 1:00pm Celebratory Lunch at Willow Farm