Calendar

Regular events

CWA Hall and Zoom Zendo

Every two weeks we alternate between regular full-day or half-day retreats at the CWA Hall (21 Elizabeth Street, Sawtell) and Zoom Zazen and Dharma Talks (see Calendar above for details).

Tuesday and Friday Mornings

Every Tuesday morning from 7:45am to 8:45am we alternate between silent meditation (Zazen) and guided meditations by Sono and our OzZen Dharma Facilitators.

Every Friday morning from 7:45am to 8:45am we have a short period of Zazen followed by the Reading Discussion Group.  This year we are reading the work of Barry Magid (see Calendar above for details).

Use this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 492 917 3299).

Individual interviews

Commencing in June 2024, Sono is offering 45 minute interviews during the week (Tuesday to Friday) on the basis of a value-based donation (dana). Students who are studying the precepts (and OzZen members in general) will be able to meet with Sono to have an in-depth discussion about our psychologically-minded approach to Zen practice. It is recommended that you make a commitment to attend meetings on a monthly basis, but one-off meetings are also fine.

If interested, please email Sono directly: [email protected] to book a date and time.

Special Events

Sesshins (Zen Retreats)

Each year we offer a four-day Autumn sesshin at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Red Rock, sometime during May and a four-day Spring sesshin in October or November.

OzZen Yarrawarra Sesshin May 14 – 18 2025

In this sesshin we will focus on the theme Zen Awakening and our Relational Selves. It will explore how we integrate the “true self” of Buddhism: nonseparation from life as it is (the absolute) with the maturation of our relational self – which is the outcome of process of developmental growth (the relative).  It will also explore what can go wrong if we only focus on the realisation of the “true self” at the expense or neglect of the relational self.

Sono will give dharma talks and hold one-on-one meetings (Dokusan) with participants.  There will also be opportunites for small group work. Time will also be set aside to explore the natural beauty of the local environment.

Venue: Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 69 Red Rock Road, Corindi Beach, NSW.

Dates: 14 May – 18 May 2025 

Commences Wednesday afternoon 14th May. Arrive from 3pm on Wednesday to settle into your accommodation.  We meet for Orientation at 5pm followed by informal dinner at 6pm.  Formal sesshin commences at 7.00pm and finishes at 12.30pm on Sunday followed by informal lunch.  All friends and members are welcome:

Fee for members:  

$550 for accommodation plus vegetarian meals or $515 for camping plus meals.

Fee for friends: 

$600 for accommodation plus vegetarian meals or $550 for camping plus meals.

Note: Please pay a non-refundable deposit of $50 to register and payments finalised by 9th of May.

Please click here on register and fill in the on-line form to secure your place and then email our Treasurer Andrew McQuilkin 

([email protected]) to let him know you have registered.

All OzZen offerings are freely given to allow access to all people regardless of income. If you are able to give financial support, please access the donation button on the OzZen website under the Events section.