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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).

Next One Day Retreat: TBA

Time: 9:00 – 3:00 pm at Sawtell CWA Hall.

Fee: Everyone is welcome to attend without payment, however our suggested contribution to cover costs is $40 for full-day attendance + Dana for facilitator for the day.

Tuesday and Friday Mornings

Every Tuesday morning from 7:45am to 8:45am we offer silent meditation (Zazen) and once a month 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.  We read books from teachers in the Ordinary Mind Zen Tradition, typically focussing on Barry Magid or Joko Beck.

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

Individual interviews

Sono is offering 60 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 2026. Not One, Not Two: Finding the Middle Way in Everyday Life and Relationships

In this annual Yarrawarra Retreat we will explore the theme of finding the middle way in everyday life and relationships. How we live and express the realisation of unity within diversity and diversity within unity.  This will include discussions on relational ethics and the transmission of the precepts.

Two students will receive Jukai and two students, Zenko Jack Wicks and Shinsho Louise Cranny will receive denkai transmission and will begin their journey as assistant teachers under the supervision of Andrew Sono Tootell.

Sono and others will give dharma talks and Sono hold one-on-one meetings (Dokusan) with participants.  Time will also be set aside to explore the natural beauty of the local environment. And of course there will be our talent night!

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

Dates: 27 May – 31 May 2026 

Commences Wednesday afternoon 27th May 2026. 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:  

$650 for accommodation plus vegetarian meals or $600 for camping plus meals for members. Partial attendance is discouraged but possible under certain circumstances ($165.50 per day).

Fee for friends: 

$700 for accommodation plus vegetarian meals or $650 for camping plus meals.

Note: Please pay a non-refundable deposit of $50 to register and payments finalised by 20th of May.

Please pay into the OzZen Bank Account:

BSB: 533000

A/C: 02052963

Reference: Yarrawarra Sesshin and full name

Please click here to download the registration form.

Please email your registration form to Treasurer Andrew McQuilkin ([email protected]) and/or to let him know you have made a payment.

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.