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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 Full Day Retreat: TBA

Time: 9:00 – 3:00 pm at Sawtell CWA Hall. Cost: $40 for full day, $30 for half (to cover costs). Please bring your own lunch. The day will include a talk in the morning and group reflection in the afternoon. You are very welcome to join in. Facilitator for the day is Louise Shinsho.

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 May 27 – 31 2026

In this sesshin we will focus on the theme Relational Ethics and the Transmission of the Precepts. Two students will receive Jukai and Zenko Jack and Shinsho Louise will receive Denkai transmission.

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 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.

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 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.