…Four days, three good walks (which could be from 2ish until 4.30 each afternoon) not every one attended by everyone. Not as well filled as usual (nine total, in a room for a dozen max) – due to illness and then the ‘waiting list’ also unable to get there.
This one had a welcome different feel, with – as is the case with Samu Sesshin – no silence at all, except for of course during the four and a half zendo hours daily (a nice time-balance to the four-and-three-quarter hours – for the keen ones, more! – scheduled samu)
Quite a lot to do with less than the number of people expected; however, with Sensei feeling happy at the end with what had been accomplished, very satisfying. Lucky with weather, which was warm and ¾ dry, supporting all the outdoor work planned – maintenance, building, garden.
With normal talking one got to know people better, that was one of the plusses, with the working together of course. There is presently only one of these a year.