Category Archives: Retreats

Crosby Sesshin, Now and Then – John Suigen Kenworthy

In September and October we ran two online sesshins. The aim was to replicate, as far as possible, a physical sesshin, with extended sitting periods, interviews, work periods (samu) and services. There were also suggestions provided for meal preparation and other shared samu activities. The feedback for both these events was very positive. Whilst everyone […]

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Autumn Sesshin 2017 – Karen Robbie

Many thanks to Karen Robbie  for sharing these poems about her experiences on the last Crosby sesshin in October and for this image of her painting, Flower.   Morning Zazen The zendo warm and smoky. Glowing with a candle. I sit on my zafu. The fold of robes as they fall. Think about words. Letting […]

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Bright and Clear by Karen Shoji Robbie

We are currently gathering contributions from sangha members of the theme of showing up with our insecurities. Here Karen shares her experience of facing hers on a Chan retreat. In between branches the moon bright and clear I look up I arrive in the dark in the mud. A bright head torch and a friendly […]

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Wild geese and wood sheds

It’s the final full weekend of the August Training period in the Lake District and a small group of us (Stephan, Emma, Isshin and myself) are awaiting the new arrivals today for the final week of the retreat.  The weather is beautiful as we look out across the Lowther valley eating breakfast. We have maintained […]

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