Jizo-an Zen Community
Meditation - Mindfulness - Benevolent Service - Community
DECEMBER 13TH-15TH
MURRAY GROVE RETREAT CENTER
Rohatsu Sesshin is an annual event traditionally held in Zen Monasteries and Practice Centers throughout the world around the 8th of December to mark the enlightenment of the historical Buddha. It is a powerful event, a gathering of Monks, Teachers, Students, Community and Dharma Friends who are dedicated to awakening and realizing The Way of Loving-Kindness, Compassion and Wisdom. This Sesshin (retreat) is in silence with periods of sitting and walking meditation, chanting, teachings, and free time for reflection. Sesshin provides a powerful, peaceful, and inspirational environment supporting the unification of body and mind, and community.
Rohatsu Sesshin will be held at Murray Grove Retreat Center, Lanoka Harbor, Ocean County, NJ 08734. The retreat center is located on 20 acres nestled in the Pine Barrens adjacent to the 200-acre Edwin B. Fortsythe Wildlife Refuge.
The Sesshin begins Friday morning, December 13th and continues through Sunday afternoon, December 15th. In order to experience the magic of this sesshin, the monks strongly encourage participation in the full sesshin. However, if this is not possible, we encourage participation to the maximum extent practical.
Details regarding lodging, registration and schedule can be found here.
The Order of The Great Lights
The Zen Society, Jizo-an Zen Community
Our Mission...
We are a diverse community of Lay Contemplative Zen Monks, founded in 1985 by our brother, the Abbot Seijaku Roshi. Inspired by a monastic tradition reaching back centuries, and supported by men and women from all walks of life, we are shaped by the teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We hope to live the teachings of Loving-kindness, Compassion, and Benevolent Service for all beings together. Seeking to help create an "Enlightened Society," we hope that we will, in some measure, foster the healing and reconciliation of the whole human family.
We offer both traditional and innovative ways to nurture and engage Authentic Spirituality through our public programs and retreats. All are welcome to visit, and to join us in our celebrations of common prayer, meditation, and learning.
Our Zendo or Meditation Hall affords an atmosphere in which quiet reflection and prayer are accessible to all.
Whether attending in-person or online, a Wednesday Evening Zen Studies Class, a seminar, Liturgy Service, or a full-day or half-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to experience a welcoming and contemplative environment — a dynamic, integrated spiritual community and a place to encounter your own inner silence, wisdom, and compassion.
"Community is the Spirit, the Guiding Light, whereby people come together to fulfill a purpose, to help others fulfill their purpose, and to take care of one another."
Jizo-an Zen Community offers a variety of in-person and online programs to inspire, serve, and educate the public about the Dharma and the meaning of Living Spiritually in the World — Living a Zen-Inspired Life. We offer both free programs, as well as programs accessible by donation.
Please note that if you are planning on attending any program in person, you can pay the program registration fee in person at the door. Registration online is only required if you will be attending the program online via Zoom. In-person registration can be paid by cash or check, made out to The Zen Society.
What Bonds The Monks of Pine Wind?
by Joe Lamberti, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
CONTACT US
Jizo-an Zen Community
1930 Marlton Pike E.
Executive Mews, Suite L-63
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
T. 856.248-0776
Donate to Support for Zulemi's Funeral Expenses
(organized by Betsy Gessho Nieves)
Betsy Gessho Nieves is a lay monk at Jizo-an, and one of the social workers who has worked with Zulemi and her family for the past 4 years. We want to support Zulemi's father Emir, during this difficult time. Since we can't take away the suffering of losing his only daughter, we wanted to provide some financial assistance with the funeral expenses.
Zulemi had a long history of medical conditions. She was 11 years old in 5th grade at MLK in Atlantic City. She passed away on Wednesday, 11/20, at DuPont Hospital due to medical complications.
Please consider any donation. It will mean the world to us! 🙏🏼