{"id":272,"date":"2026-02-25T13:07:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ikian.fi\/?page_id=272"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:26:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T10:26:58","slug":"retriitit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ikian.fi\/en\/retriitit\/","title":{"rendered":"Retreats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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iki zen<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Retreats & Sesshins<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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ABOUT SESSHIN<\/span><\/p>\n

A sesshin is a period of time during which each participant can devote themselves entirely to honing their own development.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many levels to sesshin. The intensive sesshin program allows for individual development in mutual relationship with the entire group. So we should not ignore the fact that sesshin is a collaboration of the entire group; a sincere, joint effort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular participation in short periods of 3 to 7 days of Sesshin allows\nus to continue with one action in every moment of our lives. Being in\nthe here and now. <\/span>Therefore, Sesshin is not a period separate from our daily lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is not an isolated abstraction. Continuing sesshin during our daily\nactivities may be slightly more difficult, but this is a matter of our\nwork during such retreats, when the prevailing rules and conditions\nallow for greater concentration. They ground us in maintaining a stable and focused mind, here and now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zen Master Hakuin said: <\/span>\"Meditation in the midst of activity is a thousand times more valuable\nthan meditation in stillness.\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Sesshin has no end; it is eternal!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

RITUALS<\/span><\/p>\n

In different religious traditions, we encounter various rituals.\nWe don't always understand their meaning, so this is met with a lack of\nacceptance or attachment to rules, principles, and customs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Buddhism, they are a profound practice and they are part of sesshin too. <\/span>Depending on the practitioner, this practice permeates various levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can practice it as a glorification of what we believe in.\nIt can build modesty, humility, and respect, loosening our attachment to\nour self-centered nature, but it can also build arrogance and a stronger\nego.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of this can inspire further practice toward deeper understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

It often stirs within us what must ultimately fall away. <\/span>Any obstacles that arise during rituals can become more intense. <\/span>Attachment to or rejection of them prevents us from achieving the\nultimate goal.<\/span>To be beyond them. That's why the practice of rituals is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n

These centuries-old experiences are passed down from generation to\ngeneration. <\/span>Can we ignore this?\nShould we look at it objectively and with great concentration?<\/span><\/p>\n

In all rituals, there must be one unending action.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you chant, it's only chanting with all your power.\nWhen you do this completely and naturally in every ritual you perform,\nyou will understand the depth of the rituals. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then you will not separate yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do everything completely and with all your power, in such action where\nthe ego cannot be found, and whatever you do, everything will be fine!<\/span><\/p>\n

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