Rohatsu Sesshin 2025
Save the Dates
December 4th – December 7th

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, 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, formal meals, and free time for reflection. Sesshin provides a powerful, peaceful, and inspirational environment supporting the unification of body and mind, and community.

This year’s 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 will begin on Thursday night, December 4th and continue to Sunday afternoon, December 7th. 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 is provided here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sensei Emyo at emyo@thezensociety.org.

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. As practitioners of the Buddhist Path of wisdom and compassion, and the Bodhisattva Path of living a life of benefit for all beings, the Jizo-an Zen Community is committed to examining and liberating ourselves from racism and other forms of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization within ourselves, our sangha, and our society. We are always actively working to transform the culture of our community so that Jizo-an can serve as a place of true spiritual refuge and inclusivity for all seekers of the Way, and for all beings everywhere, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, spiritual practices or affiliations, or any other identity. At Jizo-an Zen Community, we strive to create a safe space for all beings, including all those with marginalized identities.

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."

Our Life Values (FAQ)

Photo Gallery of The Monks