In the Zen tradition, retreats—often called sesshin—are not an optional extra but a vital part of the path. While daily practice lays the foundation, retreat creates the conditions for that practice to deepen and come alive.
Stepping away from ordinary routines and entering a shared rhythm of sitting, walking, chanting, and silence allows the mind to settle and the heart to open in ways that are rarely possible in everyday life.
For newcomers, even a short retreat offers a direct taste of what Zen points to: simplicity, presence, and clarity. For more experienced practitioners, retreats renew and strengthen commitment, cutting through habit and distraction.
In this way, retreat practice supports the whole path—bringing insight from lived experience and helping to integrate awareness into daily life.
Upcoming Retreats
Led by teachers Imelda Carson Roshi and Steve Wigg Roshi.
Where: The Intensive will be conducted in-person at the Sophia Centre which is part of Cabra College at 225 Cross Road, Cumberland Park.
Basic schedule: Each day will consist of two 3.5 hour blocks (morning and afternoon) - see below for the basic schedule. We welcome full-time (4 practice blocks) or part-time (1-3 practice blocks) registrations.
Morning
8.45 Arrive
9.00 Cautions (Saturday only) and Sutras
9.30 Encouragement Talk
10.00 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
10.30 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
11.00 Break
11.30 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
12.00 Zazen/kinhin & Shosan/Dokusan
12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
Afternoon
1.30 Teisho
2:05 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
2.30 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
3.00 Break
3.30 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
4.00 Zazen/kinhin & Dokusan/Shosan
4.50 End of day ceremony
5.00 Pack-up (Sunday only)
Register online using this LINK.
Cost: The fee is $25 per block: $50 per day.
Support for retreat fees: Please do not let the cost of retreat be a barrier to attending. Adelaide Zen Group maintain a generous dana account which is intended to support those who might otherwise find it financially challenging to attend retreats. Payment by instalments is also an option.
New Cancellation Policy: In order to help cover retreat expenses and make retreats sustainable we have developed the following guidelines for the rare occasion you might need to withdraw. If you need to withdraw and give notice more than two weeks out from the start date (ie before Friday 30 October) we will offer a full refund.
If you withdraw after Friday 30 October, in order to help cover retreat expenses, we will hold $25 as a contribution towards those costs. We will refund any outstanding amount above that figure.
If you have any questions: Please contact the retreat coordinator, David Edwards: davidedwards1811@gmail.com
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December: Online Rohastu zazenkai. More details will be provided in the lead-up to December.
Retreat Program for 2027
Save the dates
February 27-28 Weekend Intensive
Teachers: Steve Wigg and Matthew Williams. Venue: Sophia Centre Cumberland Park.
April 17-18 Weekend Intensive
Teachers: Allan Marett and Imelda Carson Venue: Sophia Centre Cumberland Park
June 11-14 Non-residential sesshin
Teachers: Imelda Carson and Matt Williams Venue: Sophia Centre Cumberland Park
August 21-22 Weekend Intensive
Teachers: Imelda Carson and Allan Marett Venue: Sophia Centre Cumberland Park
October (dates TBC) Residential Sesshin
Teachers: Allan Marett and Steve Wigg Venue: TBC
December 11-12 Intensive (Rohatsu)
Teacher: Steve Wigg Venue: Sophia Centre Cumberland Park
If you would like further information please contact David Edwards: davidedwards1811@gmail.com