Rohatsu is the Japanese Zen observance of the historical Buddha’s awakening, often referred to as Bodhi Day in English, and is celebrated annually on December 8th. Traditionally, in Zen monastic communities, Rohatsu is the culminating day of week-long sesshin. In Japanese monasticism, a sesshin is an intensive retreat dedicated to one’s full emersion into contemplative practice and deep silence. Sesshin literally means “to touch the heart-mind” or “to connect with spirit”—therefore, while embracing the natural world of experience and wonder, we move inwards to gain insight into our true nature of being.
Auspiciously, this year’s Rohatsu retreat nearly coincides with the start of Advent, the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Both Advent and Rohatsu are times of religious preparation, purification, and contemplative practice leading to a celebration of the arrival of a transformative spiritual illumination of the world—seen as the coming of the Christ-light in the Christian tradition, and the radiant awakening of a buddha within Buddhist religious culture. These observances are also meaningfully placed at the end of the calendar year, allowing us to begin our new year grounded in our faith and intention, and in our spiritual practice.
This retreat is offered by Saccadharo Todd Brown, visiting resident of Mountain Light Retreat, and Steve Hughes of Clear Spring Zen. The days will begin and end with formal Zen sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), and chanting services. The remainder of each day will consist of less-formal periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, with alternating periods of personal time for study, reflection, relaxation, or continued practice.
As an interfaith practice, and in the spirit of Advent, we will reflect on the life of the Buddha up to his enlightenment experience using scripture as our guide. There will be daily scripture readings and reflection from the Buddhist canon during the morning session, followed by a group tea and discussion on the readings in the afternoon for those who are interested to join.
Following tradition, this Rohatsu retreat will emphasize silent practice. Silence will be kept—to the best of one’s ability—for the duration of the retreat. There will be a group tea each day for quiet scripture and practice discussion. Simple meals at breakfast and lunch will be provided on a donation basis; refraining from the evening meal is recommended by not compulsory. If you wish to take an evening meal, please bring your own food, which can be stored in one of two kitchens at the center. The structure of and instruction during this gathering are rooted in the Buddhist tradition, but are not limited to any specific religious affiliation and can openly integrate the teachings of other contemplative traditions as well. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Overnight stays: It is highly recommended to devote as much time as possible to the Rohatsu retreat experience, to deepen one’s spiritual life and contemplative practice through an extended period of silent retreat and reflection. Feel free to stay for the entirety of the retreat or for whatever length of time is available to you. The lodging price is $35/night. To reserve a room at Mountain Light Retreat for overnight stays during this gathering, please contact Debbie Scott at debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Day visits: It is also possible to stay on the Mountain Light Retreat grounds throughout the day during this retreat. There are sitting areas in the cottage and the dorm, as well as outside and in the chapel. Please come for as many days as you are able. Drop-ins: All are welcome to drop-in for any of the meditation sessions or meals as your time allows. If arriving for meditation after the opening bell, please be mindful of your noise level upon entering—and come in and take a seat!
Registration and fees: There are no fees for this retreat, all (except lodging) is offered on a donation basis and relies solely on the spirit of generosity—feel free to attend any or all of the gatherings as your time and budget allows. All financial offerings go to offsetting the costs of the retreat, meals, and the facilitators’ expenses. Registration is requested for this retreat. Please email todd.mountainlight@gmail.com to register for any overnight stays or day visits, or with any questions. Drop-in guests need not register.
Meals: Simple meals will be served following the morning and midday meditation sessions. While all meals are offered freely, donations are accepted and appreciated to offset costs. We do appreciate RSVPs for any meals you plan on joining. To RSVP for meal attendance please email todd.mountainlight@gmail.com.
Daily Schedule
Monday, December 2
7–8:30pm Refuges and precepts
Formal Zen meditation (Zazen)
Tuesday–Saturday, December 3–7
5–6am Meditation (optional)
7–8:30am Zazen and morning service
8:30am Simple breakfast – yogurt and fruit, coffee and tea
11am–1pm Meditation – sitting and walking
1pm Simple lunch – lentils and rice, coffee and tea
3–5pm Meditation – sitting and walking
5:30pm Tea
7–8:30pm Zazen and evening service
Sunday, December 8
5–6am Meditation (optional)
7–8:30am Zazen and morning service
8:30am Simple breakfast – yogurt and fruit, coffee and tea
9:30–10am Clean room and departure