The Sandōkai, or "Harmony of Difference and Sameness," is a poem that we chant every Friday morning at Clouds and chant every morning during sesshin. Written by Zen Master Shitou in the 8th century, the Sandōkai is a beautiful expression of how we are all interconnected, and yet have our distinct differences which should be honored. The Sandōkai says:

The spiritual source shines clear in the light;
the branching streams flow on in the dark.

Grasping at things is surely delusion;
according with sameness is still not enlightenment.

How do we live and practice like this? We can experience this together as we sit, walk, eat, smell the flowers, look at the sky, and engage with each other. 

Each sesshin day typically includes 8 - 11 zazen periods (30 minutes each), chanting services, a dharma talk, formal oryoki meals, outdoor activities, work practice, and service assignments. We practice noble silence, limiting our conversations so that we can deeply touch vastness. Dokusan (individual face-to-face meetings with the teachers) will be offered two or three times during the week. Training in the forms will be provided during the sesshin.

The first part of the sesshin (Friday through Monday) will have a somewhat lighter schedule, with a longer rest period after lunch, talking allowed during dinner, a longer break after dinner, and more time for training in the forms. You can participate Friday through Monday only if desired (weekend option).

While sesshin practice can be challenging, Hokyoji’s tranquil meadows, woodlands, and bluffs offer guests a peaceful setting that invites relaxation, inspiration, and renewal. Please see this link for the detailed schedule (subject to change).

Weeklong Option:
Begins at 3:30 pm on Friday, July 12 (Check-in 1:30 - 3 pm)
Ends at 3 pm CT on Friday, July 19 

Weekend Option:
Begins at 3:30 pm on Friday, July 12 (Check-in 1:30 - 3 pm)
Ends at 2 pm on Monday, July 15 

Limited seats:

Participation is limited, and spaces may fill up quickly. If you are interested in attending, please register at your earliest convenience. 

Requirements for sesshin participation:

• Previous meditation experience.

• Must be fully vaccinated.

• For the weeklong sesshin, you must have prior sesshin experience. 

• If this is your first sesshin with Clouds in Water, contact our Ino, Fukutoku, before registering. She will help you determine if this sesshin is right for you. (fukutoku@cloudsinwater.org

Sosan Theresa Flynn - Guiding Teacher at Clouds in Water Zen Center. Sosan has studied and practiced Soto Zen Buddhism since 1992, receiving dharma transmission (full teaching authority) from Joen Snyder O’Neal in 2012. Sosan's areas of teaching include body awareness in Zen, loving-kindness practices, and the intersection of Buddhist practice and racial justice. She has officiated at many ceremonies (daily & special liturgies, weddings, baby namings, and memorial services), and offers premarital and couples counseling. Sosan was raised Catholic and practiced Catholicism for many years before embracing Buddhism as her primary religion. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in both community mental health and staff training. Sosan and her husband of 36 years live a short distance from Clouds in Water. For more information, see Sosan’s website.

Taizan Alford - Taizan was ordained as a Soto Zen priest by Sosan Flynn in 2016, and completed shuso in 2021. Taizan's journey with meditation began on the yogic path in the early 1980s after getting sober. He has been to India, studied Ayurveda, and taught yoga since 1998. Taizan spent three months as a resident at Zen Mountain Monastery in 2020 Taizan’s focus in Soto Zen Buddhism is on how zazen, taking refuge and loving kindness can heal old wounds and help create less suffering for individuals and their communities. He is an associate member of the Teacher Ryo at Clouds. Taizan is committed to long-term recovery from addiction, healing from trauma, and not creating more suffering. Taizan is deeply grateful for his loving and supportive husband Tom.