Esprit du geste 2025

(TRANSLATION SOON)

• Workshops from October 18 to 22
• Session from October 24 to 26

To Be Awake, To Be Vigilant

This vigilance — from the Latin vigilare, vigilo, “I am awake” — embodies the spirit of zazen and naturally extends into daily life. It is about letting thoughts pass, being fully present in every moment, in every action.

The spirit of the gesture also means putting an end to discrimination, to the tendency to give importance to some things while neglecting others. It is about understanding that there are neither small nor large things — everything has its place and deserves our attention, here and now.

The Workshops
The workshops offered will invite you to explore this spirit of the gesture through an approach that is both educational and playful. Through practice, each person can come to realize that this spirit arises neither from technique nor from a simple activity. Beyond forms, appearances, or even their absence, it can be revealed in all situations — whether ordinary or special, big or small. For the spirit of the gesture is the spirit itself.

Teaching

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Emmanuel Ryugaku Risacher received the precepts in 1972 and was ordained as a monk in 1982 by Master Taisen Deshimaru. A forester by trade, he is one of the leaders of the Zen temple La Gendronnière. In January 2000, he left the forests to become a full-time resident at the headquarters of the AZI in Paris. In November 2008, he received Dharma transmission from Genshu Imamura Roshi at La Gendronnière.

WORKSHOPS

Jin Shin Jyutsu

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Called the "Art of Happiness," Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese wisdom that uses simple yet powerful gestures to transform life. This workshop invites you to discover or deepen this gentle practice of self-touch, allowing for greater self-help and self-awareness. Over the course of five days, you will learn how to release physical, emotional, and mental tensions and restore a harmonious balance tailored to your own needs. The content of the workshop is always renewed and adapted to participants, offering genuine support for everyday life.

Marie Ravet has been practicing zazen since 1995. A certified practitioner and teacher, she has been dedicated to transmitting Jin Shin Jyutsu since 2009, teaching in Paris and beyond. With over 40 years of experience in listening, touch, and supportive care, she offers individual sessions in Paris, Libourne, and Quimper, and shares the "Self-Help" approach with sensitivity, experience, and a deeply human touch.

Raku

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Come discover or deepen your connection with clay by shaping, decorating, and experiencing raku firing — a Japanese technique born from the tea ceremony and Zen. Combining speed, control, and letting go, it invites concentration to create simple, unique pottery. Inspired by nature, we will practice with joy and mindful attention to the spirit of the gesture. On the fifth day, fire will reveal your creations.

Cécile Bardenet is a Zen nun and ceramicist based in Eastern France. She blends tradition with contemporary creativity, crafting functional pieces rooted in a handmade practice where humanity and nature meet. A former resident of the Gendronnière temple, she has followed the Zen path for many years, weaving zazen, right action, and working with clay into her daily life.

Workshop for children 

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Tales and parables offer a playful and lively introduction to Buddhism, often filled with humor as they draw from everyday life situations. Perfectly suited for children, they will this year serve as the starting point for a theater workshop. Together, the children will explore several stories, learn how to bring them to life on stage, and present a performance at the end of the session.

Magali Naas has been a theater teacher since 2005. Trained at the Steiner school and at a conservatory in the United States, she has developed a rich artistic range that she brings to both her teaching and her craft.

Yoga

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This workshop is especially intended for Zen practitioners and offers asanas to prepare the body for long sitting periods, as well as exercises for relaxation. These practices support the Dharma by strengthening the body and building self-confidence. Breathing (pranayama) will be at the heart of the teachings, helping participants become more aware of their lung capacity. A daily sharing circle will give everyone the opportunity to express their needs and receive support from the group.

Yorgos Fokiano has been practicing hatha yoga for over twenty years and teaches in Germany, Greece, and elsewhere. Trained by Cyndi Lee in New York, he deepened his knowledge with teachers in India, Germany, and the United States. Since 2011, he has practiced Sōtō Zen, which has profoundly transformed his life and influenced his way of teaching yoga — blending zazen and movement into a harmonious and mindful approach.

Kesa sewing

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Sewing the kesa is the Way of the Buddha, just like zazen. Focused, moment after moment, on each stitch, we observe our work without judgment, honoring the tradition of Master Deshimaru. With patience and determination, we assemble the pieces of the kesa in joy and serenity. Together, in silence, we naturally realize our unity with all things.

Huguette Moku Myo Siréjol has been practicing Zen since 1985 at the Toulouse dojo, where she was a close disciple of Reikai Vendetti. Ordained as a nun in 1994 by Kosen Thibaut, she has continued to follow the Way, guided since 2015 by Master Roland Yuno Rech, from whom she received Dharma transmission in 2022. She teaches zazen and kesa sewing, and also practices do in and shiatsu, with a spirit of continuity, care, and deep fidelity to the tradition.

Samu practice 

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Samu is a generous action that is essential to the life of the community (sangha) and to the smooth functioning of the temple, for the benefit of all. This form of engagement allows those who wish to contribute actively to the organization of the session — whether through service, cleaning, or maintaining the grounds and its biodiversity.

To participate, please sign up in advance, and if possible, indicate your skills.

Ikebana

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Kakubana, a traditional style of ikebana codified in the 18th century, is both a meditative practice and a spiritual path. Inspired by a Chinese cosmogonic principle, it is based on a mental diagram imagined above the vase to guide the composition of floral arrangements. Over five days, you will learn how to apply this principle to your creations and also discover modern ikebana. Please bring pruning shears and a kenzan (flower frog). A contribution for the cost of flowers will be requested.

Nobuko Matsumiya, originally from Kyoto, is a master of ikebana (Mishō-Ryū), a tea ceremony master, koto player, and singer. Founder of the Ensemble Sakura, she taught ikebana and tea in Kyoto before moving to France in 1987. Practicing the Way of Flowers since 1970, she earned her teaching diploma in 1973. Her artist name is Nobuho Shinsô-sai, meaning “synthesis of truth.” She received the Buddhist precepts in 1994 under the name Reigi (“spiritual attitude”).

Sumi-e

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Introduced to Japan five centuries ago, sumi-e is the art of black ink painting, where shades and brushstrokes express the essence of things. Using a brush, ink, water, and rice paper, this practice engages the whole body in a fluid act, rooted in the present moment. Through repetition of the gesture, focused attention, and proper breathing, anyone — beginner or advanced — can explore a path of simple, profound, and spontaneous artistic expression.

Beppe Mokuza Signoritti, a Zen monk and disciple of Roland Yuno Rech, has practiced sumi-e for over twenty years. He exhibits his works, leads lectures, and gives demonstrations across Europe. More information at www.sumi-e.it

Zen shiatsu & do-in

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This workshop offers two complementary approaches: shiatsu, a partner practice, and do-in, self-care work. Shiatsu, derived from traditional Chinese medicine, works by applying pressure to the meridians to rebalance energy, relieve tension, and energize the body. You will learn basic katas accessible to all. Do-in combines self-massage, stretching, and qigong movements, promoting energy flow and recentring. Shiatsu is practiced clothed (wearing loose clothing), with a respectful, attentive, and adapted touch.

Christine Marie Bottin studied Japanese and traditional arts, as well as the transmission and artisanal practices linked to Buddhism. A disciple of Master Taisen Deshimaru, she has practiced zazen since 1978 and was ordained as a nun in 1981. Since 2009, she has studied and practiced shiatsu from the Iokaï school, in the direct lineage of S. Masunaga, taught by K. Sakaki.

Programme of the session

Arrival: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 in the afternoon. Dinner at 8:30 PM.

First-time visitors to La Gendronnière are kindly asked to arrive before 6:00 PM (free shuttle from Onzain train station at 4:30 PM).

Workshops from OCTOBER 18 to 22

• 7:00 AM — Zazen
• 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Workshops
• 12:30 PM — Meal
• 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM — Workshops
• 6:00 PM — Zazen
• 7:30 PM — Meal

Day of Rest: Thursday, October 23

For those attending only the workshops, departure is on Thursday, October 23 after breakfast.

Sesshin Arrival: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 in the afternoon. Dinner at 8:30 PM.

Sesshin ends Sunday, October 26 after the midday meal.

RATES

(A venir)

Inscription

To download the full brochure or to register, please visit the REGISTRATION PAGE.

The brochure can be downloaded here:

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