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Summer 2026 sessions
TO DOWNLOAD :
- THE FLYER - SUMMER SESSIONS 2026 (à venir)
- THE POSTER - SUMMER SESSIONS 2026 (printable in A4, A3 or A2)
Daily Zen practice during the summer sessions
From June 28 to August 27, 2026
Summer is a naturally favorable time for undertaking a spiritual retreat. Stepping away from the habits of daily life often makes it possible to open a new perspective on the world by meditating within the setting of a Buddhist temple.
LA GENDRONNIÈRE ZEN TEMPLE
It was founded by the Japanese Zen master Taisen Deshimaru in 1979. Since then, the tradition of summer retreats has continued, and practitioners from all over the world gather there. The various buildings (the château, the large dojo, the small dojo, etc.) are set in the heart of an ancient forest, with a beautiful pond. The large vegetable garden has already proven itself in permaculture, and meals are based on organic, vegetarian food.
THE DAILY SCHEDULE
The practice of zazen, seated meditation. This is the practice through which the historical Buddha realized Awakening 2,600 years ago. Depending on the period, there are three or four zazen sessions per day. Zen meditation is practiced on a zafu (meditation cushion), and chairs are also available if needed. The daily schedule also includes teachings, ceremonies, meals in silence, as well as samu (service to the community). Times for relaxation and social interaction are also provided.
SUMMER PROGRAM
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THE SESSIONS
Session 1 - "Sangha sans demeure"
led by Brigitte Stark & Stéphane Hirschberger
In a time of great upheaval and change, the question is how to face it. How can we remain confident and “become the change we wish to see in the world” (Gandhi)? Zen Buddhism offers a profound response to this question: observing the small mind in order to turn it toward the great mind.
During this sesshin, the teachings will explore the boldness of fearlessness, mu i.
Session 2 - led by Guy Mercier, abbot of La Gendronnière
During this session, in addition to the practice of zazen, there will be teachings on the foundations of Buddhism (what samsara is and dependent co-arising; how the functioning of the “illusory self” perpetuates the world of suffering; how to bring it to an end for the benefit of all beings, etc.). Several mondos (question-and-answer sessions) will be offered.
Program for children aged 6 to 14
We will welcome children accompanied by at least one of their parents. A program of activities will be prepared by the people supervising the children’s group, who will call on parents for help if needed. We will speak to them about the Buddha’s Way, but it is above all through play, discovering nature, outings, and relationships with others that we will help them discover the human values of Buddhism.
Session 3 - led by Simone Jiko Wolf
During the preparation period, several activities will be offered to enrich and deepen the practice of zazen:
- Body-based workshops to understand, loosen, and relax the body, thereby supporting the zazen posture: Qi Gong, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Do-in (self-massage), partner Shiatsu, and Tai Chi Chuan. Led by experienced teachers — Mitsukō Virginie Fouillaud, Koshin Christine Bottin, and Fusai Marie Ravet — these workshops will be open to all participants and are strongly recommended.
- Study of the sutras: their history, meaning, and the ways to recite them, copy them, and preserve them, with the nun Dōkō Magali Holzhauer, ino of Kōsetsu-ji.
- Zen calligraphy and sumi-e, offered by the nun Dōshin Inès Igelnick, a teacher of Chinese calligraphy and sumi-e painting.
Session 4 - "Session Grande sangha"
led byBegoña Agiriano, Konrad Beck, Taiku Morales, Marc Esteban & Guy Mercier (abbot of la Gendronnière)
This session, led collectively, encourages encounters among the various AZI sanghas, thus offering different expressions of the teaching. Each day, a different teacher leads the practice, allowing for a diversity of approaches. This year, the theme of the teaching will focus on (theme to be announced).
Session 5 - led by Roland Rech
Roland Yuno Rech received monastic ordination from Master Deshimaru in 1974, of whom he was a close disciple. In 1984, he received Dharma transmission from Niwa Zenji. From 1982 to 1994, he served as president of the AZI and took part in founding the French Buddhist Union (Union Bouddhiste de France) in 1986. He is the abbot of the Gyobutsuji temple in Nice and leads sesshins throughout Europe and at La Gendronnière, where he served as abbot for three years. He is the author of numerous works on Zen Buddhism.
Session 6 - led by Gérard Pilet
Gérard Chinrei Pilet has practiced zazen since his meeting with Master Deshimaru in 1969. He settled in Paris in 1974 to practice alongside him and received monastic ordination in 1978. After Master Deshimaru’s death in 1982, he taught at the Paris Zen Dojo until 2010. That year, he moved to Ardèche and founded the Annonay Zen Dojo, followed in 2017 by the Sendanzenji temple, while continuing to lead practice sessions in France and across Europe. He received Dharma transmission from Yuko Okamoto Rōshi.
RATES for all the sessions (except the 1st session)
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RATES for the 1st session only
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INSCRIPTION
To register for one or more sessions, please visit the page:
