Did you know that the word sutra is Sanskrit for sewing? This winter, Stone Nest Dojo hosts a sesshin devoted to sewing the rakusu and kesa.
Details
- Dates: Thursday, January 7 – Sunday, January 10, 2027. Teacher Gary Enns will likely arrive a day or two early to set up and stay a day or two after; others are welcome to do the same and get some additional sewing done.
- Place: Stone Nest Dojo, 3818 Sherwood Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Led by: Gary Enns, director of the Dust Bowl Dojo in Bakersfield, California, with Richard Reishin Collins, Abbot of the American Zen Association.
- Register / questions: nozentemple@gmail.com
What to expect
This is a regular winter sesshin — zazen, meals, and dharma talks — with a workshop devoted to sewing the rakusu and/or kesa. In addition to the sewing, there will be talks on the history and significance of the kesa and rakusu.
Anyone sewing a rakusu will be sewing in place of samu (work practice), apart from a few necessary chores such as cleaning and dishes.
Rakusu kits
Kits are being prepared by Gary, with the fabric pre-washed so you can begin right away. Standard kits include habotai silk panels and silk thread (non-silk options are available by advance request), in black or brown. Please let us know if you would like a kit in advance — kits may also be purchased early so you can start collecting additional notions before the sesshin. Tools are available to borrow for anyone who arrives with nothing. A workshop sheet listing kit contents and the items to bring will be shared with registrants.
Copies of The Book of the Kesa will be available.
Ordination
There will be a lay ordination during the sesshin. Anyone interested is welcome to reach out at nozentemple@gmail.com.
To sign up, or to ask about lodging and arrival, write to nozentemple@gmail.com. If you have not yet sat with us, please write ahead.