2026 Sesshin
Friday 17 - Thursday 23 July 2026
Kunanyi House
Kynan received dharma transmission from Susan Murphy Roshi in 2023. Since then he has been active across multiple Zen sanghas, including Zen Open Circle, Castlemaine Zen and Mountains and Rivers Zen. With a passion for art, music, poetry and the community, Kynan places a strong emphasis on creativity, sangha building and protecting the environment. He currently lives and works in Castlemaine, where he is the Spiritual Care Coordinator at Dhelkaya Health (Castlemaine Hospital), supporting people in Acute, Rehab, Residential and Palliative Care settings.
Some words from Kynan to introduce the 2026 sesshin:
In our rapidly changing world, it’s hard not to feel that many of our most cherished values are being undermined. Greed, hatred and ignorance rise everywhere, it seems, and watching them proliferate can be both horrifying and dispiriting. So how does a Zen practice meet such difficulty? What does it offer in the flames of unprecedented change?
Zen was forged in the fire of change. In 10th Century China, the old teacher Fengxue asked, “When Buddhism was destroyed during the Huichang persecution (9th Century), where did all the dharma protecting deities go?” He wanted to know why so many monks and nuns were forced out of their temples into the burning street. Who – or what – was looking after them then?
The Venerable Guanghui Zhen responded, “The world protecting deities were in the marketplace the whole time, only no one saw them.” He was pointing to the fact that practice isn’t protected by supernatural forces: it’s protected by you and me. We are the ones who embody it fully, whether at home or in the marketplace, quietly nourishing what is most important. So how do you protect your practice? How do you share it with others? And how will you extend your realisation to future generations?
Sesshin is our chance to settle, touch and convey the heart-mind. Over seven uninterrupted days and nights we commit ourselves to realising the dharma in everything we do. So let the flames of this moment burn away your resistance. Return to what is here and affirm your own self-nature. This is how we become dharma protecting deities: by clarifying the heart of peace and walking this peace into the world.
Sesshin details
The sesshin will be run as a non-residential, however some limited accommodation is available at Kunanyi House for those who need it. Vegetarian meals are included: Friday supper, Saturday - Wednesday lunch and supper, Thursday day lunch.
Preference will be given to full-time participants but it is expected that some part-time places will be available.
Costs are as follows:
Full-time - $660 waged, $550 concession or M&RZ member, with a 'pay it forward' option for those who are able to pay extra so we can help anyone who would like to attend but are in need of financial support.
Part-time daily rate - $140 waged, $110 concession or M&RZ member.
Rates have been kept as low as possible whilst still ensuring we cover the cost of hosting the sesshin. However, if you are a local Tasmanian who has sat with us previously and you would like to attend but cannot afford these rates, please contact us at zenhobart@gmail.com and we will do our best to work something out.
Expression of interest form
Places are limited - so act quickly to express your interest in attending by completing the form available at https://forms.gle/gJHcgCKRtvjNos5z5
Expressions of interest close on Friday 5 June.
Those who are successful in gaining a place will be notified by email by no later than Friday 12 June.
While we understand that those travelling from interstate need as much notice as possible to book tickets, we cannot confirm any places until all expressions of interest have been received and reviewed. We welcome interstate participants but must give first priority to our local sangha members.