Weekend sesshin: 19-20 December 2026
Senior Teacher Mokuho Guy Mercier will lead this sesshin at Bristol Zen Dojo
Sesshin Leader:
Mokuho Guy Mercier began practising zazen with Master Taisen Deshimaru in 1973, becoming his disciple in March of 1976 after receiving ordination as a monk
After Master Deshimaru’s death in 1982, he remained active in the Paris sangha. From 1986 to 1991, he was the tenzo at La Gendronnière, and became the head of the temple from 1991 to 1997. In September, 2008, he received Dharma transmission from Sojun Matsuno Roshi in Takefu, Japan
Today, he is the Abbot of La Gendronniere as well as leading the Tenborin Zen Association. He leads sesshins in France, Spain, Switzerland and England
Times & Dates:
Saturday 19th December:
8:00 am – evening
- with lunch and supper provided
Sunday 20th December:
8:00 am – lunchtime
- followed by an informal meal
Venue:
Bristol Zen Dojo
91-93 Gloucester Road
BRISTOL
BS7 8AT
Please arrive ten minutes before the start each day, so that we can begin promptly
Provisional Schedule
Saturday:
08.00 – 10.00 Zazen & Ceremony
10.15 – 11.15 Samu + Tea/Coffee
11.15 – 12.30 Zazen
12.45 – 14.30 Lunch + Samu/Siesta
14.30 – 16.30 Zazen + Mondo
16.30 – 17.00 Tea
17.00 – 18.00 Zazen
18.15 – 20.00 Supper + Rest
20.00 – 21.00 Zazen + 4 Vows Chant
Sunday:
08.00 – 10.15 Zazen & Ceremony
10.15 – 11.15 Samu + Tea/Coffee
11.15 – 12.30 Zazen
12.45 – 13:00 Kanpai
13:00 – Informal lunch + depart
To bring:
Dark, loose-fitting clothes for zazen
A zafu and a zabuton if you have one. There will be some spares to borrow
A bowl and spoon for food, with a cloth to wrap the bowl in
Your own mug
Suggested donations:
Weekend (both days): £50
Saturday only: £40
Sunday only: £15
Reduced suggested donations are available for the low-waged
It is also possible to register for the event without making a donation using this form instead