Zazenkai

A nihongo|zazenkai|座禅会 literaly meaning to 'come together for meditation' is a Zen Buddhist retreat which is usually less intensive and of shorter duration than a full sesshin. It may denote a short meeting without a service headed by a Monk or Nun, or a group of practitioners without the presence of a teacher. It is also sometimes used as the title for a group of lay practitioners who practice together regularly without a resident teacher.It can denote the period of zazen in a temple schedule.

The meeting it's self will be punctuated and controlled by the use of bells, usually the Kinhin bell, and the wooden clapper known as Taku. The period of zazenkai may include a short rest, and/or kinhin walking. A ritual of Tea may also follow.

At some Zen centres or temples social activities may also follow, or a Zen lecture.