Zen Interfaith 2026

With Roshi Robert E. Kennedy, SJ

Friday, August 14 – Thursday, August 20, 2026

Single $825 | Double $700
(includes an ensuite bathroom and all meals from Friday dinner through Thursday breakfast)

Commuters $600 (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Commuters registering for less than the full program please call Guest Services at 203-245-0401

The Mercy For All Scholarship provides support for those experiencing financial challenges.
➔ Learn more and apply here.

About this Retreat

This is a week-long silent retreat (Zen Sesshin) focused on the daily practice of seated meditation (Zazen) and walking meditation (Kinhin), turning our attention inward, through awareness of the breath and body. Silence is maintained throughout the week as we move together in a loving, devoted community (Sangha), supported by our Teachers. There are ample opportunities to blend inner quietude with the spacious stillness of Mercy's natural surroundings.

To deepen Zen practice, Beginner's Instruction is offered every morning, as well as daily work practice (Samu), assisting Mercy staff and taking on service positions in the Meditation Hall (Zendo). Roshi Kennedy and his Dharma heirs will provide daily talks (Teishos) to share Zen insights that encourage Zen practice, as well as opportunities to meet privately with them (Daisan) throughout each day. Following the final sitting every evening, liturgy will be offered for all who wish to participate.

This is a warm, wholehearted practice of being with ourselves as we are, with things as they occur. The support of devoted teachers and one another encourages the quieting of our minds, the lessening of struggle, and the movement from self-centeredness to life-centeredness. A solidity grows that allows us to stay upright during times of fear and anger. Through this process we taste the richness and joy of being alive together with all beings. When we act selflessly, we bring joy and true benefit to the world.

For those staying onsite, check-in is at 4 p.m. on Friday August 14 with dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Check out and departure on Thursday, August 20 at 10 a.m.

About the Presenter

Roshi Robert E. Kennedy, SJ is a Jesuit priest and Zen Buddhist teacher in the White Plum lineage. He studied with Yamada Roshi in Kamakura, Japan, Maezumi Roshi in Los Angeles, and Glassman Roshi in New York. Glassman Roshi installed Father Robert as Sensei in 1991 and conferred Inka (his final seal of approval) in 1997, making him a Roshi (master). Roshi Kennedy has devoted his career to interreligious understanding and dialogue. He welcomes people of all faiths and spiritual practices, and views this as needed for interfaith work. His life work seeks to bring the fruits of Zen practice to everyone. Another way to say this: Everything and everyone is deeply interconnected.