The Ryokan Dojo de Barcelona organizes the 14th Edition of Zen y Playa with Master Soko, from Friday 22 of August to Sunday 31. The retreat takes place in Can Oliver, a well equipped vacation complex surrounded by nature, with swimming pool, fully equipped and adapted for children and people with reduced mobility, 30 minutes from the beaches of Empúries (Costa Brava).

The first zazen (zen meditation) of the day, weather conditions permitting, takes place by the sea on Muscleres beach, in front of the Empúries archaeological site, starting just before sunrise. A great opportunity to discover, experiment and deepen the practice of zazen, in a beautiful natural setting, together with regular practitioners, monks, nuns and people who are new to the practice of zen. Registration open, limited places.


From Saturday 23 August until Sunday 31 August 2025

Empúries - Costa Brava


The practice of zazen is the essence of Zen.

Sitting facing the wall on a round cushion (zafu ), the legs in the lotus or semi lotus position, the knees laid down on the ground, the back well straight, the neck stretched, the left hand on the right hand, the edge of the hands on the abdomen, in a total immobility.

The breathing is quiet and the concentration is more directed to the breathing out.

The conscious mind is still, without entertaining nor rejecting the thoughts, we let them pass through the concentration on the posture and the breathing.

Master Deshimaru practising zazen

This sesshin is managed by Master Soko Leroux

Maître Soko Leroux

The Zen Master Soko, Pierre Leroux, found Zen in 1986 in Rennes, France and since then has continued uninterruptedly the practice.

In 1991 Master Kosen ordained him a Zen monk at the Zen Temple La Gendronnière, founded by Master Deshimaru. Tenzo - responsible for the food of the temple of the Kosen Sangha for twelve years, participates since 1995 in the mission of Master Kosen, in Amsterdam. In 1999 he settled in Barcelona and co-founded the Dojo Zen Ryokan de Barcelona.

In 2009 he received the transmission -shiho- from the hand of his Master Kosen, in the Zen Temple Yujo Nyusanji, France. He expands the practice of Zen since 2013 in Mexico and since 2016 in Chile; conducts meditation sessions in Europe, Chile, Mexico and Argentina.

This sesshin will occur from Saturday 23 August (arrivals the evening before), until Sunday 31 August 2025, in Empúries - Costa Brava.

Empúries - Costa Brava

Surrounded by forests and fields, Can Oliver has a private forest and large open spaces to carry out activities in complete tranquility and enjoying nature. With a swimming pool and playground for the little ones, the complex is fully equipped and is suitable for people with reduced mobility.


Address

Situé à Pontós, dans la plaine de l'Empordà, bien desservi: à 15' en voiture de la gare de Figueras (AVE), 1h30' de Barcelone, 25' de la frontière avec la France et à 30' des plages de la Costa Brava. Pontós - Tel. (+34) 717 718 517

How to come

GPS: 42º 11’29.94’’ N (Latitude 42.19165) 2º 55’0.95’’ E (Longitude 2.916931)

Informations

Price :0 €

Prices:

Members of the Ryokan Zen Dojo de Barcelona (minimum 3 months of seniority):

9 days €295

7 days €255

Single day (include one night lodging, guenmai, lunch, and dinner):  €45

 

Non-members:

9 days €350

7 days €295

Single day (include one night lodging, guenmai, lunch, and dinner): €50

 

Residents in Latin America:

9 days €245

7 days €190

Single day (include one night lodging, guenmai, lunch, and dinner): €30

Prices include all activities, lodging, and food. The price for single days corresponds to 24-hour periods; that is, they always include one night's lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Minimum prices, fusé welcome.

Descripcion:

Zen and Beach Retreat XIV begins with a first zazen at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22 at Can Oliver, and continues with eight and a half days of Zen practice (zazen, kesa sewing, and samu) and related activities (introduction to the zazen posture, Iyengar yoga, shiatsu), with a rest day on Wednesday, August 27. Arrival for the full session is on the same Friday, August 22, from 6:00 p.m. onwards. Participation in the full retreat is recommended, but it is also possible to attend for individual days. Ordinations will take place at the end of the retreat.

A day in Zen y Playa:

All Zen and Beach meditation sessions take place outdoors, weather permitting. During the first part of the week, there are two meditation sessions per day, increasing to three towards the end of the retreat, the last one after dinner. The retreat ends with a final zazen session on the morning of Sunday, August 31.

The day begins with a zazen session at 7:00 a.m. by the sea, followed by a traditional Zen breakfast (genmai) on the beach. The morning continues with free time to enjoy the sea, the sun, and the surroundings, until returning to the masía at midday to enjoy the setting and carry on with the daily activities. Lunch is served around 1:30 p.m., followed by a rest period. Daily tasks such as meal preparation, dishwashing, making coffee, cleaning common areas, etc., are part of the practice and are carried out by all participants. These tasks are assigned by a daily lottery that takes place after lunch.

The day continues from 4:00 p.m. with activities related to the practice (zazen posture correction workshop, Iyengar yoga, shiatsu, traditional Zen sewing workshop). Around 6:30 p.m., the second zazen of the day takes place. Dinner is served around 8:30 p.m., and after dinner, participants may enjoy a relaxed time with music and a bar.

Advance registration is required: via the form below, by email, phone, or directly at the dojo.

Information and registration: click here Phone: (+34) 717 718 517


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