Gyoji weeks

During the Ango period from 15 September to 15 December 2026, the zazen timetable at the Gendronnière Temple will be amended. See below for details.

Gyôji weeks or ‘zen & everyday life’

Gyôji translates as ‘uninterrupted (ji) practice (gyô)’. It is the concentration and full presence of zazen, maintained in all daily activities.

These Gyôji weeks are available on numerous dates throughout the year (see our calendar) and are led by many teachers from the great sangha.

It is an opportunity for practitioners to come and experience the Sôtô Zen tradition within a Buddhist community, and to perpetuate what Master Taisen Deshimaru passed on when he founded the Zen temple of La Gendronnière.

TO DOWNLOAD :

• THE POSTER - Gyoji Weeks in 2026 (printable in A4, A3 or A2)

Activities during the week

Daily life revolves around the zazen sessions, which take place in the morning and the evening.

Samu, a service for the community, involves all the small tasks necessary for the smooth running of the temple: cleaning, helping in the kitchen, welcoming visitors, minor maintenance, gardening (depending on the season), laundry, etc. 

Time is also set aside to attend teachings given by the ‘godo’ (head of teaching) and even to sew rakusu or the kesa.

Arrival

Gyoji weeks run from Tuesday to Sunday. Arrival is on Tuesday between 3pm and 4.30pm. 

A free shuttle to La Gendronnière leaves Onzain station at 15:45. For other arrival times, the shuttle costs €5.

Please let us know your arrival time at Onzain station.

RATES 2026 (For 5 days)

The fee is fixed for the five days, unless a specific event (such as the Great Sangha Session, the First Sesshin, Arts et Santé or any other event) takes place during that period. In that case, the fee is calculated on a daily basis for the Gyoji week, with the event’s own fee added separately.

• Shared room - standard rate: €181
• Shared room - student or unemployed rate: €127
• Room 3/4 persons: €208
• Double room: €227
• Single room (subject to availability): €290

Participation in a Gyôji week implies a commitment for the entire duration. In the event of early departure, no refund will be given.

Information

lagendronnière@zen-azi.org    -   +33 (0)2 54 44 04 86

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

To find out : 

• What to bring
• Information on what to wear
• Accommodation
• Access to La Gendronnière temple

Please read the PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE

IF YOU ARE ARRIVING BY TRAIN: there is a free shuttle service between Onzain station and La Gendronnière. If you are interested, please mention it in the ‘remarks’ section when you register.

TO REGISTER

To register, go to THE REGISTRATION PAGE