Kesa and Rakusu Sewing at Shawbottom Farm, Leek, Staffordshire

This will be a Zen practice sesshin devoted to the sewing and repairing of Kesas and Rakusus. A Rakusu is presented to those who receive the precepts in a Jukai ceremony or for a monk or nun ordination. In our Sangha, the Rakusu and Kesa are stitched by hand following the method handed down since the time of the Buddha.

The sesshin will be led by Paul HEI KYO Hugot. Paul first encountered Zen in 1975 at the Lyon dojo and began regular practice in 1990. He was ordained as a Monk in 2010 by Guy Mokuho Mercier. In 2016 he became a disciple of Master Kojun Kishigami (the last direct disciple of Master Kodo Sawaki), spending extensive periods in Japan at his ‘hermitage’ and at Tosho-Ji temple where he completed a six-month Ango (period of intensive training). He received Dharma transmission (Shiho) from Master Kojun Kishigami in 2024.

Paul has been engaged in the study of sewing the Kesa and Rakusu for over 25 years under the direction of Francoise Kosen Laurent and Master Kojun Kishigami.

Address:

Shawbottom Farm, Hazelwood Road, Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 8UQ

Arrival:

Thursday 17th September from 4.30pm onward, to eat at approximately 8pm.

Departure:

Sunday 20th September at approximately 4pm

Travel:

The farm is about a mile off the A53 between Leek and Buxton. The nearest train stations are Buxton, Macclesfield or Stoke on Trent. There is a bus service from Stoke on Trent to either Leek or Buxton.

Please contact jeremy@izauk.net if you require any further information.

Prices:

Recommended: £180 (Friends) £200 (Non-Members)
Low waged: £155 (Friends) £175 (Non-Members)
Unwaged: £130 (Friends) £150 (Non-Members)

There will be a £20 discount for bookings received by 3rd September 2026. Full payment or a £25 deposit will need to be made when booking, and full payment required prior to the sesshin itself. Deposits are not normally refundable.

Friends of IZAUK members who require financial assistance are encouraged to make use of the Bursary fund. Please contact John Callaghan at john@izauk.net

Sewing:

If you would like to start sewing a Rakusu or Kesa and need sewing equipment and cloth, please indicate this on the registration form. Threads and needles will also be available to purchase.

If you wish to repair a Rakusu or Kesa, please also indicate this on the registration form.

What to Bring:

  • loose dark clothing for zazen
  • a zafu and zabuton if you have one
  • a bowl and cloth for meals
  • a mug for drinks

Registration: