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ROHATSU: Circle of the Way (In Person & Online)


 
 

Upaya Zen Center on campus Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): We are grateful that Upaya’s Abbot, Roshi Joan Halifax and esteemed artist and Dogen scholar Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi will join us during this powerful annual time of intensive practice. Joining them will be Senseis Shinzan Palma, Kodo Roen, Monshin Overley, Genzan Quennell, Dainin Lau, and Fushin Bristol. Practice interviews will be offered by many of our faculty members (TBD)

Description: Rohatsu Sesshin is an intensive, concentrated, and joyous retreat to celebrate the spiritual breakthrough of Shakyamuni Buddha along with other meditators worldwide. It is a powerful gathering of practitioners and friends who are dedicated to realizing the way. 

The retreat is in silence, with sitting and walking meditation, eating formally as a community (oryoki), daily dharma talks, private interviews with teachers, liturgy and work practice (samu). Sesshin provides a powerful container supporting the unification of body and mind, and our individuality with the community and the world.

All applications are reviewed. This is the only sesshin that Roshi Joan leads during the year. In general, she prioritizes attendance for her students as well as people who have experience with sitting longer sesshins. We also ask that you are able to commit to sitting the entire sesshin with the community. We are not able to accommodate latecomers or those who wish to leave early.

Thoughtfully consider before applying. We ask that you graciously understand if we are unable to accommodate your request to attend. If we cannot accept you at this time, please consider signing up for one of the other programs and sesshins that are offered at Upaya throughout the year.

*The food at Upaya is vegetarian and mostly organic, and there are always vegan and gluten-free options. If your dietary sensitivities fall outside of vegan and gluten-free, we do not have the resources to accommodate them. Thank you for your understanding.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY

Application Fee $0
Program Fee (Members) $1,008
Program Fee (Non-Members) $1,120
The base price includes lodging in a beautiful and simple triple or triple plus room. Upgrades available. Dana to teachers.
We encourage trip insurance in the event a last minute situation out of your control prevents your attendance.

Registration for this event includes meals as well as shared lodging for all 7 nights. You have the option of upgrading or extending your lodging if you like.

  • Upgrading to a double (2 guests per room) will add $525 to your total.

  • Upgrading to a single (private room) will add $1,050 to your total.

After being accepted, the full fee is due to secure your place in this program.

Schedule:

This sesshin will begin on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) and will conclude with lunch on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 around 1:00 p.m. MST. Use this Time Converter to determine your local start time.

We ask attendees to arrive between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 to check in and join us for oryoki training if needed, at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. (included in the program price).

  • A detailed schedule is forthcoming.

Please review our cancellation policy here.

If the program is full, you may contact us at registrar@upaya.org to get on the wait list, or go to the Online Program Page to join online.

Earlier Event: September 19
Zen Brush Workshop
Later Event: February 18
FEBRUARY ZEN CIRCLE