Fall Sangha Work Week 2026

October 13 - 18, 2026

Sangha Work Week

Location: CMZC

Address: 2000 Dream Way, Crestone, CO 81131, USA

Contact: Guest Manager
guestmanager@dharmasangha.org
719-256-0285

Check-in/ Check-out Information: Check in is between 3 and 5 pm, checkout is 11 a.m.

Room Assignments: We want participants to know that CMZC Staff take responsibility for room assignments. This is to ensure that to the extent possible, those who are new have the benefit of rooming with those who are familiar with Sesshin. If you have an extenuating circumstance that requires a specific room type, please let us know.

  • Sangha Work Week Deposit – $50.00

“There are, strictly speaking, no enlightened people; there is only enlightened activity.”
— Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

During the Work Week, the Sangha comes together to harvest and winterize the garden, complete fire mitigation, make improvements in landscaping and buildings, and to prepare the campus for our Fall Guest Season.

What this is

The integration of work and practice is an essential part of Zen Buddhist teachings. Guided by the Dharma and brief inspirations, we deepen our understanding of work as practice while helping to care for and beautify the Zen Center.

We will follow a more intensive work schedule than normal but hold daily morning and evening Zazen meditation, participate in lectures and discussions, and eat breakfast in the traditional Oryoki style.

Who is this for

This event offers an opportunity for those new to Zen practice to experience the rhythm of life at the Zen Center, and for longtime practitioners to express gratitude through service to the Sangha.

It is always a great opportunity to come together with the practitioners, the CMZC house group, and other practice enthusiasts to spend time together.

Seminar content

Tuesday

  • Arrival 3–5 pm
  • Introduction to Zazen & Kinhin (silent & walking meditation)
  • Welcome dinner
  • Introduction to Oryoki (ritualized meals)
  • Opening meditation

Wednesday to Saturday

Daily rhythm includes:

  • Wake-up at 5:00 a.m.
  • Silent meditation in 30–40-minute sessions
  • Ritualized breakfast in silence, table lunch and table dinner
  • Work practice & temple care
  • Dharma group discussion

Sunday morning

  • Closing meditation
  • Brunch
  • Departure

Organizational information

Food: Vegan-vegetarian and mostly organic and regional. We accommodate food intolerances on request, to the best of our ability. Please contact our office at guestmanager@dharmasangha.org.

Accommodations: All rooms are equipped with desks, kettles, tea, bed linens, and towels. Wi-Fi is available in all buildings.

Requirements: Psychological and physical stability. Please contact us if you have any questions about that, or if you are in a difficult life situation.

Join us

If you’re interested in this event but haven’t practiced at the CMZC yet, we’d like to speak with you briefly beforehand. Please contact our office at guestmanager@dharmasangha.org.

Please join us for this practice event at Crestone Mountain Zen Center.

Please note our cancellation policy.

 

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