Residency

Our re-designed Residency Program provides the opportunity for residents to join the daily life of the monks and teachers at CMZC, and to learn the many facets of monastic life. Our daily schedule includes meditation in the mornings, time for self-guided study, communal meals (traditional Oryoki meal practice as well as social table meals), a morning and an afternoon work period, and evening meditation. There are also Dharma-Talks, and Question & Answer sessions.

During the Summer we open our facilities to welcome external retreat leaders and their groups. During these months, participants will get to apply their skills by helping Crestone Mountain Zen Center with hosting Summer Guest Season Retreats. Besides following the daily schedule a Summer Resident will, receive training in one or more of three focus areas:
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– Kitchen and Cooking
– Gardening
– Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds

A core part of residency is the opportunity to participate in the newly introduced Craft of Zen Program, led by Tatsudo Nicole Baden Roshi. The Craft of Zen is a five-month course focusing on living our practice in the midst of daily life. In these five months, we explore 5 qualities and 5 “crafts” that develop an overall embodied orientation that reaches into the details of our lived life. The course includes a monthly live teaching with Nicole Baden Roshi, weekly practice guidance and access to a practice leader or teacher, group meetings, and optional individual meetings with Baden Roshi. Since this course is offered primarily online, entry into residency may occur at any time.  The initial offering of this program will begin in July.

Please consider joining the resident group at Crestone Mountain Zen Center, as we deepen our experience living monastically. We are happy to talk with anyone about the program, and about the length of their possible commitment.