Crestone Rohatsu Retreat 2026

Join us at Crestone Mountain Zen Center for a six-day Rohatsu Retreat honoring the Buddha’s Enlightenment through wholehearted Zen practice from December 1 to December 6 (partial participation is possible).  

What this is 

Each December, Zen practitioners around the world honor Rohatsu, the Buddha’s Enlightenment, through a period of intensive practice. This year, we invite you to join us for a six-day Rohatsu Retreat at Crestone Mountain Zen Center, blending the depth and discipline of sesshin with a schedule that allows for greater flexibility and participation. 

Who is this for 

This retreats is intended for experienced meditators, and anyone with an existing relationship, or who we speak with and accept. 

If you have never participated in a meditation intensive with the Dharma Sangha, we will therefore ask you for a preliminary interview. Please also look at the schedule as soon as we provide it here.  

Seminar content 

Led by Seishin Laurie Nusbaum Sensei and other senior practice leaders, the retreat will include extended periods of zazen, formal and informal Dharma talks, oryoki meals in the Kannon Do, and an individual practice meeting for each participant. While the schedule is slightly modified from our traditional Rohatsu sesshin, it remains a vigorous and wholehearted container for practice. 

December 1 

• Arrival 4–5 pm 

• Introduction to Zazen & Kinhin (silent & walking meditation) 

• Welcome dinner 6pm 

• Introduction to Oryoki (ritualized meals) 

• Opening meditation 

December 2-5 

The retreat includes 

• Wake-up at 5 am  

• Extended silent meditation in 30–40-minute sessions (Zazen) 

• Walking meditation (Kinhin) 

• Daily ritualized meals in silence for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Oryoki) 

• Daily work period 

• Several formal and informal Dharma talks 

• One individual practice meeting for each participant 

December 6 

• Closing meditation 

• Brunch 

• Departure 11 am 

Organizational information 

Oryoki-Bowls: We hope that returning in-person practitioners will bring their own oryoki set; but we are happy to loan sets to those who do not have them. 

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.