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.  

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: Vegetarian and vegan meals, mostly organic and locally sourced. We are happy to accommodate food intolerances where possible. Please let us know in advance. 

Accommodations: Rooms include a desk, kettle, tea, bed linens, and towels. Wi-Fi is available in all buildings. 

Requirements

Participation requires a reasonable degree of physical and emotional stability. If you have any questions, doubts, or if you are going through a difficult time, please get in touch beforehand. We are glad to talk it through with you.

Please note our cancellation policy.