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
FAQ
In the meditation hall (zendo), we wear dark clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. In general, we recommend loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight or even constricting.
Organizational information
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.
Food
- Vegan-vegetarian and mostly organic-regional
- Food intolerances: We will accommodate these upon request, to the best of our ability—please contact our office (guestmanager@dharmasangha.org)
Accommodations
- Amenities: All rooms are equipped with desks, kettles, tea, bed linens, and towels.
- Internet access: Wi-Fi in all buildings
Please note our cancellation policy.
$500 for room and board, plus a $21 zero-carbon fee added at checkout.
It is customary to make an additional teaching donation, which you can arrange once you arrive.