Photo by David Silva
During the last several months, the residential community at Tassajara has been very small. Yet the residents have maintained a daily schedule, and are following health and safety protocols.
While there won’t be a guest season this summer, Tassajara is accepting applications for a limited number of work practice summer students from May 4 to September 13. Unlike typical summers when they are assigned a specific crew, the work practice students will be working on a variety of different tasks.
Tassajara Director Goyo Piper says it will be most beneficial to have students join for the entire summer or for extended periods of a month or longer, although two-week stays are possible. There is no deadline to apply.
To be considered for participation, please complete the Tassajara Summer Work Practice application [PDF] [Word]. Applications can be sent to zmcdirector@sfzc.org.
Tassajara will offer a Fall Practice Period led by Senior Dharma Teacher Ryushin Paul Haller, from September 13 to December 12.
The intense schedule and atmosphere of a traditional Zen Ango (Practice Period) support practitioners to go beyond their usual sense of self and enter the wide open life of the Buddha. Kindness and love for one another will be our watchwords as we negotiate the way together for these precious few months.
Tassajara’s ninety-day practice period follows the traditional Soto Zen monastic schedule. This is a rare opportunity for experienced practitioners to apply and enjoy the teachings in a quiet, remote location at Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji).
For more information and an application, see the Fall 2021 Practice Period page. Applications are due by August 5.
