
Photo by James Higgins.
On Sunday, September 7, the residents of Tassajara came together for a Gate Closing Ceremony, which signaled the end of the 2025 Guest Season. The ceremony began with a procession from the work circle, followed by an incense offering, wisdom water, and bows. Abbot Mako made a statement:
“Closing this Mountain Gate, we complete the season of host and guest. The time of giving and receiving turns inward to a time of deepening. What has been gathered in open exchange now settles into silence and stillness.
We close this gate not to exclude, but to ripen. Turning towards the soft sounds of bells and bowls, we cultivate what cannot be grasped. Gate closed, heart open.”
The assembly then chanted the Heart Sutra; while chanting, the Tanto and Shika closed the gate, and the Ino recited:
“May all awakened beings through the Three Treasures manifest their luminous mirror wisdom.
With full awareness, we have offered light, incense, flowers, and have chanted the Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra.
As we close this gate, our labor of devotion is complete. May the peace and comfort of this valley pervade the ten directions with our departing guests.
We honor the friends who have given their support to us this summer:
(Here, the Tanto and Shika read the names of all the summer students who left before the end of the summer.)
May we all bring forth the limitless heart of Buddha’s Way.”
Many bows and much appreciation to the guests and students who passed through Tassajara’s gates this past summer, and for the many teachers who brought the Dharma and practice support to everyone. As Tassajara quietly settles into its monastic period, we are grateful for a wonderful summer and look forward to 2026 when we once again open the gates and share this beautiful life with the wider sangha.

Tassajara student Josh Herrig tends the altar in preparation for the Gate Closing Ceremony. Photo by Darío M-S.