The 112th Practice Period at Tassajara
Led by Abbot Dōshin Mako Voelkel
September 26 – December 18, 2024
Application due date is August 19*
Ango (Practice Period) offers a rare opportunity for experienced practitioners to immerse themselves in the intimacy and rigor of monastic practice at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji). Within the remote and natural beauty of the Ventana Wilderness, this practice period will explore our innate wish for awakening, or way-seeking mind, as the foundation for a lifelong practice of waking up. This tender-hearted and wondrous intention of Bodhicitta can only be realized through our active engagement. How do we nourish and take great care of this deep wish? Through the Bodhisattva practice of the Six Perfections, or Pāramitās.
Pāramitā means "perfection" or "other shore," traditionally conceived as the practice of crossing from samsara to nirvana. In Mahayana Buddhism, there are six perfections: Generosity (Dāna), Ethical Conduct (Śīla), Patience/Forbearance (Kshānti), Diligence/Heroic Effort (Vīrya), Concentration (Dhyāna), and Wisdom (Prajñā). Together we will study how these perfections are cultivated as we walk the Bodhisattva path and how they spontaneously emerge as we settle into the formal and formless practice of zazen. During this three-month ango, we will explore the practice-actualization of our Bodhisattva Vow to live for the benefit of all beings by upholding elements of the traditional Sōtō Zen monastic schedule, including daily zazen, formal meals (oryoki), chanting services, work practice, study, dharma talks/classes, and multiple sesshins, along with one-on-one practice discussions with the Abbot and other resident teachers.
During this ango, there are a few openings available for students who wish to concentrate on kitchen work practice for the duration of the practice period, as well as for those who are able to participate in the monastic student schedule for the first month only. Information for all three options is detailed below.
Kitchen Practice Period Opportunity
Tassajara is offering a practice period this Fall to those who are interested and eligible to join the practice period kitchen crew. This is an opportunity to support and be supported by Tassajara’s monastic practice at no charge and without using earned practice period credits. Come nourish yourself and the sangha while deepening your practice through daily zazen, dharma offerings, and harmonizing with the Zen kitchen and crew.
- Tassajara requests a commitment to the full three months of the practice period.
- Please complete and submit the practice period application by August 19 (there is an option to choose "Kitchen Practice Period" on the first page of the application). Applying as soon as possible will help your chances of being accepted and assist Tassajara with planning.
First Month Only Option: Sep 26 – Oct 26
Because there are many sangha members who would appreciate the opportunity to participate in the forms of a traditional ango, but aren't able to take three months away from their lives or work, this Tassajara practice period will offer an opportunity for a few practitioners to attend the first month only. During the first month there will be an emphasis on training in the Zen monastic forms and embodying their role in the practice of awakening.
- Prerequisites for participating in the first month of the practice period include having sat at least one traditional seven-day sesshin and the recommendation of a Zen teacher.
Participants for the first month will sit a minimum of two days of tangaryo. Please review the information and documents below the prerequisites section on this page and fill out the application, which includes an option for this one-month participation.
To be considered for the full Fall 2024 practice period at Tassajara the following prerequisites must be fully met:
- Completion of at least one two-month residential practice period at San Francisco Zen Center’s City Center or Green Gulch Farm. An exception may be made for those with comparable practice experience elsewhere; the applicant is asked to submit a letter of recommendation from their teacher
- Commitment to participate in the full three months
- Submitting a completed application before the deadline (August 19*)
- Tuition paid in full before the start of the practice period, or use of a practice period credit earned before arrival and approved by the applications committee
*Applying as soon as possible helps Tassajara with the logistics of planning for the practice period; priority of acceptance will be given to those who apply early.
We encourage all students to be fully vaccinated against Covid. In addition, testing and masking protocols may take place during the first few days of the practice period. Please carefully review the Tassajara Health & Safety Protocols.
SEASONAL WEATHER CONCERNS
Based on our past experience, we expect that the seasonal rains will bring additional challenges to the monastery. These challenges include potential flooding as well as debris flow, slides, and erosion risks along the Tassajara road and throughout the valley. Due to these potential hazards, Tassajara practice period participants have been requested to sign a Waiver of Liability, which is included as a part of the online application form.
Important Practice Period Documents:
Practice Period Fees*: $3,600 US (plus $30 application fee), which covers room, board and tuition. Payment in full is required BEFORE arrival at Tassajara unless another arrangement is made in advance with the director. A practice period credit (which includes room, board, and tuition) may be earned by participating in the Tassajara Work Practice Apprenticeship Program during the summer prior to the practice period.
Fees for one-month participation*: $1,500 US (plus $30 application fee), which covers room, board and tuition. Payment in full is required BEFORE arrival at Tassajara.
*As basic operating expenses for the practice period are in excess of $4,500 per student, we kindly invite those who are able to consider making an additional donation. For the one-month option, similar considerations apply.
The $30 application fee is required for applicants who are not currently in residence at SFZC, and must be paid at the same time the application is submitted. All applications and fees must be submitted electronically.
The registration is closed.
