A Gate Opening Ceremony at the end of April marks the beginning of the Tassajara summer season. From that day on, for four months, the community of Zen students at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center welcomes guests to its beautiful valley. Tassajara encourages visitors to take a few days to step away from the busyness and pressures of daily life, and find a slower rhythm of breath and body in the contemplative spirit of the valley.
While at Tassajara, guests are welcome to enjoy the hot springs, cool off in the creek, meander along the trails, float in the swimming pool, savor Tassajara’s vegetarian cuisine, and browse books and souvenirs at the Stone Office.
From April 29 to September 7, 2025, guests may choose to come to Tassajara in one of two ways:
1. Sangha Weeks. Sangha Weeks are an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the daily rhythms of the resident students. Please see the Tassajara Retreat Calendar to explore public Sangha Weeks and make a reservation.
2. Tassajara Retreats. A variety of retreats are offered at Tassajara each summer season. Zen Practice Retreats, led by experienced Zen teachers, focus on the exploration and embodiment of Dharma teachings. Other retreats include those inspired by the connection between Zen practice, the arts, and the body; these retreats include offerings on Zen and poetry, Zen and yoga, baking and vegetarian cooking, etc. Please see the Tassajara Retreat Calendar to explore public retreats and make a reservation.
New Information for Summer 2025To maintain the quiet and contemplative energy of the valley, guests need to secure a reservation to access any of the Tassajara facilities. During summer 2025, Tassajara is not able to offer reservations for personal retreats or day visits. New and returning guests are strongly encouraged to visit the What to Expect and How to Prepare page as several things have changed about being a guest at Tassajara this year. |