We are very happy to have the opportunity to spend time again this year as part of a Sangha Week at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the monastic center of the San Francisco Zen Center. It is located deep in the heart of the Ventana Wilderness Area east of Big Sur and is the site of a natural hot springs. We’ll have the chance to be there with one or two other sanghas for an immersion in Zen daily practice.
Sangha weeks will follow the resident student schedule of zazen, service, and meals, with a half day of work practice each day. The daily Sangha Week schedule also provides time for a class, study session, or other activity for our group each day in the retreat hall. Our Sangha Week this year will be led by Head Priest Myogen Kathryn Stark.
We will be working a half-day each day. Work opportunities will vary from light to more strenuous, including kitchen work, cleaning, and daily tasks to care for the temple.
There also will be free time to enjoy the hot springs, pool, and hiking trails.
A copy of the schedule (subject to change) can be found HERE.
If you have questions about the experience, you may want to speak with someone who attended last year. You can reach out to Jude at jude@stonecreekzen.org for more information.
Please note that Tassajara is located in a remote wilderness area and that participation for the full week is required.
Cost for the event is separated into two parts:
1) Tassajara’s fee for accommodation, meals, and programming
2) A Stone Creek donation to support the presence of the teacher as well as administration.
This page is for registering through Stone Creek, and another link will be sent to register with Tassajara.
Tassajara Fees
Single occupancy will be available on a limited basis. The rates in 2026 will be $130 per person per night for shared housing (which Tassajara encourages) and single occupancy will be $190 per night if available. Double occupancy will also be available for $260 per night (covering two people.)
Tassajara has listings for different types of accommodations. You may request your preference when you register on the Tassajara form.
Stone Creek Donation (separate from Tassajara fees)
SCZC Members – $150
General (Non-Members) – $300
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for Stone Creek donations as well as Tassajara fees may be available.
– Requests for support funds for Tassajara fees can be made directly to supportfunds@sfzc.org.
– If you are requesting a scholarship from Tassajara and also need support for the Stone Creek donation, please use the scholarship (reduce amount) option when registering on this page.
REGISTRATION PROCESS:
1. Pay the Stone Creek Donation through the link above. (If you will be requesting a scholarship, please use the Scholarship option for a reduced amount.)
2. You will receive an email shortly with information for signing up for accommodations at Tassajara.
3. Please add your name to the waitlist if there is one, as people’s plans can change.
TASSAJARA WILL ONLY BE HOLDING OUR ROOMS UNTIL SIX WEEKS BEFORE OUR ARRIVAL DATE, SO PLEASE PLAN TO SIGN UP EARLY.
BATHHOUSE
Please also note that the bathhouse/hot springs is segregated male/female and is clothing optional. A private room with a separate entrance also is available with a shower and bathtub with hot spring water. Please reach out to Kathryn (Kathryn@stonecreekzen.org) if you have any questions or concerns.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Please allow a full day on the first day and the last day for traveling to and from Tassajara. Stages (shared rides in a large four-wheel drive vehicle) will be available on a limited basis for those who cannot drive or carpool and will be $75 roundtrip.
More about Tassajara:
https://www.sfzc.org/locations…
If you have questions, contact Baladine at baladine@stonecreekzen.org.