Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat)

Our Zen Ancestors: Keeping Company with Women Who Light the Way
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
In-person and online
Register for October Zazenkai
In this six-part Zazenkai/Daylong Retreat series throughout 2026, Associate Zen Master Valerie Forstman invites all of us, regardless of gender identity, into the lives and teachings of modern women ancestors who have contributed deeply to the shape of our modern Zen practice and lineage. After exploring women ancestors of the distant past in 2025, Valerie now turns to contemporary teachers such as Blanche Hartman, Katherine Thanas, Silvia Ostertag, Joan Rieck, and Elaine McInnes— whose lives and teachings illuminate new pathways into practice.
For the October Zazenkai, the last in this 6-part series on contemporary women Zen masters, Valerie will turn to the life and teaching of Joan Rieck Roshi. Joan celebrated her 90th birthday in September. The project of editing and publishing a collection of Joan’s talks is underway, spearheaded by longtime Mountain Cloud member, Nancy O’Conner. The dharma talk for this Zazenkai will draw on Valerie’s experience of Joan as a teacher and friend and on the rich content of these collected talks. All are welcome!
Valerie brings a rare combination of authentic dharma experience and scholarly depth, helping us encounter these ancestors not only as historical figures but as living presences whose clarity, courage, and compassion continue to shape our own gateless world.
Each Zazenkai offers a full day of practice, including:

Silent sitting and walking meditation
Breakfast, coffee, and tea (in-person)
One or two guided movement sessions
A Dharma talk from Valerie
Afternoon Q&A

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this is a rich opportunity to experience extended practice while meeting the lineage of women who light our way.
This Zazenkai will be available both online and on-site. If you plan to attend in person, please bring your own lunch; tea will be provided. 
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Zazenkai is a term used in Zen Buddhism to refer to a day of intensive meditation practice. The word “Zazenkai” is of Japanese origin, where “za” means sitting, and “zenkai” means gathering. During a Zazenkai, participants engage in periods of sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), and may also include chanting, dharma talks, and other activities related to Zen practice. Zazenkais provide an opportunity for practitioners to deepen their meditation experience and strengthen their commitment to the path of Zen Buddhism. These events can vary in length, with some lasting a full day.
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Schedule (Mountain Time)
6:30-8:00am: Sitting
8:45: Movement
9:00am-12:00pm: Sitting and a Dharma talk
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch
1:00-3:30pm: Sitting and Q&A
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Participation Fee
In-Person: $60
Online: $30
Members receive 15% off. See the registration page for details. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership here.
Register for October Zazenkai
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Join us onsite – and stay the night! 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immerse yourself — stay onsite for a Zazenkai:
Personal retreats are one of the ways you can stay onsite at Mountain Cloud for a Zazenkai. During their stay, personal retreatants can freely enjoy the Zendo and land, 1-1 guidance with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton, and the supportive embrace of daily community activity of residents. Choose from a range of lodging options from our dormitory style cottage, private cabins, and even camping. Members receive 50% discount for personal retreat stays.
Residency is another way you can stay with us. Residents stay for 1-3 months, in an intimate cohort setting designed for lay practitioners seeking refuge in a moment of transition, depth for their practice, or community support. The residency fee includes any retreats or Zazenkai happening that month and training with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton.
Zazenkai/Daylong dates in 2026

January 17
February 21
April 18
May 16*
July 11
August 8
October 17

*Ecodharma-themed; not included as part of the 2026 Zazenkai series with Valerie