Being At Tassajara: Esselen Teachings, Zen Wisdom, and Ecological Knowledge

This retreat combines three knowledge traditions — Esselen teachings, Zen practice, and ecological study — within a single five-day arc at Tassajara. The structure mixes formal Zen elements (zazen, walking meditation, ceremony, Dharma talks) with outdoor observation practices: storytelling rooted in Esselen knowledge, botanizing, and bird watching. The pairing is unusual; most Zen retreats focus on sitting and teacher meetings, not environmental learning or indigenous knowledge frameworks.

San Francisco Zen Center has not yet published details about the daily schedule, lodging arrangements, the specific teachers leading the retreat, or what prior experience is expected. Contact the center directly for information about residential accommodations, meal arrangements, and whether this retreat is open to newcomers or designed for returning students.