Deep Rest in Zen and Yoga: Learning to Let Go

Tassajara, SFZC's mountain monastery in Big Sur, hosts this five-day blend of Zen practice and restorative yoga — an unusual pairing that signals the retreat's emphasis on ease rather than intensity. This isn't a traditional sesshin with rigid sitting schedules and dokusan; it's structured around the principle of letting go, with zazen and yoga integrated with substantial rest, meals, and access to Tassajara's natural hot springs.

The daily shape likely includes morning and evening zazen, restorative yoga and pranayama (breathing practice) sessions, Buddhist teachings on tranquility, and built-in time for walks and swimming. The hot springs and leisurely pace are part of the practice here — not a break from it. Restorative yoga in a Zen context moves slowly, emphasizing stillness and ease rather than effort or alignment cues.

Tassajara itself is the draw: a remote valley monastery with natural hot springs, vegetarian meals, and minimal cell service. The setting is conducive to the retreat's theme of rest. If you're drawn to Zen practice but skeptical of marathon sitting or want to explore how breath work and gentle movement fit into zazen, this retreat offers a more accessible entry point.