Total silence. No talking. No eye contact unless you initiate it. Every meal is eaten alone, in silence. Meditating in our Zendo or by yourself, you choose the containment. Every hour is yours.
A silence so complete that your own thoughts become clear. Some call it meditation. Some call it contemplating. The names don't matter. What matters is that you stop performing for anyone—even yourself.
You long for quiet time to reflect and deepen your practice.
You enjoy exploring Buddhist teachings through meditation and study.
You are seeking rest from constant conversation, noise, and stimulation.
You trust that stillness can reveal what words often cannot.
Silence has its own landscape. Here, mountain stillness, open skies, and the rhythm of practice invite a quieter way of being—one that asks for nothing but your presence.
Step away from distraction and into an environment that naturally supports silence, reflection, and mindful presence. Whether you come with questions, gratitude, or simply a longing for stillness, this retreat offers space to listen deeply and allows you to practice alongside the resident sangha while following your own retreat rhythm.
During your stay, you'll enjoy:
Every day follows a gentle rhythm.
The structure is simple, yet spacious. Meditation, meals, work, rest, and time in nature each have their place. You are invited to participate as fully or as lightly as your retreat calls for, allowing the rhythm of the monastery to support your own.
Two zazen sessions (= silent meditation) of 30–40 minutes each, with 10 minutes of Kinhin (=walking meditation) in between, followed by 25 minutes of Service (a sequence of bows and chants as a mutual practice in a shared space)
Oryoki means “Just Enough” and is a traditional monastic and ritualized meal using three bowls and just the utensils needed, following a specific procedure (we’d be happy to give you an introduction, if you’re interested in participating)
In Zen Buddhism, daily work and practice are closely intertwined. We limit conversations to functional talk—the kind necessary to carry out work in the garden, the kitchen, and the temple—in order to transfer our practice from zazen into everyday life.
Lunch together isn't just about eating; it's also a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another and have a conversation.
After lunch, you can continue your personal studies using the digital teaching materials provided by our Abbot and Head Teacher, Tatsudo Roshi, or one of the many Buddhist books available in our library. It’s also a good time for hiking and long walks—you’re welcome to let your body and mind guide you.
We'll all get together again for dinner—this is another great opportunity to get to know others through conversation.
In the evening, we sit for one or two 30-minute zazen periods with a 5-minute interval in between.
Per-night rate is per person and includes the room of your choice, three meals, tea & coffee, and the respective scope of quotation for each retreat format. Sliding scale available — reach out if cost is a barrier.
From the Edge Cabin's secluded porch above the canyon, you're within the immense Valley; the Forest branches; the Peaks' presence.
The Hillside Cabin is a guest favorite. It is located on the west side of the campus overlooking the San Luis Valley. Perks include a full bathroom and kitchenette.
The Skylight Room is a spacious room with a separate entrance in the center of campus. It has a queen bed and features a large skylight with a handmade shoji screen.
The Young Pine Hut is a cozy rustic two-story log cabin for one person. Upstairs is a sitting area with a low desk. From there a ladder leads to the bed on the lower floor.
The Guest House is a spacious building with a quiet atmosphere in the center of the campus. The five private Guest House rooms are the largest accommodations we offer.
The Studio, formerly the work space of a resident potter, was recently remodeled. It has three single rooms, each furnished with a desk, tea station and wardrobe.
The Yurt is located on the outskirts of our campus with views of the local 14er peaks. It has comfortable beds for one or two persons, a deck, bookshelves, and a skylight.
The Platform Tent has room for one or two persons. It has a deck, two single beds, tables, bookshelf, canvas shelves, and hooks for clothing – and great views of the local 14ers.
The campground is located in a beautiful flat sandy area. There are 10 campsites tucked into the piñon-juniper forest. Bathrooms are a 3-minute walk away.
Vegetarian, mostly organic and regional, partly grown on the land in summer. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
The nearest airport is Alamosa (ALS), one hour away. The nearest bus stop is in Moffat, 30 minutes away. We can arrange pickup for a fee. Parking is free and safe at our property.
The center operates mostly in functional speech – we speak when needed for work or questions. In general we start our meals in silence, and then move on to a conversation part. Throughout the day, there are also opportunities when you're welcome to chat and talk with others if you'd like.
In the meditation hall (zendo), we wear dark clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. In general, we recommend loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight or even constricting.