As a student at Crestone Mountain Zen Center (CMZC), you'll step into the daily rhythm of a Zen monastery, practicing alongside resident practitioners, and sharing the structure, simplicity, and presence of monastic life.
You'll participate in the fully in the daily schedule - each part of the day becomes an opportunity to deepen your practice and explore how Zen can transform the way you live.
A student stay offers time to explore a different pace, learn through direct experience, and discover what becomes possible when practice is woven into everyday life.
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 (chanting and bowing together, 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
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.
Another time to bring out full attention to everyday tasks.
We'll all get to know each other, whether through conversation, or in just quietly sharing a meal.
In the evening, we sit for one or two 30-minute zazen periods with a 5-minute interval in between.
A student stay is an invitation to participate fully in the life of the Center. You don't need to arrive with years of Zen experience. What matters is a sincere interest in practice, a willingness to participate in the shared schedule, and an openness to the forms and discipline of monastic life.
By stepping away from familiar routines and entering a shared rhythm of practice, you have the opportunity to explore Zen not only as a formal meditation practice, but as a way of meeting everyday life.
DURATION
Student stays require a minimum commitment of one week. Extensions may be possible, depending on scheduled events and lodging availability. Your departure date will be arranged with the Center.
ACCOMODATION & MEALS
All fees include lodging and three vegetarian meals per day. Accommodations may include shared rooms.
Student stays are subject to approval. We ask you to submit a request so we can learn more about your interest in staying at CMZC and discuss whether the program is a good fit.
Interested in a Student Stay?
Contact our Guest Manager to begin the process.