Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat)
The Hidden Lamp: Illumining the Path with Women of the Way
Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat) with Valerie Forstman
Saturday, July 17th, 2027
In-person and online
Registration will open soon!
For our 2027 Zazenkai series, Valerie will turn to the lives and teaching of Zen women as recorded in The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women, ed. Florence Caplow and Susan Moon.* The book is a collection of one hundred koans and stories from woman masters, many of whom remained hidden in their time, but whose teachings have come to light over the years. We now inherit these teachings and the accompanying stories, along with the invitation from our practice to discover the lamp and embody its flame.
Valerie brings a rare combination of authentic dharma experience and scholarly depth, helping us encounter these koans and stories not only as historical record but as a living practice whose flame continues to light our own pathless path.
*You can support Mountain Cloud with your book purchase! If you’d like a copy of The Hidden Lamp, you can purchase it through our Bookshop page — just look for our list “Mentioned at Mountain Cloud.”
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 exploring the ancestors and stories that continue to guide our practice today. Please join us for this daylong practice opportunity. Each one’s presence is a gift!
This Zazenkai will be available both online and on-site. If you plan to attend in-person, please bring your own lunch; coffee, tea, and breakfast 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.
Registration will open soon!
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Join us onsite – and stay the night!
Immerse yourself — stay onsite for a Zazenkai:
Personal practice retreats offer the chance to stay onsite at Mountain Cloud for a Zazenkai and immerse oneself more deeply in contemplative practice, Dharma study, and the life of a practicing Zen community. During their stay, personal practice retreatants shape their days around meditation, study, reflection, time on the land, and participation in Mountain Cloud’s ongoing programming.
Zazenkai/Daylong dates in 2027
- January 9
- February 20
- April 17
- July 17
- October 16
