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Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat)

Our Zen Ancestors: Keeping Company with Women Who Light the Way

Saturday, February 21st, 2026
In-person and online

In this six-part Zazenkai/Daylong Retreat series throughout 2026, Associate Zen Master Valerie Forstman invites all of us, regardless of gender identity, into the lives and teachings of modern women ancestors who have contributed deeply to the shape of our modern Zen practice and lineage. After exploring women ancestors of the distant past in 2025, Valerie now turns to contemporary teachers such as Blanche Hartman, Katherine Thanas, Silvia Ostertag, Joan Rieck, and Elaine McInnes— whose lives and teachings illuminate new pathways into practice.

February’s Focus

For our February Zazenkai, Valerie will continue her series of talks on late 20th and early 21st c. women Zen masters in the wake of whose inspiration we practice. The focus for this talk is the life and teaching of Maurine Stuart Roshi, known to her students as Ma Roshi or Mother Roshi. An accomplished concert pianist, dedicated practitioner, and dharma heir of Soen Nakagawa Roshi, Maurine embodied the freshness of each moment, the ordinary as extraordinary. Her dharma talks – a rich and distinctive resource – are collected and edited by Sherry Chayat Roshi under the title, Subtle Sound: The Zen Teaching of Maurine Stuart.

Valerie brings a rare combination of authentic dharma experience and scholarly depth, helping us encounter these ancestors not only as historical figures but as living presences whose clarity, courage, and compassion continue to shape our own gateless world.

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 meeting the lineage of women who light our way.

This Zazenkai will be available both online and on-site. If you plan to attend in person, please bring your own lunch; tea will be provided. 

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.

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

Registration Fee*

In-person: $60
Online: $30
Register Here
25% and 50% Scholarships available. Scholarship registration available here.

Members receive 15% off. See the Members’ newsletter and/or Members Zone for the link. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership here.

*Pricing has changed for 2026. Please click here to learn more about these changes.

Join us onsite – and stay the night! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immerse yourself — stay onsite for a Zazenkai:
Personal retreats are one of the ways you can stay onsite at Mountain Cloud for a Zazenkai. During their stay, personal retreatants can freely enjoy the Zendo and land, 1-1 guidance with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton, and the supportive embrace of daily community activity of residents. Choose from a range of lodging options from our dormitory style cottage, private cabins, and even camping. Members receive 50% discount for personal retreat stays.

Residency is another way you can stay with us. Residents stay for 1-3 months, in an intimate cohort setting designed for lay practitioners seeking refuge in a moment of transition, depth for their practice, or community support. The residency fee includes any retreats or Zazenkai happening that month and training with Sanbo Zen Teacher Scott Thornton.

Zazenkai/Daylong dates in 2026

  1. January 17
  2. February 21
  3. April 18
  4. May 2*
  5. July 11
  6. August 8
  7. October 17

*Ecodharma-themed; not included as part of the 2026 Zazenkai series with Valerie

Date
February 21
Time
6:30 am - 3:30 pm
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