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X-WR-CALNAME:Mountain Cloud Zen Center
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mountain Cloud Zen Center
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T153000
DTSTAMP:20260517T114949
CREATED:20251027T233717Z
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UID:46772-1776493800-1776526200@www.mountaincloud.org
SUMMARY:Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat)
DESCRIPTION:Our Zen Ancestors: Keeping Company with Women Who Light the Way\nSaturday\, April 18th\, 2026\nIn-person and online \nRegister to Attend Here \nIn 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. \nApril’s Focus \n\nFor this April Zazenkai or Day of Zen\, Valerie turns to the life and teaching of Silvia Ostertag Roshi\, a Swiss-born Sanbo Zen teacher who started out as a musician then founded a “Gesture Play” and meditation center near Cologne\, Germany. Silvia framed each day of her busy life with Zazen\, then often wrote a poem after sitting to guide and encourage her students. \nIn recognition of this month’s 30 Days of Zen theme – “Awakening as the Earth\,” the talk will begin with one of Silvia’s poems\, “Earth Gratitude.” It will go on to explore the winding way of Silvia’s life – and her untimely death to cancer\, all an expression of her profound and joyful teaching. Moment to moment\, not the slightest separation. And\, right in the midst\, nothing lacking. \n\nValerie 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. \nEach Zazenkai offers a full day of practice\, including: \n\nSilent sitting and walking meditation\nBreakfast\, coffee\, and tea (in-person)\nOne or two guided movement sessions\nA Dharma talk from Valerie\nAfternoon Q&A\n\nWhether 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. \nThis 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.  \n∞ \nZazenkai 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. \n∞ \nSchedule (Mountain Time)\n6:30-8:00am: Sitting\n8:45: Movement\n9:00am-12:00pm: Sitting and a Dharma talk\n12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch\n1:00-3:30pm: Sitting and Q&A \n∞ \nRegistration Fee \nIn-person: $60\nOnline: $30 \nMembers receive 15% off. Needs-based scholarships available. See registration page for details. \nRegister Here \n∞ \nJoin us onsite – and stay the night! \n \n  \n \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nImmerse yourself — stay onsite for a Zazenkai:\nPersonal 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. \nResidency 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. \nZazenkai/Daylong dates in 2026 \n\nJanuary 17\nFebruary 21\nApril 18\nMay 16*\nJuly 11\nAugust 8\nOctober 17\n\n*Ecodharma-themed; not included as part of the 2026 Zazenkai series with Valerie
URL:https://www.mountaincloud.org/event/zazenkai-04-18-2026/
LOCATION:Mountain Cloud Zen Center and Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Sanbo Zen,Special Events,Zazenkai
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mountaincloud.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Valerie-in-Zendo.png
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