SESSHIN during WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD at Upaya, Santa Fe

Join Upaya Zen Center for an intensive Sesshin during the Winter Practice Period—a transformative multi-day meditation retreat in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This silent Zen event brings together practitioners of all levels for deep immersion in zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), and the contemplative practices central to Zen Buddhism. Held January 16, 2027, this sesshin offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily life and engage in structured, supported practice within one of the country's most respected Zen communities.

The retreat features guidance from renowned teachers and practitioners who bring decades of experience to the practice hall. The atmosphere balances silence with community—you'll sit alongside fellow practitioners in the serene mountain setting of Santa Fe, discovering what Zen practice reveals about your own mind and nature. Whether you're a longtime meditator or exploring Zen for the first time, this winter sesshin creates conditions for genuine insight and renewal.

What to Expect

A Sesshin is a structured retreat where time slows down and attention deepens. You'll arrive to find the practice space quietly alive with intention—cushions arranged in neat rows, the air carrying the subtle scent of incense. The day unfolds in rhythmic cycles: sitting meditation (zazen) alternates with walking meditation (kinhin), meals eaten in mindful silence, and periods of rest that allow your body and mind to integrate the practice.

Each morning begins before dawn, with the sound of the bell calling practitioners to the meditation hall. Successive rounds of zazen—typically 40 minutes each, separated by kinhin—build a profound silence and presence. You'll experience dokusan (private interviews with a teacher), work meditation (samu), and dharma talks that illuminate the Zen path. Meals are simple, nourishing, and eaten with full attention as part of your practice.

By the final day, many practitioners report a striking shift: the constant mental chatter quiets, sensory perception sharpens, and a natural sense of calm settles in. The winter setting of Santa Fe amplifies this—clear skies, crisp mountain air, and the spiritual history of this ancient city create an ideal container for deep Zen practice.

About the Artists

Michael Pollan brings his distinctive perspective as a writer and educator deeply committed to understanding humanity's relationship with food, agriculture, and the natural world. His rigorous research and accessible storytelling illuminate how our everyday choices connect to larger systems of ecology and consciousness. At this zen event in Santa Fe, Pollan's insights offer a unique lens for integrating mindfulness practice with real-world awareness about our place in nature.

Venue & Location

Upaya Zen Center sits on the high desert plateau of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a location steeped in contemplative tradition and natural beauty. The center's meditation halls and residential spaces are thoughtfully designed to support intensive practice, with views of the surrounding mountains and access to the peaceful grounds. Santa Fe's elevation (7,000 feet) and distinctive artistic culture create a nourishing backdrop for a zen event of this depth.

The venue is easily accessible by car, with ample parking on-site. Those traveling by air can reach Santa Fe Regional Airport (about 15 minutes away), making this zen event in Santa Fe convenient for both local and visiting practitioners.