Bowing to the Wild: Embodied Animism & Zen in the Tassajara Wilderness

This retreat combines formal Zen practice with wilderness immersion at Tassajara, the San Francisco Zen Center's mountain monastery in Big Sur. Rather than a traditional sesshin schedule, the structure weaves together Zen sitting and walking (kinhin) with contemplative hiking on the surrounding trails—full-day and half-day excursions depending on the day.

The retreat's focus is explicitly animism: using wilderness and embodied practice to deepen awareness of interconnection with the natural world. This is not a typical silent sesshin where hiking is incidental; it's a core part of the practice structure. If you're drawn to Zen but also to being outside on your feet in wild terrain, this shapes the experience distinctly.

Tassajara is residential, so you'll stay on the grounds for the full six days. The center has not yet published the daily schedule, teacher names, or details about lodging accommodations and what's included in the retreat fee. Contact SFZC directly for those specifics.