The Nature of Zen on the pathless path
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I am profoundly grateful to open Tassajara's guest season with my co-leader and Abiding Teacher at Tassajara — Leslie James! The Big Sur coastal mountains have had quite a year. With Esalen closed due to Highway 1 being closed, this was my first workshop of my Big Sur season — what a great way to begin!
Here is how we described the retreat in the online description:
In this retreat, we will explore nature and the essence of Zen awakening through periods of meditation, group discussions, and day hikes exploring the wilderness back country around Tassajara. Rugged mountains graced with spring wildflowers provide inspiration to cultivate and nurture awareness: Listen deeply to the silence of nature and discover how Zen mindfulness practice deepens our lives. This wonderful doorway to the heart of mountain Zen is satisfying for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
I would say we did all of the above and much more. I have deep appreciation for how fully the group as a whole showed up for everything the entire retreat had to offer.
Here are the links I recall being asked to post:
Retreat Photos
Tassajara Photos
This Cup Is Already Broken by Ajahn Chah
Hokusai Says by Roger Keyes
Meal Chant Stew by Steven Harper (a Tassajara story published on Bro. David's website)
Poems to Live By (poems I often read in retreat & workshops)
Special thanks go out to Leslie James for more than I can name, to Tjarn and Adam for their skill, heart, and generosity of spirit, to everyone and everything, seen and unseen, that makes Tassajara happen and supported our being there.
Two Claps, Deep Bow,
Steven
