WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD: Moon in a Dewdrop – Working with Fascicles and Writings from Kaz Tanahashi's Celebrated Book (Online) at Upaya

Join Upaya Zen Center for an immersive winter practice period exploring one of contemporary Zen's most treasured works. This online zen event brings together seekers and practitioners for an intimate journey through Moon in a Dewdrop, Kaz Tanahashi's celebrated collection of fascicles and writings. Guided by Michael Pollan and the Upaya community, this zen practice session invites you to deepen your contemplative practice while examining our relationship with nature, presence, and the simple yet profound moments that shape our lives. Whether you're a longtime practitioner or curious about zen meditation, this Sunday, January 3, 2027 gathering offers a rare opportunity to study transformative texts in real-time with experienced teachers.

The atmosphere is one of quiet intention and open exploration. You'll find yourself part of a lineage stretching back centuries—a community of practitioners united by the desire to awaken to life as it truly is. This isn't a performance in the traditional sense, but rather a collaborative unfolding where teaching, silence, and reflection weave together seamlessly. Michael Pollan's contributions bring a distinctive perspective, connecting the wisdom of classical zen texts to our modern understanding of food, nature, and interconnection—themes that resonate deeply with the spirit of Tanahashi's work.

What to Expect

The event unfolds as a guided exploration rather than a lecture format. You'll begin by settling into a comfortable space, with time to arrive early and establish yourself before the session begins. The experience alternates between periods of meditative silence, close reading and discussion of selected passages from Moon in a Dewdrop, and open reflection. Expect approximately 90 to 120 minutes of continuous practice, designed to create a container for genuine insight and community connection.

As the session progresses, you'll move through different fascicles, each offering layers of Zen teaching. Michael Pollan's voice brings contemporary resonance to ancient wisdom, helping bridge the gap between classical text and lived experience. The pacing allows space for integration—moments where words fall away and you sit in silence with others, feeling the collective presence. You'll leave with both practical understanding and the subtle shift that comes from practicing with an intentional community, even across digital distance.

About the Artists

Michael Pollan is a renowned writer and educator whose work investigates the hidden systems governing food, agriculture, and our relationship with the natural world. His rigorous research and accessible prose have shaped how millions understand what we eat and why it matters. Bringing this same clarity to the study of zen texts, Pollan offers insights that illuminate how contemplative practice directly addresses the disconnection many of us feel from nature and from ourselves.

Venue & Location

This zen event takes place online through Upaya Zen Center's platform, making it accessible to practitioners worldwide. Upaya, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the most respected zen centers in North America, known for creating inclusive, intellectually rigorous practice environments. By hosting this winter practice period online, Upaya brings the warmth and wisdom of its community directly to your home—eliminating travel barriers while maintaining the depth and authenticity of their teaching tradition.