ZAZENKAI during WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD at Upaya, Santa Fe

Join us for Zazenkai during Winter Practice Period at Upaya Zen Center—a profound invitation to sit with an intentional community in the heart of Santa Fe. This special zen event brings together practitioners of all levels for deep meditation practice during one of the year's most transformative spiritual seasons. On Saturday, January 9, 2027, Upaya's serene mountain sanctuary becomes a portal for zazen (seated meditation), mindfulness, and the timeless wisdom of Zen Buddhism. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or curious newcomer, this zen event in Santa Fe offers an rare opportunity to experience authentic practice in a welcoming, contemplative environment.

What makes this Winter Practice Period gathering distinctive is its integration of traditional Zen practice with contemporary exploration of how we live mindfully in the modern world. The presence of Michael Pollan, an influential writer and educator known for his rigorous examination of food systems, agriculture, and our relationship with nature, infuses this event with a unique dimension—bringing awareness to how Zen principles extend into every aspect of our existence, from what we consume to how we engage with the living world. This zen event in Santa Fe becomes more than meditation; it becomes a lived inquiry into presence and connection.

What to Expect

Zazenkai unfolds as a carefully structured day of practice designed to deepen your meditation experience. You'll arrive at Upaya's peaceful grounds nestled in the foothills above Santa Fe, where the crisp winter air and surrounding piñon forests immediately slow your pace. The day typically begins with opening ceremonies and instruction, followed by alternating periods of zazen (silent sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), punctuated by opportunities for tea, reflection, and contemplative meals.

As the hours progress, you'll feel the cumulative effects of consistent practice—a settling of the mind, a quieting of mental chatter, a deepening sense of stillness. Michael Pollan's presence and teachings offer moments of integration, inviting you to consider how mindfulness and Zen awareness manifest in real-world systems and choices. The rhythm of the day honors both silence and community, both individual practice and collective energy. You'll leave feeling renewed, grounded, and reconnected to what matters most.

About the Artists

Michael Pollan is a bestselling author, journalist, and educator whose groundbreaking work has transformed how millions understand food, agriculture, and human consciousness. His rigorous, accessible approach to complex systems makes abstract concepts tangible and personal. At this zen event in Santa Fe, Pollan brings his contemplative insights to bear on how Zen practice relates to presence, consumption, and our embeddedness in the natural world.

Venue & Location

Upaya Zen Center sits on 22 acres in the foothills north of Santa Fe, New Mexico—a stunning location where high desert beauty meets spiritual sanctuary. The main meditation hall and surrounding gardens create an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty that naturally supports deep practice. Santa Fe itself, known as a hub for artists, spiritual seekers, and cultural institutions, provides the perfect context for this zen event. Ample parking is available on the grounds, and the center is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe via a scenic drive.