Reservations: 1-888-743-9362
About SFZCCity CenterGreen GulchTassajara

 
Tassajara Updates on Facebook
Support Zen Center
Become a Member
 
Home

Work Periods

April 5-26, 2013
Register by phone after March 15

September 10-23, 2013
Register by phone after August 24

During the April and September work periods, we invite volunteers to assist with the maintenance of Tassajara. Room and board (a cozy cabin, delicious vegetarian meals, and frequent trips to the hot baths) are exchanged for six-and-a-half hours of work daily. The months of April and September are times of transition between the summer guest season and the spring and fall practice periods. These are energetic times with an emphasis on work and community living. Help is appreciated in the areas of carpentry, repairs, plumbing, electrical, gardening, painting, cooking, cabin preparation, and general maintenance. There are usually informal discussions about Buddhist practice and volunteers are welcome to join residents in the daily meditation. There is a minimum stay of seven days.

Registration:  please call 831.659.2229 and speak with someone to register. Phones are answered 8:30am - 12:00pm & 1:00 - 4:30pm from Monday - Friday. 

Tassajara is in a remote location, at the end of a 14-mile dirt road, with stores two hours away. Please be sure to bring with you for work period the following:

  • sleeping bag
  • pillow
  • personal items (toiletries)
  • towels
  • flashlight
  • battery alarm clock
  • any necessary medicine
  • rain gear, umbrella, and warm clothing (April)
  • small power tools (e.g. skillsaw, routers, handplaners, etc.) if you are a carpenter

We have a limited supply of electricity which we generate ourselves so it is a very precious commodity. Please do not bring any electrical or electronic equipment unless the equipment is task-related (can be used in support of work period projects). Personal computers are not allowed.

 

TASSAJARA
WORK PERIOD SCHEDULE

5:30  am   Wake-up bell*
6:00  Zazen (Meditation)*
7:00 Morning Service*
7:30 Breakfast
8:30  Work meeting
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 pm Work meeting
4:30 End work / Bath and exercise time
5:50 Evening Service*
6:00 Dinner
8:00 Zazen (Meditation)*
9:15 Firewatch
*Optional events for work period volunteers