The land where Tassajara is located is in the Ventana Wilderness, the ancestral homeland of the Esselen tribe.
It is said that the first time our founding teacher Suzuki Roshi saw Tassajara on a scouting mission with Richard Baker in 1966, he danced with delight. He had been searching for years for the perfect spot where a Zen training temple could be established and finally Tassajara, with its remote location, ribbon of creekside cabins, and beautiful stone kitchen, was just right.
Over the years, Tassajara became legendary for many things: its delicious vegetarian cuisine, beautiful hot springs baths, the intense but profound training of our fall and winter practice periods. It’s one of the few places in the US where people can immerse themselves for an extended, focused period of time in training in classic Zen forms.
Tassajara works on a seasonal calendar. The year begins with a cloistered 90-day practice period which is followed by a 3- week work period before opening to the public for our summer season where guests are welcomed. The guest season ends in early September and is followed by another short work period before the second practice period begins, ending in mid-December. This rhythm of practice periods, work periods, and summer guest season helps Tassajara tackle a variety of projects, including new buildings and significant upgrades, while still maintaining its primary purpose.
Much of Tassajara was built at the turn of the 20th century which is a big part of its appeal and aesthetic. Newer buildings and upgrades are carefully designed and constructed to harmonize with the surrounding while still being true to their function in the 21st century.
In true Tassajara spirit, our work periods have become as legendary as the hot springs themselves with many skilled workers returning year after year to lend a hand with plumbing, electrical, and other infrastructure projects. Maintenance and upkeep are especially challenging at Tassajara due to its remote location. Tucked deep in a mountain valley, it is only accessible by a 14-mile, single lane dirt road that takes over an hour to drive. It’s steep grade and many twists and turns make it especially difficult to bring in building materials. During the rainy season, it is nearly impossible. As it is entirely off grid, all electricity needs to be generated on site and phone/internet access is limited.
While these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Time, talent, and treasure can go a long way to solving logistical issues. We can make the time, we have the talent, and we are gathering the treasure to continue to care for this beloved community and the land that supports it.
