The rhythm of practice
Facing the Mountain keeps a steady weekly and monthly rhythm, shaped throughout the year by practice periods, ceremonies, retreats, study, and time outdoors together.
The year-at-a-glance board below shows the intended shape of our practice. The live Google Calendar carries the current dates, locations, cancellations, and one-time events. When the two differ, follow the live calendar.
Our goal is to publish the following year’s main calendar by the Winter Solstice Potluck so that students can see and plan for the whole arc of practice.
These recurring gatherings form the basic structure of sangha life. Exact exceptions and holiday changes appear on the live calendar.
Weekly
Our central weekly gathering includes zazen, kinhin, chanting, and usually a dharma talk or practice discussion. Some Tuesdays are meditation intensives or include a seasonal ceremony.
Program details →First Monday
A monthly introduction to zazen, the forms of the zendo, and the life of the sangha. No previous Zen or meditation experience is required.
Program details →First and third Wednesdays
A book-based study group meeting on the first and third Wednesdays. Each reading cycle receives its own schedule and discussion topics.
Program details →Quarterly
A renewal of the bodhisattva precepts held approximately once each quarter, ideally with one ceremony during each formal practice period.
2026 year board
Think of this as the board outside the zendo: the recurring shape of the year, with exact dates pinned down as planning is completed.
Winter
The year opens with steady weekly practice and remembrance of the Buddha’s death, then closes with Rohatsu and a social gathering near the solstice.
Tuesday nearest February 15 · February 17, 2026
A special Tuesday service remembering the Buddha’s death and the teaching of impermanence.
December 8, 2026
A one-day retreat commemorating the Buddha’s awakening. We make every effort to hold Rohatsu on December 8 itself.
Near the winter solstice · date announced in autumn
A relaxed end-of-year meal with friends and family. This is a social gathering rather than a formal Zen program.
Spring
Spring practice joins formal training with care for the wider landscape and the celebration of the Buddha’s birth.
Approximately eight weeks · ending in late May or early June
A seasonal practice period with individual commitments, shared study, ceremonies, and a more concentrated rhythm of sangha life.
Tuesday nearest April 8 · April 7, 2026
A special Tuesday ceremony celebrating the Buddha’s birth according to the Japanese observance date.
Near Earth Day · April 22, 2026 anchor
A day near McCarran Ranch combining trail cleanup, walking, meditation, and informal teachings outdoors.
Summer
The formal practice periods rest, but weekly zazen, Beginner’s Night, study, and community life continue.
June through August
Tuesday zazenkai, monthly Beginner’s Night, and Dharma Study Group continue through the summer unless a change is posted on the live calendar.
Proposed summer preparation
We are developing a clearer annual rhythm for introducing jukai, discussing the precepts, and helping prospective students discern whether to enter the autumn preparation period.
Autumn
Autumn gathers the sangha into ango, retreat, remembrance of the hungry ghosts, and preparation for Rohatsu.
October 6 - December 8
A seasonal practice period of commitments, study, precept practice, ceremony, and increased participation in sangha life.
October 22–25, 2026
A Thursday-to-Sunday silent retreat at Lake Tahoe with zazen, liturgy, dharma talks, work practice, and formal meals.
Tuesday nearest Halloween · November 3, 2026
A special Gate of Sweet Nectar ceremony remembering the hungry ghosts and all those who suffer from unsatisfied longing.
This calendar is the current source for exact dates, schedule changes, cancellations, and special events. Select an event to view the available details.
All times are shown in Pacific Time unless an event says otherwise.
Open the calendar in a larger window →You do not need to understand the whole calendar before attending. Beginner’s Night is the clearest introduction, and Tuesday zazenkai is the continuing center of our practice.