Name: ROHATSU: Circle of the Way (In Person) at Upaya, Santa Fe
Start: 2026-12-01T07:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-12-08T07:00:00.000Z
Location: Upaya Zen Center

Question 1

Will Michael Pollan be discussing food systems and agriculture at this Rohatsu retreat, or is this purely a meditation event?

Accepted Answer

This is a Rohatsu (Zen Buddhist intensive practice period) at Upaya Zen Center, so the primary focus will be on Zen practice, meditation, and Buddhist teachings rather than Pollan's food systems work. However, Upaya frequently integrates contemplative practice with invited teachers and speakers who bring their own expertise—you'd need to confirm with Upaya directly whether Pollan is leading specific talks on how mindfulness applies to food and agriculture, or if he's participating in the retreat's broader spiritual curriculum.

Question 2

Is this event the same as attending one of Michael Pollan's food or environmental lectures?

Accepted Answer

No—Rohatsu is a traditional seven-day Zen practice period centered on intensive sitting meditation (zazen), chanting, and monastic discipline, not a lecture series or book talk. If you're coming expecting a presentation on 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' or industrial agriculture, this retreat format will be fundamentally different: it's contemplative practice first, with teachings woven in contextually rather than as standalone talks.

Question 3

What's the daily schedule like during Rohatsu, and how much sitting meditation should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Rohatsu at Zen centers typically involves 6-8 hours of daily zazen (sitting meditation) plus chanting, meals taken in silence (oryoki style), and brief teachings—this is an intensive practice period, not a casual workshop. Days usually run from early morning (around 5-6 AM) through evening, with limited breaks; you should be prepared for significant physical and mental demands. Contact Upaya directly for the exact 2026 schedule, as it varies year to year.

Question 4

If I'm interested in Pollan's ideas about mindful eating and food consciousness, would Rohatsu be a good way to deepen that practice?

Accepted Answer

Potentially yes—Zen practice emphasizes mindfulness and presence in everyday activities, including eating (oryoki, the formal meal practice, is specifically about bringing full awareness to each meal). If Pollan is involved in this particular Rohatsu, there may be a thematic bridge between contemplative eating practice and his work on our relationship with food, but this would be a side benefit rather than the event's core purpose.

Question 5

Do I need prior Zen meditation experience to attend Rohatsu with Michael Pollan?

Accepted Answer

Rohatsu at Upaya typically welcomes both experienced practitioners and beginners, but this is not a beginner's introduction—it's an intensive retreat designed for serious practice. If you've never sat zazen before, Upaya may offer orientation or require a preliminary practice period; contact them well in advance to discuss your experience level and whether this particular retreat is appropriate for you.

Question 6

How much of Rohatsu will actually involve teachings from Michael Pollan versus standard Zen curriculum?

Accepted Answer

That's unclear from the event listing alone and depends entirely on Pollan's specific role—he may be giving one or two talks, co-teaching certain sessions, or simply participating as a practitioner. You'll need to contact Upaya Zen Center directly to understand how many scheduled teachings, if any, will be led by Pollan, and what topics he'll address within the Rohatsu framework.

ROHATSU: Circle of the Way (In Person) at Upaya, Santa Fe

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