2026 Winter

Intensive

Looking Into the World to See Our Reflection:

Wakefulness Blooms in the Field of Awareness

Some 900 years ago, the Wandering Monk, Saigyō, left the familiarity and predictability of life in the palace, and spent the rest of his days wandering the natural landscapes of Japan and writing brief poems about his encounters. His journeys took him far and wide across the mountains and rivers of Japan, but also to the depths of his interior world, exploring the heartache of loneliness, the depths of love, the sadness of loss, and the tragedy of violence.

His brief poems evoke a deeper sense of intimacy with and understanding of the world within through his meeting of the natural world around him. His awareness allowed him to marvel at the depth of beauty and the impermanent nature of life. As he wandered and encountered the natural world, he discovered that he was not separate or different from it, but rather he was one with it. As translator Kaz Tanahashi describes: “For Saigyō, a genuine relationship with nature came from living in nature, having union with nature, and being nature.”

We invite you to join us for a one-day practice intensive, in which we will respond to the invitation of Saigyō’s simple poetic observations of the world and explore together how wakefulness might bloom from meeting the world with awareness. Our day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, teaching, and guided contemplation on Saigyō’s Waka poems.

Saturday

17 January 2026

St. Paul, MN & Online

8 AM - 5 PM CST

Schedule Coming Soon

A Note on Teaching:

The retreat will be supported in person by Kim Neuschel, entrusted teacher from our sister Sangha, Open Door Zen Community, and Ryan Van Wyk, head student from Awakening Together Zen Community.

Entrusted Teacher - Kim Neuschel

Kim is a newly entrusted teacher in the Soto Zen lineage. She received entrustment in the Spring of 2025 from Roshi Flint Sparks and her sangha sister and teacher, Suzanne Kilkus. Kim has been studying with Flint since 2004 and is deeply grateful for the endless blessings of this path.

Head Student - Ryan Van Wyk

Ryan entered as head student (Shuso) for Awakening Together Zen Community in October 2025. He has been studying with Flint since 2014 and received the Precepts in Fall 2024. He is grateful for the opportunity to support and care for the community.

Join us in person at:

Carondelet Center (Space is limited to 35 in-person attendees)

1890 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Join us online (via Zoom).

Cost

Registration Cost

ATZC is committed to accessibility and economic inclusivity, so please pay what you can based on your circumstances.

The estimated actual cost for the retreat is:

$100 - In Person

$50 - Online/Virtual

Other - Chosen Amount (Pay what you can)

This can be either a reduced amount or an amount greater than the suggested cost if your situation allows you to pay a higher amount.

Paying a higher amount supports the attendance of others who may not have the financial means to pay the full amount.

Please read the ATZC cancellation policies for information about refunds and cancellations.

Registration Deadlines

In-person registration will close at 5 PM on January 14th or when capacity (35 people) is reached