Posted on January 16, 2026 by Jenn Zatopek

The Pacific Northwest came to visit me during the first week of December, while I attended a week-long Zen retreat online from my home in North Texas. Rohatsu, an auspicious holiday, celebrates the Buddha’s awakening under the Bodhi tree, and it’s a special occasion at Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, one I’d been planning on joining all year long. This retreat felt especially complicated to attend as I had just let go of a dear Zen friendship within the same ongoing community. What if they attend Rohatsu? . . . 

I’d love it if you clicked here and read more at Braided Way. 

Image / Foothills of Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe, New Mexico